Description
POSITION SUMMARY:
Performs advanced professional accounting, payroll administration, and financial analysis duties to ensure the fiscal integrity of the City through accurate maintenance and review of all financial and payroll accounts. This position is responsible for processing and overseeing all City payroll functions, maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local laws, and providing accounting support in areas such as grants, budgeting, audit preparation, and financial reporting.
The Senior Accountant exercises independent judgment and initiative in resolving complex accounting and payroll issues under the general supervision of the Finance Director.
Apply online at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/fhgov/jobs/5145773/senior-accountant
Requirements
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Payroll Administration and Reporting
Administers and processes the City's bi-weekly payroll in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements.
Verifies time entries, leave usage, and department activity reports; ensures accuracy of benefit and deduction calculations, direct deposits, and third-party payments.
Updates employee payroll records to reflect changes in status, pay rates, deductions, and benefits.
Prepares, reviews, and reconciles payroll reports including quarterly Form 941, annual W-2s, and all state and federal tax filings.
Maintains and audits leave accruals, sick and vacation liability schedules, and other payroll-related records.
Coordinates with HR and Finance staff to implement new payroll procedures, address employee inquiries, and ensure compliance with IRS, FLSA, and retirement plan regulations.
Calculates and processes retroactive pay adjustments, and assists with step increases and contract settlements.
Prepares and submits required payroll-related surveys and reports (e.g., workers' compensation, municipal payroll surveys).
Supports pension reporting and contributions, prepares pension benefit estimates, and collaborates with the Pension Accountant to reconcile related accounts.
Accounting and Financial Management
Summarizes, reconciles, and balances a wide variety official records and accounts, including inter-fund and inter-departmental transactions.
Reconciles monthly bank and investment statements within established timelines and allocates interest to the appropriate City funds.
Prepares journal entries, schedules, and reports in support of the annual audit and year-end closing.
Assists in maintaining capital project accounts, grant accounting, and financial reporting related to debt service and fixed assets.
Prepares financial statements and correspondence, responding to inquiries and providing information as needed.
Coordinates City grants, ensuring proper documentation, monitoring, reimbursement requests, and audit compliance.
Monitors debt service obligations, prepares related journal entries, and maintains amortization schedules.
Reviews and approves accounts payable postings, performs reconciliations, and functions as a backup for accounts payable and treasury operations when needed.
Maintains and balances subsidiary detail accounts for special assessments, trust funds, and construction projects.
Participates in annual budget preparation, entering adjustments and assisting departments with financial projections.
Prepares or assists with various statistical, financial, and accounting reports requested by management or outside agencies.
Other Functions
Maintains cash receipt records, reconciles petty cash, and assists with daily deposits when necessary.
Assists departments with financial or payroll questions, providing technical guidance and customer service consistent with City policies.
Participates in special projects and process improvement initiatives to enhance fiscal and payroll efficiency.
Performs related administrative tasks including data entry, filing, document scanning, and records management.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in governmental accounting or financial management, including at least two (2) years in Payroll administration.
Experience with ERP or payroll systems (e.g., BS&A, UKG, ADP, MUNIS, or similar) preferred.
Certificates and Licenses
Certified Payroll Professional and/or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation preferred.
Skills & Abilities
Advanced proficiency with Excel and intermediate experience with accounting and payroll software.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply federal and state wage and hour laws, pension rules, and tax regulations.
Ability to analyze data, prepare accurate reports, and recommend process improvements.
Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Capacity to manage sensitive information and competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of the job the employee is required to stand, kneel and sit for long periods of time; walk, talk, read, use hands and/or fingers, operate a computer and to reach with hands and arms.
The employee climbs a step ladder to reach file drawers, opens and closes heavy filing drawers and lifts and moves heavy files.
Other Physical Requirements
Good vision and manual dexterity are required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment. The position requires extended use of computers and interaction with staff across multiple departments.
