Junior Accountant

PLEASE NOTE: YOU *MUST* SUBMIT A COMPLETED CITY OF PALMETTO EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION. Employment applications may be printed from the Toolbox Download Application or picked up at the City of Palmetto Human Resources Dept., 516 8th Ave. W. Palmetto, Fl. 34221.

General Description:

The purpose of this class within the organization is to perform accurate, basic-level accounting functions in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines and procedures regarding Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP).

This class works under general supervision and in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this job/class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the job/class as necessary.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist with all aspects of the Finance Division such as cash receipting, accounts payable and receivable, budget, capital assets, risk management; works under supervision.

Serve as a liaison to other assigned departments to assist in preparation, administration, reconciliation, and adjustment of their budgets.

Review, verify, and process vendor invoices for accuracy and proper authorization, and compliance with City policies. Code invoices to the appropriate general ledger accounts and departments in accordance with the City’s chart of accounts and budget discrepancies. Reconcile vendor statements and resolve outstanding balances or discrepancies. Assist in the preparation of accounts payable reports and supporting documentation for audits, financial reporting, and year-end closing processes.

Provide record retention services relating to annual audit and accounting transactions; inclusive of scanning paperwork into electronic filing systems, linking to appropriate documents and serving as point of contact for the Finance department.

Process utility and code enforcement liens, respond to outside party’s payoff requests and update status in electronic format, and coordinate lien payoffs.

Participate in month-end and/or year-end process, as assigned.

Prepare regular, special financial and statistical reports and statements, including reports filed with other governmental entities.

Verify the accuracy of the travel request, including dates, destinations, and transportation modes with supporting documentation.

Assist with entering basic journal entries into the accounting system under supervision, ensuring accuracy and proper documentation.

Perform basic credit card reconciliations by reviewing transactions, confirming supporting receipts, and flagging any inconsistencies for follow-up; prepare accounts payable request for payment submission.

Assist in the preparation of assigned sections of the audit and Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR); assist external auditors as needed.

Provide support to Finance and Purchasing personnel as needed.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities:

Work cooperatively with other departments and embrace a teamwork approach to completing tasks and provide quality, seamless customer service.

Performs related work as assigned.

Data Responsibility:

Collect, classify or format data or information in accordance with a prescribed schema or plan to facilitate the identification and extraction of useful information.

Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office products and Adobe Acrobat. Thorough understanding of computer systems and software applications required to perform job duties.

Gather, organize, analyze, examine and/or evaluate data or information; may prescribe action based on this data or information.

Maintain the highest level of confidentiality regarding employee and customer information.

Asset Responsibility:

Responsible for achieving moderate economies and/or preventing moderate losses through the timely reconciliation of financial reports.

Requires responsibility handling moderate amounts of money consistent with the operation petty cash management.

Mathematical Requirements:

Use mathematics involving the practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions, or measurements, logarithmic descriptive statistics, mathematical and classifications or schemes.

Communications Requirements:

Strong communication (oral & written) and interpersonal skills are needed in order to interact professionally and effectively with staff, vendors and the public.

Reads technical instructions, procedures manuals and charts to solve practical problems, such as routine office equipment operating instructions, and methods and procedures; composes routine and specialized reports, forms, and business communication, with proper format; speaks compound sentences using normal grammar and word form.

Judgment Requirements:

Requires interpretation of procedures and constant decisions affecting departments; works in a very fluid environment with guidelines, but significant variation.

Complexity of Work:

Performs coordinating work involving guidelines and rules, with constant problem solving; requires continuous, close attention for accurate results or frequent exposure to unusual pressures.

Impact of Errors:

The impact of errors is very serious - it affects entire organization and the general public.

Physical Demands:

Performs coordinating work involving guidelines and rules, with constant problem solving; requires continuous, close attention for accurate results or frequent exposure to unusual pressures.

Equipment Usage:

Handles or uses office machines, computer, tools, equipment or work aids involving some latitude for judgment regarding attainment of a standard or in selecting appropriate items.

Safety of Others:

Requires no responsibility for the safety and health of others.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Requires two years of experience in bookkeeping. Additional vocational training, certification, or relevant coursework in bookkeeping or accounting or closely related experience (e.g., QuickBooks certification, bookkeeping courses) is a plus.
  • Prefer an Associate's Degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related accounting field, or, 18 college semester hours in accounting.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with accounting software

Special Certifications and Licenses:

Valid Florida Driver’s License.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance:

The City of Palmetto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S. C. 12101 et. seq.), the City of Palmetto will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodation with the employer.

***Please Note: This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer