Accounting Specialist

Job Title: Accounting Specialist

Department: Finance

Salary: Pay Grade 14

Benefits Information

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Three medical plan options, including two fully covered by the City for employees

Vision and dental coverage for employees and their families Paid Time Off

14 Paid holidays (as established by City Council)

Vacation leave accrues from the date of hire

Sick leave accrues from the date of hire Retirement & Financial Benefits

Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS): 7% employee contribution with a 2-to-1 City match

Voluntary supplemental retirement plans

Voluntary flexible spending accounts (FSA) & health savings accounts (HSA) for health and dependent care Insurance & Disability Coverage

Employer-sponsored long-term disability

Employer-sponsored life insurance for employees, spouses, and children

Voluntary short-term disability

Voluntary additional term & permanent life insurance for employees, spouses, and children Professional Development & Additional Benefits

Tuition reimbursement for continued education

Certification pay for eligible employees

Longevity Pay

Safety Bonus

General Description

Under direct supervision of the Accounting Manager, the Accounting Specialist is responsible for a variety of highly sensitive and confidential accounting duties including biweekly payroll processing, reconciliation of general ledger accounts related to payroll, managing accounts payable and the payment process, as well as being able to work both independently and collaboratively while prioritizing a diverse workload.

Essential Job Duties

The Accounting Specialist must be able to perform the following essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Input payroll changes, compensation, taxes, benefits, and deductions for all city employees.

Review employee payroll timesheets for accuracy and ensure appropriate signatures have been obtained approving time and exceptions to time.

Calculate payroll including overtime, compensatory pay, retro pay, and final payout for separations.

Input and process biweekly payroll.

Prepare ACH files for direct deposits, garnishments, and retirement.

File tax and deduction reports as well as initiate vendor payments for deductions or benefits.

Prepare, reconcile, and transmit all payroll reports including but not limited to TMRS monthly report, TWC report, and 941 reports.

Manage year-end employee W-2 and employer ACA reporting.

Maintain and update accounts payable, payroll, and general correspondence files.

Prepare financial reports and other specialized reports as requested.

Perform math calculations accurately.

Communicate effectively with supervisors, co-workers and others (internally and externally).

Assist with end of year audit duties as assigned.

Perform vendor file maintenance.

Process invoices and direct payments.

Verify purchase orders, and prepare weekly check runs.

Follow City and department policies and procedures and the instructions of the Finance Director.

Safeguard City property and recognize and report needed repairs.

Work safely, follow safety rules and training, and maintain a clean, safe work environment.

Maintain confidentiality with regard to all City business.

Perform additional related duties as assigned. Requirements

Education and Basic Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalency.

Three (3) years of progressively responsible related payroll and accounts payable experience, preferably in a governmental environment. Commensurate combinations of higher education and experience will be considered.

Successfully pass background, credit checks and physical/medical exam.

Must possess a valid Class C Texas Operator's License with an acceptable driving record. Preferred Requirements:

Associates Degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field from an institution accredited by an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education.

Other Requirements:

Working knowledge of payroll laws regarding deductions, taxes, garnishments, workers' compensation, FLSA, FMLA, disability benefits - STD /LTD, ADAAA, HIPAA and related employment rules and regulations.

Knowledge of principles and practices of computerized financial information management.

Acquire and maintain a working knowledge of the City's accounting software, Incode.

Acquire and maintain a working knowledge of accounts payable processes such as vendor maintenance, invoice processing and payments, verifying purchase orders, and preparing weekly check runs.

Possess a keen eye for detail and diligence in identifying and correcting errors.

Experience with Microsoft programs including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Ability to record, analyze, verify, and reconcile accounting transactions.

Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Ability to perform a broad range of complex financial, accounting and administrative responsibilities.

Ability to operate office equipment including but not limited to a personal computer, copier, fax machine, postage machine, and ten-key calculator.

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

Ability to follow City and Department policies and procedures and the supervisor's directions.

Advanced interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with both internal and external customers.

Ability to be punctual and maintain good attendance, work occasional overtime, and attend meetings as needed. Be flexible and organized to handle other assignments. Physical and Mental Requirements:

The Accounting Specialist must meet the following physical and mental requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

The ability to learn, understand, and communicate information related to the position.

Make/use repetitive hand motions over an extended period.

Ability to type 35 words per minute and use a 10-key by touch.

Work offsite at the City's file storage facility in an environment that is cold, hot, dusty and/or damp.

Walk up and down stairs.

Work effectively under pressure and under deadlines.

Moving within and without the office environment - 10%

Sit, stand, move around, bend, reach, stretch, grasp, push and pull and remain upright for extended periods of time in one room. Must be able to lift or move objects weighing as much as 20 pounds. The activities and the approximate amounts of time required per day for each are shown below. The individual estimates may not sum to 100 percent.

Sitting - 65%

Bending - 5%

Standing - 5%

Lifting and moving objects up to 35 pounds - 5%

Pushing or pulling - 5%

Reaching - 5%