What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accounting Specialist position at Dakota County, Minnesota?
General Description
POSTING TYPE: Open competitive
DEPARTMENT: Sheriff
HOURS: Full-time, M-F
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE; $56,217- $63,244 /year (Grade Level 106)
SALARY RANGE: $56,217- $87,839 /year
LOCATION: Hastings, MN
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 pm on 11/18/2025
The Accounting Specialist provides a variety of accounting services for the County Sheriff, including preparing, writing, and producing reports, analysis of daily financial transactions, and compiling financial information for internal review.
The ideal candidate possesses strong communication skills, is highly organized and flexible, and has experience managing multiple priorities in a complex and fast-moving work environment. The candidate has a track record of progressively responsive accounting experience, along with demonstrated skills with the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint skills are required), and a passion for public service.
Minimum Qualifications
- Associate Degree in Accounting or related field AND
- Two years of progressively responsible administrative or accounting experience
- High School graduate or equivalent (G.E.D.) AND
- Minimum one year of specialized accounting training AND
- Three years of progressively responsible administrative or accounting experience.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience.
Work experience must include:
. Minimum of two years work experience with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS BEYOND MINIMUM REQUIRED:
. Direct work experience utilizing electronic accounting software or systems.
. Direct work experience utilizing computer databases and records management systems
Duties & Responsibilities
These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.
- Perform a wide range of accounting duties including data entry, payment generation, general ledger reconciliation, and maintain billing information.
- Perform complex excel spreadsheet functions to prepare forms and reports for the department.
- Develop and prepare various financial statement and reports as needed for internal management and external reporting purposes.
- Analyze and recommend solutions or alternatives for action relating to assigned research and analysis.
- Represents the Sheriff Office and programs as assigned or requested.
- Prepare financial reports including journal entries.
- Assist in the budget process.
- Provide technical, detailed information to the public and county staff regarding county payment and receipts.
- Develop, access, and update accounting records including files, spreadsheets and databases of moderate complexity.
- Periodically reviews and recommend updates for departmental policies and procedures, including the creation of forms, templates, and standard operating procedures as needed.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1-10
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment
- Ability to communicate professionally both orally and in writing.
- Ability to work effectively with the public, department, County staff, and outside agencies in a professional manner.
- Ability to use good judgement and decision making to understand, analyze, and solve problems that affect others.
- Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Office Software including ability to create complex spreadsheets.
- Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines with minimum supervision.
- Ability to adapt to changing work situations and requirements.
- Comprehensive knowledge of general office procedures, practices, and equipment.
- Comprehensive knowledge of business English, grammar, and punctuation.
- Advanced knowledge of business math, accounting principles, audit standards and practices.
- Ability to preserve confidentiality of sensitive materials and information.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is primarily sedentary, although there is some walking, travel, and carrying of lightweight items such as notebooks, and work papers. The work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate controlled office. May require occasional travel.
SELECTION PROCESS: The examination/selection process for this classification will consist of a rating of your training and experience from the application materials submitted. The top scoring candidates will be forwarded to the hiring department for further consideration.
Benefits
- Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits.
- Excellent work-life balance.
- Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year).
- Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday.
- Pension with a generous employer contribution.
- Ability to work from home some of the time.
Dakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is “Be More” and we strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation. Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.
Salary : $56,217 - $63,244