What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accountant/Analyst position at THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF MICHIGAN?
SUMMARY:
Under direct supervision, performs a variety of activities designed to provide accounting support such as financial and/or fiduciary accounting, grant accounting, monitoring court revenue, preparation of journal vouchers to formal accounting records, prepares financial reports, budget requests and projections, performs collection performance analysis, working with child support financial systems, statistical reporting and other duties as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Performs a variety of accounting functions, including maintaining financial records, reconciling accounts, processing payments and disbursements, auditing transactions, and controlling inventory.
• Prepares and analyzes grant invoices, reimbursements, and budgets; ensures compliance with federal, state, and grant requirements.
• Monitors and analyzes financial activity across court business units, develops spending strategies, and collaborates with program and budget staff.
• Reconciles bank, deposit, and general ledger accounts; prepares and posts journal entries to ensure accuracy of financial reporting.
• Oversees accounts receivable and collections for all Court business units; reviews and tracks revenue received by the County Clerk.
• Prepares, reviews, and authorizes journal vouchers, accruals, transfers, and adjustments.
• Prepares internal financial reports, participates in year-end close-out procedures, and supports data gathering for cost plan preparation.
• Develops and monitors budgets, amendments, line-item transfers, and financial projections, including payroll and fringe benefits
• Ensures procurement and expenditures comply with funding requirements; coordinates with vendors, funding sources, and Court staff.
• Processes and verifies payroll accounting, position control changes, and related benefit costs; ensures proper posting to ledgers and compliance with retirement system requirements.
• Assists in collection activities, conducts financial evaluations, authorizes negotiated payments, and oversees referrals to third-party collection agencies.
• Prepares financial and performance analyses of court revenues and evaluates collection tool effectiveness
• Reviews and resolves complex financial adjustments, errors, and complaints related to court-ordered assessments and payments.
• Maintains current knowledge of accounting standards, financial systems, and applicable policies and regulations.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Finance, Accounting or related field OR Seven (7) years of professional accounting experience within the last ten (10) years (in lieu of education requirements).
• Two (2) years of professional accounting experience within the last five (5) years.
• General knowledge of government finance, budgeting and auditing, database and accounting computer application systems.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel and experience using MS Office.
• If an employee drives on behalf of the Court, the employee must possess and maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license, no fault insurance and access to a vehicle to use in the performance of assigned duties.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to apply established rules/procedures, use logic and reasoning to analyze complex problems, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to clearly explain complex information (including Court procedures) to diverse internal and external customers in a courteous and professional manner.
• Professional Conduct: Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and interact effectively with coworkers, officials, and the public, even in high-stress situations. Ability to work with a diverse population.
• Organizational Management: Excellent organizational skills with the proven ability to manage time independently, prioritize, and simultaneously coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks to meet strict deadlines.
• Technical/Procedural Knowledge: Working knowledge of Court processes and procedures, and proficiency in operating standard office equipment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Successful completion of criminal and IV-D background check, fingerprinting and rechecks.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the title. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description. Specific job duties vary from position to position.
Grant funded positions are contingent on availability of grant funding and may be terminated should funding substantially reduce or cease. The affected employee may be considered as a candidate for other vacant positions within the Court for which they are qualified.