Accounting Specialist

An island community rich in history and opportunity, Galveston is the ideal place to live, work and raise a family!

Job Description

SUMMARY: Under general supervision, performs various technical accounting and bookkeeping functions for the City’s Finance Department.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Maintains and updates accounts receivable records; prepares and issues invoices and notices; receives documentation and data enters records into an automated system.

· Performs monthly accounts receivable reconciliations; performs data entry for check runs.

· Receives and balances the Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund.

· Maintains liquor license records; distributes renewal letters.

· Performs research regarding the status of accounts payable/receivable.

· Allocates electrical, print shop, copy paper, gas, credit card, mailroom and garage charges; obtains information from respective department; prepares spreadsheets and creates journal entries.

· Monitors customer accounts for non-payment and/or delayed payments.

· Receives invoices from vendors; performs scans for each department; ensures timely payments are made to vendors.

· Conducts bank reconciliations for payroll and health insurance accounts.

· Audits check runs; conducts weekly pre-audits; ensures checks are issued correctly to vendors.

· Provides assistance to professional accounting staff as necessary.

· Perform records retention for the Finance Department; files processed journal entries and paid purchase orders.

· Monitors customer accounts for non-payment and/or delayed payments.

· Processes public records requests.

· Performs various projects as assigned.

· May provide training to other accounting staff.

· May serve as the backup to the Payroll Administrator.

· Supports the relationship between the City of Galveston and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

· Employees may at any time be required to work in order to provide for the safety and well-being of the general public, including the delivery and restoration of vital services, in the event of an emergency.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Knowledge:

· City organization, operations, policies, and procedures.

· Basic accounting principles (GAAP) and government accounting standards (GASB).

· Accounts payable/receivable principles and practices.

· Records retention principles and practices.

· Payroll processing principles and practices.

· Principles and practices of customer service.

· Principles and practices of project management.

· Business and personal computers, and spreadsheet software applications.

Skill in:

· Handling situations requiring diplomacy, fairness, firmness and sound judgment.

· Providing efficient customer service.

· Multi-tasking

· Performing data entry with a high degree of accuracy.

· Understanding and applying City policies and procedures, and applicable federal and state regulations.

· Organizing and maintaining records and analyzing data.

· Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with all levels within the City.

· Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Associate Degree in Accounting or a related field; AND two years’ experience in accounts payable/receivable operations; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION:

None.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment. May be required to lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Compensation Range

DOQ

The City of Galveston is an equal opportunity employer  and will consider only the qualifications of the applicants. The City does not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or physical/mental disability in employment or provision services.