Accounting Specialist

Wage $22.84 – $30.90/hr

Job Summary
Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Finance Director, this position performs diverse accounting tasks to support municipal financial operations. Responsibilities include processing accounts payable and receivable, managing payroll, reconciling cash accounts, and maintaining capital asset records. A commitment to excellent customer service is essential, ensuring prompt and professional resolution of financial inquiries from internal and external stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid South Dakota Driver’s License
• Must be a United States citizen. This position does not support sponsorship.
• Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field, or equivalent work experience in accounting or bookkeeping.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in accounting, bookkeeping, or a related financial role.  Education in lieu of experience may be considered.
• Basic understanding of accounting principles and practices, such as GAAP and general ledger, and familiarity with accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and account reconciliation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, with emphasis on Excel formulas and data entry.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• Experience in municipal or governmental accounting or familiarity with fund accounting concepts.
• Knowledge of municipal finance regulations, such as fund accounting, budget preparation, or compliance standards.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Experience working with auditors or preparing for audits.

Major Duties (Essential Function)

• Accounts Receivable & Payable: Processes invoices, payments, reconciliations, and ensures compliance with City policies.
• Citywide Payments & 1099 Reporting: Manages utility and subsidy payments, collects W-9s, and submits IRS 1099 filings.
• Payroll Processing: Works with HR to manage payroll, ensure compliance, and submit tax filings.
• Purchase Cards: Administers employee purchase cards, including issuance, audits, and compliance oversight.
• Cash Receipts & Deposits: Reconciles cash, enters receipts, and processes deposits.
• Banking & State/County Remittances: Prepares bank statements, journal entries, and distributes tax payments.
• Fixed Assets: Maintains asset records, tracks changes, and prepares audit reports.
• Special Assessments: Handles billing, reconciliation, and county submissions.
• Liquor Establishment Billing & Inventory Audits: Calculates fees, invoices establishments, and conducts quarterly audits.
• Office Operations:Manages department postage funds and office supply needs.

Marginal Duties

• Attend training, seminars and workshops as deemed necessary.
• Perform all duties in compliance with safety standards and policies established by the City.
• Perform other job-related duties as deemed necessary and additional duties, tasks, or responsibilities as assigned.

Physical Demands/Work Environment (Essential Function)

• Physical Demands
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Occasional lifting or carrying of files, boxes, or office supplies up to 20 pounds.
  • Close vision to review and analyze detailed financial data and documents.
  • Ability to review detailed financial data for extended periods.
  • Occasional walking or standing, filing, or retrieving documents.
• Work Environment
  • Environment typical of office setting
  • General business hours; may be occasional required to various shifts to include day, evening, weekend, holidays, and overtime as needed.

Mental Complexity/Interpersonal Contacts (Essential Function)

• Mental Complexity
  • Demonstrates strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to analyze financial data to resolve discrepancies.
  • Identifies and resolves discrepancies in accounts by developing effective solutions.
  • Prioritizes tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment to meet deadlines.
  • Interprets and applies policies, procedures, and regulations accurately.
  • Troubleshoots and resolves issues with accounts, invoices, or records promptly and effectively.
  • Adapts to changing requirements, software systems, and process updates with ease.
• Interpersonal Contacts
  • Communicates effectively in both verbal and written forms to convey information clearly and professionally.
  • Collaborates with coworkers, departments, and stakeholders to foster strong working relationships and achieve organizational goals.
  • Provides excellent customer service by addressing inquiries and resolving concerns in a timely and professional manner.
  • Maintains discretion and integrity when handling sensitive financial information, upholding ethical standards in all interactions.

Pre-employment Screening

Pre-employment screening may include, but are not limited to, the following: references, criminal background, credit history, drug and alcohol screening, medical history questionnaire, and pre-employment physical.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform job‐related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.