Cottonwood County is currently accepting applications for a full-time Chief Deputy Auditor/Treasurer. This position, under limited supervision, processes payroll and accounts payable, and maintains an accounting system as part of the County Auditor/Treasurer's Office.

Normal business hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

County benefits include: 11 paid holidays, health insurance, $20,000 life insurance policy, Public Employee Retirement (PERA) and a monthly VEBA/HSA contribution. Elective benefits include dental, vision, long-term disability, short-term disability, hospital, accident and critical care coverage. The county also offers medical/dependent care flex as well as three deferred compensation plans that are available if you choose. This position is eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

For an application of employment, please contact the County Coordinator/Human Resources Office (Room 13 of the Cottonwood County Courthouse), call 507-831-5669 or visit the county website at www.co.cottonwood.mn.us. Resumes will not be accepted without the completed job application.

Mail completed application to:

Kelly Thongvivong
Coordinator/Human Resources
900 Third Avenue
Windom, MN 56101

JOB DEFINITION: Under limited supervision, performs audits and maintains an accounting system as part of the County Auditor/Treasurer’s Office.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification. Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Manages all property tax administration; collection of levy certifications and special assessments from cities, townships, schools and special taxing districts within the County; calculates property taxes, tax increment financing and special assessments; prepares tax statements and tax dollar settlements; ensures the collection of delinquent taxes and assists with the tax forfeiture process; audits tax settlement reports; completes journal entries and warrants for the distribution of taxes; responds to questions on taxes and land ownership; provides technical assistance to attorneys, banks and others regarding property tax and special assessments; transfers deeds, mortgages and other legal documents for recording.

Audits and balances all collections for the County; assists with reconciling the County checking accounts; transfers money between accounts; maintains information about accounts; ensures all accounts are balanced; processes NSF checks.

Processes bi-weekly payroll; processes all payroll functions along with all RT Vision (electronic timecard) functions, including audits; processes all employee timecards; paychecks; direct deposits, benefits payable, deductions payable, etc.; withholding payments as required by state or federal laws; electronic payments associated with payroll; verifies all changes and open enrollment information received from the Human Resource Department. Processes W2’s and 1099s for all County Funds.

Researches and learns all law changes as they pertain to the County Auditor’s office. Researches statutes as required.

Works with the County Auditor Treasurer on all budgets; researches, audits, prepares and processes all expenditures; provides accounts payable list for the County Board to approve; monitors cash flow; assists with coding all receipts; completes journal entries; audits all financial activity; completes and balances the Trial Balance; closes books at month’s end; prepares financial reports; completes all reserves; determines accruals and payables; audits fund balances; works with the State Auditor’s Office in compiling the Annual Financial Statement; completes reports and narrative and presents all financial data as requested by state auditors. Complete spreadsheets and financial reports to compile and prepare the year-end journal entry for the Highway Department. Completes spreadsheets, financial reports, and third-party auditing reports for all County offices, State Department of Revenue, Cities, Townships, and School Districts. Verifies annually all inventory and capital assets maintained by Cottonwood County. Cross-check and updates the Capital Asset program and entries to MCIT. Compiles and submits the Annual Report for publishing.

Maintains accurate and up-to-date spreadsheet on bank balance; Uploads ACH escrow payments, Set-up ACH tax payments and create notices of auto-withdraws to taxpayers in a timely manner; Creates and processes timely late and delinquent notices and reports.

Participates in the administration of Primary, Special and General elections; oversees the preparation and printing of ballots; oversees the filing of all vacant County offices, voter registration, issuance of absentee ballots and the training of election judges; serves on the UOCAVA Absentee Ballot Board; enters information into the statewide Voter Registration System; tabulates election results and reports total to the Secretary of State. Understands and researches Election law and the associated changes.

Accepts passport applications and processes applications for liquor, tobacco, auctioneer, and fireworks licenses. Obtains Passport Acceptance Agent Certification, maintains annual required training; Obtains Election Official Certification, maintains bi-annual required training; Obtains Tax Calculation Certification, maintains required training; Obtains Board of Appeal and Equalization Certification, maintains required training. Attend other trainings/webinars as needed.

Maintains accurate and up to date spreadsheet on investment balances. Verifies monthly interest and prepares journal entries to record monthly interest. Works closely with the Auditor/Treasurer on movement of individual investments.

Responsible for administration of transferring properties. Oversees and approves documents for transferring title to real property; reviews for possible conflicts and participates in resolving issues. Reviews and verifies receipts for mortgage registration tax or state deed tax and submits to MNDOR.

Review and enter invoices for payment; prepares payment files for Auditor and Commissioner Warrants; run reports for Commissioners; save approved warrant listings; maintain capital assets and inventory records; prepare related asset and inventory reports; prepare Sales and Use Tax submission; maintain check sequence numbers for A/T and R&B; uncashed checks and unclaimed property maintenance.

Willing to work overtime as needed based on time of year or special project; perform other duties as assigned or required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY AND SKILLS:

* Knowledge of the principles and practices of public accounting and financial management.

* Knowledge of the principles and practices of administrative management.

* Knowledge of statutory requirements, policies and procedures regarding County operations.

* Knowledge of Minnesota election laws, rules and procedures.

* Knowledge of worker’s compensation, FMLA and COBRA laws, rules and regulations.

* Knowledge of legal descriptions and land measurements; ability to read and describe.

* Knowledge in MS Office; proficient in Excel. Knowledge of accounting software applications.

* Ability to maintain complex financial records and prepare financial reports.

* Ability to make complex mathematical calculations with a high degree of accuracy.

* Ability to establish and maintain efficient manual or automated filing and records systems.

* Ability to effectively prioritize and organize workload

* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County staff, local public officials, realtors, taxpayers and the general public.

* Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Associate’s degree in accounting with 3-5 years related experience or Bachelor’s degree in accounting with 1-2 years related experience or any equivalent combination of qualifying education and experience. Possession of a valid State of Minnesota driver’s license.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: May be required to perform a full range of motion with lifting and/or carrying supplies, materials, equipment and/or items weighing up to 25 pounds. Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Cottonwood County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Cottonwood County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.62 - $34.81 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Experience level:

• 3 years
• 4 years
• 5 years

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

• Overtime pay

Work Location: In person