Accountant I

This position performs accounting duties in support of assigned department financial operations.

As a municipal organization, the City of St. Marys is an emergency service provider. Some emergency situations, including weather-related emergencies, may require City of St. Marys employees to assist in areas of work that are not directly related to their specific job function but are within their physical capabilities, training, and skills.

MAJOR DUTIES

1. Reconciles bank accounts to the general ledger; investigates and resolves discrepancies; identifies necessary corrections; and prepares appropriate journal entries.
2. Assists with property tax billing and collection operations, including preparing tax bills for mailing, researching property tax accounts, responding to taxpayer and mortgage company inquiries, processing telephone payments, and assisting with account corrections as needed.
3. Records, reconciles, and posts revenues and other receipts, including hotel/motel taxes, beer and wine revenues, and other City payments; researches and resolves discrepancies. Issues external invoicing for various services.
4. Prepares monthly sales tax reports for the St. Marys Convention and Visitors Bureau/Tourism and SMAC and ensures reported amounts reconcile to applicable financial records.
5. Provides property tax information and assistance
   to citizens, mortgage companies, and other authorized parties; assists taxpayers with senior exemption applications and related questions.
6. Administers unclaimed funds activities, including identifying stale-dated and uncashed checks, recording amounts to the appropriate unclaimed funds account, researching individuals and businesses entitled to funds, and maintaining supporting records.
7. Assists with property tax sales, including preparation, research, documentation, account review, and other activities necessary to support the tax sale process.
8. Prepares monthly financial statements and reports for Tourism, including reconciliation and review of applicable revenues, expenditures, and account balances.
9. Assists with the annual financial audit by preparing and reconciling audit schedules, compiling supporting documentation, researching account balances and discrepancies, preparing necessary journal entries, and responding to auditor requests. Works with Finance staff and external auditors to ensure requested information is accurate, complete, and provided in a timely manner.
10. Performs other related duties as assigned and provides support to Finance Department operations as necessary.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

1. Knowledge of property tax policies and procedures.
2. Knowledge of audit principles and practices.
3. Knowledge of city and state purchasing policies and procedures.
4. Knowledge of budget development and management principles.
5. Knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards Board guidelines.
6. Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
7. Knowledge of state guidelines for unclaimed property.
8. Skill in the management of financial records.
9. Skill in the preparation of financial reports.
10. Skill in the provision of customer service.
11. Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Finance Director assigns work through general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include bank reconciliation procedures, property tax guidelines, Georgia Department of Revenue guidelines for unclaimed property, payroll procedures, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of various accounting duties. Strict guidelines and the need for accuracy contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to participate in assigned department accounting functions. Success in this position helps ensure the accuracy of the city's financial transactions and related records.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typical with co-workers, other city personnel, bank representatives, vendors, and members of the public.
• Contacts are typical to provide services, give or exchange information, justify matters, or resolve problems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table. The employee occasionally lifts light objects.
• The work is typically performed in an office.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associates degree required; and
• More than three years of related experience required; or
• Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work.
• Possession of a valid state driver’s license issued for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Certified Local Govt. Finance Officer Program Level 1 must be successfully obtained within two years of employment.