The primary objective of this role is to deliver comprehensive accounting assistance for various Finance Department functions, including payroll processing and accounts payable management, while also offering analytical support, reconciliation, and accounting services for municipal funds.

Operating under the general oversight of the Controller, the Accountant employs independent judgment and expertise to execute daily responsibilities in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures.

This position involves providing confidential support to the Finance Director, Municipal Administrator, Assembly, and other department leaders who influence management policies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Support and cover for other Finance department roles as necessary due to absences or vacancies.
• Execute all components of the bi-weekly payroll process in the absence of the Payroll Specialist.
• Manage vendor payments and p-card transactions in the absence of the Accounts Payable Clerk.
• Prepare and reconcile quarterly 941 reports and biweekly PERS and SBS submissions.
• Conduct periodic reconciliations of all payroll liability accounts.
• Assist in preparing supporting documents for the annual external audit.
• Perform internal audits of financial transactions and account analyses as required.
• Provide accounting support for new municipal programs as needed.
• Offer guidance and training to new employees regarding specific work tasks.
• Aid in the development and implementation of financial accounting systems and procedures.
• Undertake additional duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Government Accounting and Auditing Financial Reporting (GAAFR) standards.
• Payroll processes and regulations.
• Financial office procedures, practices, and internal controls.

Skills in:

• Operating a personal computer with standard software, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, as well as specialized financial and accounting software.

• Analyzing complex financial reports and records.
• Organizing and maintaining a diverse range of records and files, both paper and electronic, with a keen attention to detail.
• Prioritizing and managing workload effectively.
• Handling financial records with strong attention to detail.

Ability to:
• Apply complex salary and compensation calculations during payroll processing.
• Produce high-quality work that has been thoroughly reviewed for accuracy.
• Work independently and maintain confidentiality.
• Communicate effectively with others, both verbally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language.
• Understand and adhere to oral and written policies, procedures, and instructions.
• Prepare and present accurate reports containing findings and recommendations.
• Utilize logical and creative thinking to develop solutions based on specifications and instructions.
• Perform a variety of duties with accuracy and efficiency under time-sensitive conditions.
• Quickly learn and apply newly acquired skills and knowledge.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field; and
• Three years of experience in governmental or non-profit accounting; and

• Any equivalent combination of experience, education, and training that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work.

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS OR EXPECTATIONS
None

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Working Conditions:
General office environment.

Specific Physical Requirements:
• Operating office equipment that requires repetitive hand movements and fine coordination using a computer and keyboard daily.
• Standing or sitting for extended periods in front of a computer.
• Occasional bending, climbing, stooping, reaching, and twisting.
• Occasionally lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects up to 25 pounds with or without assistance.

General Physical Requirements:

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities that enable effective communication with colleagues and the public.

• Adequate vision or observational skills to use a computer screen and process numerical data.

• Sufficient manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and access files.
• Adequate personal mobility and physical reflexes to navigate an office setting.

BENEFITS
• PERS Defined Contribution Retirement.
• Employer Paid Life Insurance (employee and dependents).
• Medical, Dental, and Vision (90%/10% employer/employee paid) (employee and dependents).
• Annual Leave & Sick Leave.
• Paid Holidays.
• Floating Holidays.
• Eligibility for 457 Retirement Plans.
• Eligibility for Supplemental Insurance Plans.
The City and Borough of Sitka is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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