Accountant

TARGET CLOSE DATE:

10/11/2024

Note: This job posting may close before, or be extended beyond, the listed Target Close Date based on the employment needs of the Merit System.

Grade 21

The pay range for the listed pay grade varies depending on the employing agency. Click HERE and then select the desired agency to view the pay range for that employer.

JOB SUMMARY:

Accountants are responsible for a range of tasks associated with managing financial records. These tasks can include maintaining accounts payable and receivable, banking activities, general ledger upkeep, as well as grant and budget account management, all while ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local regulations, such as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines. Their role may also involve processing payments, generating transaction reports, managing inventory, and aiding in the contract review process. Typically, this work is conducted in an office environment without the direct supervision of staff.

ABOUT THE PERSONNEL BOARD OF JEFFERSON COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM:

The Personnel Board of Jefferson County (Personnel Board) Merit System is responsible for ensuring fairness and merit in hiring and promotion, avoiding favoritism or political influence. Our goal is to attract and retain qualified and professional employees for the public sector. The Merit System includes a wonderfully diverse set of city governments, ranging from smaller, community-minded towns to vibrant, bustling cities. Our network consists of nearly 8,000 dedicated public servants, who want to make a positive impact on our communities. We offer many rewarding careers, from public safety and city management to IT, healthcare, skilled trades, engineering and more.

A CAREER WITHIN THE MERIT SYSTEM:

The Merit System is unique as an individual typically only submits one application for a position (e.g., administrative clerk) and that single application can result in employment opportunities with potentially 23 different cities and agencies within Jefferson County, Alabama. These agencies range from the City of Birmingham and 16 surrounding suburban cities to the Jefferson County Commission, Department of Health, and three additional governmental agencies. In the Merit System, you can enjoy the security and benefits of a public sector job with growth potential. Whether you're passionate about public safety, technology, or anything in between, there's a place for you in the Merit System.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

To be considered for employment in this position, a candidate must possess at least one of the following options:

Option A:

• At least an Associate's Degree in Accounting.

Option B:

• At least 12 semester hours in Accounting, including at least one intermediate-level accounting class (i.e., 300 level or above).

• Experience using Excel (e.g., formatting spreadsheets using formulas and logic).

JOB DUTIES:

Typical job duties include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Processes AP and/or requests for payments.

• Processes AR for vendors and other departments.

• Maintains banking records to ensure online information is accurate.

• Prepares, monitors, and administers departmental or organizational budget by reviewing spending trends, expenditure reports, analyzing financial data, and ensuring expenditures are within annual budgetary limits.

• Performs the financial closing process at the end of an accounting period (i.e., monthly, quarterly, yearly).

• Maintains the GL by preparing and posting journal entries and reconciling the general ledger to other financial records.

• Oversees grant funds, including maintaining communication with subcontractors, maintaining grant financial records, and producing grant reports.

• Procures and/or manages inventory (i.e., supplies and equipment) to ensure the products and services are available to meet the operational needs of each department.

• Generates invoices and/or processes payments.

• Facilitates the new contract approval process and enters contract parameters into accounting software once approved.

• Processes payroll by maintaining a database of employees and/or retirees, reconciling payroll information, processing payments to vendors or government entities, and maintaining and filing applicable taxes.

• Engages in activities designed to ensure professional development, awareness of developments in the field, and knowledge of relevant practices, rules, laws, policies, and/or guidelines.

• Maintains and creates reports of confidential governmental financial records, ensuring compliance to federal, state, and local guidelines and laws (e.g., Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB)).

COMPETENCIES

• Adaptability & Flexibility

• Computer & Technology Operations

• Leadership & Management

• Mathematical & Statistical Skills

• Oral Communication & Comprehension

• Planning & Organizing

• Problem Solving & Decision Making

• Professionalism & Integrity

• Researching & Referencing

• Reviewing, Inspecting & Auditing

• Self-Management & Initiative

• Teamwork & Interpersonal

• Technical & Job Specific Knowledge

• Technical Skills

• Training & Facilitation

• Written Communication & Comprehension

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGES:

• Knowledge of accounting software programs to perform the tasks associated with the position, such as reviewing data, monitoring payroll, reviewing accounts payable and accounts receivable, tracking inventory, creating reports, reviewing financial statements, and other similar functions as required by the job.

• Knowledge of basic accounting principles and terminology, such as debit, credit, journal entry, general ledger, trial balance, cash flows, income statement, and balance sheet.

• Knowledge of bookkeeping methods (e.g, basic double entry, journal entries, ledger balances).

• Knowledge of fund accounting principles and techniques.

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and their application.

• Knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards Board regulations and standards.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is conducted almost exclusively indoors in an office setting. Work involves use of standard office equipment, such as computer, phone, copier, etc.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Job is primarily sedentary involving sitting for long periods of time, but may involve occasional walking or standing for brief periods.

DISCLAIMER: This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required to do the job and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time.

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS

Persons requiring special conditions to accommodate a disability when completing the application should contact the Personnel Board at 205-279-3500, Option 1, prior to the target close date.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Personnel Board of Jefferson County (Personnel Board) provides a public personnel system based on merit principles. The Personnel Board strives for the constant improvement of the public service by employing and developing the best-qualified persons available. The Personnel Board provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, creed, religion, political beliefs, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or genetics.

Employment decisions are made by the Merit System agency where the position exists. Each Merit System agency administers its own equal employment opportunity programs in compliance with applicable state and/or federal laws and regulations.

For more information on this job description, please visit http://www.pbjcal.org/employment/Descriptions

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required to do the job and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time.

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