Job Purpose

Provide accounting support for the department, including financial statement and report preparation, and maintenance of the general ledger.

Specific Responsibilities

1. Prepare for and assist with daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting tasks, such as:
   1. Prepare monthly account reconciliations.
   2. Prepare work papers and gather information for the annual financial audit.
   3. Support monthly financial statements and large consumer reports preparation.
   4. Support budget and projections preparation.
   5. Support cost of service studies and rate adjustments.
   6. Prepare workpapers for Insurance renewal applications.
2. Provide accounting support for functions within the department, with a focus on the general ledger, including the following:
   1. Prepare and post journal entries.
   2. Review and post accounts payable batches.
   3. Prepare and post procurement card credit card logs.
   4. Post daily customer service batches, misc receivable transactions, and reconcile banking activity.
   5. Post daily Inventory batches.
   6. Maintain fixed asset records, construction work in process records, and other records as required.
   7. Track all fixed assets activities and book depreciation.
   8. Track all capital and large projects spend and complete required project reporting.
   9. Review daily bank transactions and reconcile monthly bank statements.
   10. Administer the job sales billing process, including preparation of draft billings for approval by appropriate department.
   11. Prepare monthly sales and use tax remittances and filings.
   12. Prepare 1099 forms and filings
   13. Prepare annual property tax and ad valorem tax reports.
   14. Keep up to date on GASB and implement new GASB standards.

Accountant II level specific responsibilities can include:

1. Approve accounts payable prepayment reports, upload banking transactions and bank transfers online.
2. Approve banking exceptions (Positive Pay) in online banking.
3. Be point of contact for procurement credit cards and assist with credit card issues.
4. Point of contact for FEMA claims and reporting.
5. Maintain and add new chart of accounts and other set-up in the accounting software.
6. Serve as the subject matter expert for accounting software and help troubleshoot issues.
7. Perform year-end closing tasks.
8. Serve as a co-lead for audit and year-end financial preparations.
9. Provide guidance and assistance to Accountants and Specialist roles.

Other Responsibilities

1. Prepare reports for regulatory and non-regulatory agencies and other internal reports as assigned.
2. Review and process applications for Iowa sales tax and utility sales tax exemptions from local businesses.
3. Act as backup for Accounting Supervisor as needed.
4. Other duties as required.

Qualifications

Knowledge

1. Bachelor's degree in accounting or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
2. A minimum of 1 year of accounting experience is preferred for Accountant I position. A minimum of 5 years accounting experience is preferred for Accountant II position. Prior experience with government/public utility experience (GASB) preferred.
3. Previous payroll experience and knowledge of Iowa and Illinois state tax is a plus.
4. Knowledge of GAAP regulations required.

Skills

1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
2. Excellent interpersonal and listening skills, with ability to build productive professional relationships and promote a team atmosphere.
3. Proficiency with use of Microsoft Office Word and Excel at an intermediate level; proficiency with a computerized accounting and/or payroll system desired
4. Good judgment and critical thinking skills.
5. Problem identification, analysis, and solving.

Abilities

1. Ability to work as part of a team, either as team leader or a member of a team.
2. Ability to drive results and ensure work is accomplished properly, safely, and in a timely manner.
3. Ability to work independently, effectively prioritize work, manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adjust work priorities as needed to meet department/organizational objectives.
4. Ability to use discretion in maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information.
5. Ability to operate office equipment, including 10-key, fax machine, and copier.

Other Position Requirements

1. Must be able to attend work on a regular basis and work extended hours as needed.

Work Environment

1. Work environment is primarily in an office environment.
2. Must comply with all safety and site rules at all locations.