Bookkeeper/Accounting Specialist

ISU Extension and Outreach in Linn County builds a strong Iowa by connecting residents to the research and resources developed by Iowa State University. ISU Extension and Outreach in Linn County offers educational programming and experiential learning opportunities to residents focused in four areas: K-12 outreach and youth development; health and well-being; agriculture and natural resources; and community and economic development.

Linn County Extension, based in Cedar Rapids, has an immediate full-time opening in the area of bookkeeping. Under general supervision, this person will work directly with County Director, Council members and in collaboration with an external bookkeeper to ensure all financial and human resource systems meet legal, Council and organizational needs. There are some shared responsibilities, so this person must be a skilled communicator to ensure positive customer service.

Responsible to: Linn County Agricultural Extension District Council
Reports to: ISU Extension and Outreach County Director

QUALIFICATIONS:

• AA in bookkeeping, related field, and 2-3 years equivalent experience.
• Advanced computer skills required including spread sheet development and accounting software.
• Knowledge of cash accounting systems, fiscal management of grants, and experience with payroll.
• Problem-solving skills, organizational skills and ability to multi-task and attention to detail.
• People oriented individual, skilled in customer relations and willing to be a team player. Must have good communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and critical thinking skills with a high level of attention to detail.

BOOKKEEPER ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain state-wide supported accounting system; properly enter and categorize all transactions and monitor all accounts, systems and reporting according to the county’s approved chart of accounts with minimal assistance. Ability to perform routine accounting functions and apply good problem-solving logics.
• Prepares payroll and payroll reports (including collection of Time Sheets & Time Sheet Supplements); tax and benefit paperwork for new county-funded employees; process employee payroll records, and prepares and timely files required federal, state and IPERS periodic reports such as W-2, W-3, 1099, 1096, and 941.
• Reconciles monthly bank statements against all accounts; complete monthly account reconciliation process, prepare monthly, annual financial reports, special transaction reports for prioritized projects and grants. Prepares reports for projects, and grants including accurate balances tied to the accounting system. Monitors those reports and advises council treasurer, county director and regional director for key statistics such as legal budget, bank cash management and accounts receivable collections
• Assists in budget preparations with council, county director, regional director, and county staff, Assists in completion of Iowa Department of Management forms and processes. Enters approved budget into accounting system. Ensures systems are ready for audit.
• Engages county and state staff, council treasurer and council members in understanding fiscal performance. Reports are ready in a timely fashion in accordance with county council meeting cycle.
• Initiates all accounting transactions. Prepare documentation and deposit funds received. Receive and process payables/expenditures; and ensure checks mailed. Prepares invoices, monitors, collects and reconciles accounts receivable s. Handles tax and benefit paperwork for new county-funded employees
• Ensures all documentation for accounting transactions and financial records are filed appropriately. Maintains all hard copies for grant monies, income, expenditures, receivables and required reports. Maintains hard copy files of voucher and receipt documentation for archives as well as permanent manual folders/files archived differentially according to records retention policy. Ensures employee related records are maintained correctly and confidentiality controls are in place for employee permanent files.
• Maintains official financial hard copy yearly financial summary book from budget to final published report for permanent safekeeping. Prepares hard copy files for audit. Ensures county fiscal policy is implemented and followed in the county office. Adheres to internal control procedures for separation of duties.
• Prepares, files and sends records for Program Specialist revenue generation/expense recovery to campus.
• Manages obtaining signatures by Treasurer/designee; ensures checks and all financial documents are timely distributed.
• Prepares, files and sends required reports to Iowa State University.
• Responsible for following and adhering to auditing standards Generally Accepted Accounting Practices.
• Serve as alternative Custodian of Public Records, as required by Council
• At times this position will provide administrative support for front office, including answering phones and greeting and assisting public
• Other relevant duties as requested.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• 30-40hrs/week based on applicant skills/experience and preference. Some weekend and evening work may be required to meet deadlines.
• Hourly starting rate $20.00-$22.00 to commensurate. Three-month probation.
• Benefits include optional health and dental benefits, optional life insurance and long-term disability insurance, EAP services, vacation and sick leave, paid holidays and IPERS.
• Training and development offered
• In accordance with ISU Extension Child Protection and Safety Policy, a criminal record check will be completed on the applicant selected for this position.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications will be considered upon submission and will be accepted until position filled. For guaranteed consideration submit all required documents by April 10th, 2024

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS: Required Documents (.pdf format) emailed to Sarah Wilson, Office Manager at sarahwh@iastate.edu

• Cover Letter, identify which position(s) applying

• Resume (Found on our website https://www.extension.iastate.edu/linn/)

• ISU Extension and Outreach, Linn County Employment Application

Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status and will not be discriminated against.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/diversity/ext.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Experience level:

• 2 years

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Supplemental pay types:

• Overtime pay

Ability to Relocate:

• Hiawatha, IA 52233: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person