Accountant

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
Work involves performing professional accounting, finance, and/or audit-related work. The scope of such work includes the analysis, preparation and maintenance of financial records and reports; treasury and financial activities; and internal audit reviews at the Utilities Department.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

● Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, officials, and all members of the general public, using excellent customer service skills both orally and written.

● Performs technical and administrative accounting work necessary in maintaining the fiscal records and systems of the Utility Department in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) accounting guidelines, and applicable federal and state governmental accounting standards.

● Assists with budget preparation, evaluation, and tracking on a quarterly and annual basis.

● Assists with the proper maintenance of fixed assets in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and governmental accounting standards; records, tracks, and monitors all fixed assets and infrastructure of the Utility Department from acquisition or construction to disposal or retirement.

● Prepares a variety of accounting reports and ensures timely completion of monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting including completion of regular and special request accounting projects.

● Process accounts payable purchase orders, requisitions, and invoices for payment; verify general ledger and budget account reporting during purchasing process; ensure invoices are coded accurately and paid timely.

● Verifies purchasing source documents for accuracy, completeness, authorization, and coding to verify general ledger balances; reconcile sub ledgers to the general ledger.

● Reconciles general ledger accounts, initiates corrective actions, and formulates and recommends system and process changes through evaluation and analysis of inefficiencies.

● Reconciles daily cash collections from various sources; reconciles daily customer accounts receivable balances and makes adjustments as necessary; reconcile bank account and statement monthly.

● Maintain and execute customer bank and credit card draft process; process customer refund checks and balance transfers on a monthly basis; help customers with issues on their account as needed related to these functions.

● Process returned customer payments and help customers with questions related to returned payments.

● Process delinquent accounts for collection agency submissions, reconcile customer accounts with collection agency for past due balances and payments.

● Serves as a backup to the payroll clerk.

● Perform other duties as assigned.

● Attend meetings, training, and workshops as may be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

● Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, rules, guidelines and regulations applicable to utility accounting, governmental accounting, and grant administration.

● Internal control procedures; cash collection, payroll, purchasing, procurement and accounts payable functions.

● Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of accounting and financial reporting.

● Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) accounting guidelines, and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) statements, theories, and practices.

● Very skillful in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Access and ability to learn new technology systems very quickly and efficiently.

Ability to:

● Ability to review, analyze and interpret financial records and to prepare accurate financial statements and budget schedules and notes.

● Ability to evaluate department accounting efficiency, systems of internal control and procedures and make recommendations for improvements.

● Ability to create and analyze complex Excel and other spreadsheets and system reports.

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

● Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, city officials, outside agencies and the general public.

● Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously with frequent interruptions

● Ability to follow Department and City policies and procedures operating with minimum supervision.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, & OTHER CAPABILITIES
The job is performed primarily indoors in an office setting. Requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, see, and effectively communicate with others for extended periods of time. May be required to lift objects weighing up to 25 pounds without assistance. Must be able to handle multiple tasks or projects simultaneously, work with numerous interruptions, and adjust to changing priorities. Must demonstrate good use of judgment and demonstrate the ability to properly deal with confidential matters. Must use good interpersonal skills.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

● Bachelor’s degree from an accredited College or University with major course work in accounting.

● At least two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting functions.

● Proficiency in computer based financial packages, especially Microsoft Excel and Word.

● Valid State Driver’s License

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

● CPA license

● Experience in Utility and Governmental Accounting.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

● Must possess a valid Mississippi Driver’s License and acceptable MVR.

● Must be able to be bonded.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $48,000.00 - $59,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Starkville, MS 39759: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• GAAP: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• CPA (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $48,000 - $59,000