Staff Accountant

As a member of the Jackson County Department of Transportation (JCDOT) administrative services team reporting to the Senior Human Resources Manager, provides administrative support to the JCDOT leadership team and assists in supervising the administrative assistant. Works closely with the Senior Accountant to perform a variety of general accounting functions including entering and paying vendors, coding invoices, expense reporting, record and software maintenance, processing 1099s, and preparing cash receipting. Assists with accounting procedures, the annual audit, monitoring financial performance, and preparing the annual budget. Responds to inquiries regarding financial software programs. Administrators JCDOT cell phones and iPads and provides technical support to all employees. Performs a variety of other accounting related and general support tasks. Essential functions include but may not be limited to: 1. Performs general accounting functions in relation to accounts payable. Receives and routes vendor invoices to appropriate JCDOT employees and assists the stockroom with maintaining and verifying all purchases orders. Checks the accuracy and propriety of all invoices after they have been reviewed and/or signed. May code invoices and verify that they are being charged to the appropriate account. Ensures past due amounts have not already been paid. 2. Inputs vendor invoices within the financial software program to charge the general ledger. Process and balances weekly check runs. Works with payroll on a bi-weekly basis to process remittance checks. Sorts invoices and attachments, separates checks, attaches documents to check copies, and distributes checks to departments and/or mails to vendors. 3. May process requests for immediate pay items from vendor invoices or employee vouchers as requested by the Senior Accountant, the Senior Human Resources Manager, and/or the Managing Director. Prints and distributes checks. 4. Reviews and processes employee expenses (travel reimbursements, stipends, vouchers, etc.) for reimbursement to ensure compliance with policies and procedures. Maintains spreadsheets to track expenses. Verifies purchase cards monthly to process payment. 5. Inputs and maintains vendor accounts within the financial software program. Assists the Senior Accountant and the Senior Human Resources Manager with developing and overseeing the maintenance of all vendor records to ensure compliance with all file retention laws and policies. 6. Prepares and issues 1099 records for vendors and service providers. Responds to questions and provides duplicates as requested. May adjust 1099 returns when applicable. 7. Under the direction of the Senior Accountant, assists with the preparation of the annual budget, and routinely monitors budget variances throughout the year by tracking actual expenditures and comparing to annual and amended budgets. Notifies the Senior Accountant and the Managing Director of discrepancies. 8. Works with the Senior Accountant closely to prepare and maintain cash flow analyses by monitoring and tracking past and future expenditures. 9. Prepares or assists with the receipting of cash/checks and makes deposits with the County Treasurer. 10. Assists the Senior Human Resources Manager and the Senior Accountant with monthly, quarterly, and annual road funding audits. Gathers data from multiple sources and provides details in relation to accounting and financial reporting. 11. May occasionally assist with the preparation of monthly billings to various customers. 12. Under the direction of the Senior Human Resources Manager, deploys department-wide cell phones and iPad's, troubleshoots, and provides support and training to all JCDOT employees. Administrator and support person for the JCDOT cell phone service provider. 13. Responds to inquiries from employees related to our financial software program, financial procedures and payments, and technical needs for county issued devices. 14. Remains current on accounting regulations. Proactively recommends and implements changes as advised to meet required standards and internal control procedures. 15. Provides customer service on all levels and assists in providing support to the administrative services team with various other special projects such as payroll, human resources, communication, and customer service. May serve as a back-up to other administrative service positions as needed or assigned by the Senior Human Resources Manager. Oversees the workload of the administrative assistant and provides support. 16. Attends approved conferences and seminars to stay current on practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Associates Degree in accounting, business administration, or public administration, or a closely related field required. Bachelor's degree in a closely related field is preferred.

Experience:

Four to five years of broad administrative experience specializing in accounting, booking keeping, and cash receipting. Proficient in writing and business administration including advanced skills with word documents and spreadsheets. Governmental accounting experience preferred. At the discretion of the Managing Director, an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Relevant Skills/Specialized Equipment Knowledge:

• Basic office equipment such as telephone, calculator, photocopier, Fax, etc.
• Operation of postage machine.
• Computer programs including word processing, spreadsheets, database entry and maintenance, financial applications, and desktop publishing.
• Photographic, audio and video equipment.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• High level of dependability, maturity, confidentiality, and courtesy.
• Highly motivated, ethical.
• Take responsibility for accuracy, quality, and timely completion of work under stringent deadlines.
• Ability to use sound judgment and discretion.
• Ability to problem solve effectively, efficiently manage time, and thrive in a time sensitive and highly demanding work environment.