This is an entry-level professional position responsible for performing accounting work and projects involving application of financial practices and principles. Responsible for a wide variety of accounting functions including analyzing financial transactions, preparing journal entries, reconciling accounts, creating audit work papers, and preparing reports. In addition, this position would assist with the development of budget spreadsheets and budget monitoring and provide support for other projects. This role will oversee the procurement process and maintain contracts for City projects.
Salary Expectations: 3% Expected Cost of Living Increase January 1, 2025 4% Step increase July 1, 2025 up to $35.16 per hour
Essential Job Functions
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all the following essential functions. These examples do not include all the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.
Assist departments to develop and analyze proposals and bids for the purchase of goods and services. Instruct departments on data necessary to obtain good products.
Assist departments in resolving any discrepancies with suppliers or contracts. Manage contracts as necessary.
Works with the city's ambulance billing provider to process questions, payments, and manage delinquent ambulance collections. Manage ambulance uncollectible accounts through the state debt collection (SDC).
Prepares the bank reconciliation for the City's bank accounts and employee benefits.
Prepares and enters general ledger journal entries. Maintains schedules for balance sheet accounts identifying, investigating and troubleshooting issues as needed. Makes standard accounting decisions investigating items with other departments, vendors, and reviewing Generally Accepted Accounting Principles as necessary.
Assists with payroll adjustments.
Under the direction of the Controller, assists in proofing, processing, and recording the City's various financial functions including accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipting, maintenance of fixed assets, and the issuance of purchase orders.
Prepares audit schedules. Works with staff from other departments to verify that account balances and activity are coded correctly. Prepares audit work papers and account reconciliations. Responds to auditor inquiries and requests.
Reconciles tax payment batches, prepares deposits, researches and responds to questions or problems. Assists with tax payment entry, the preparation of manual tax bills, and other tasks as necessary. Assists in the reporting of special assessments, special charges, and delinquent utilities to be placed on the tax roll.
Assists with the preparation of budget spreadsheets, reports, and the recommended and approved budget documents. Assists with budget monitoring and analysis of account activity.
Work with department managers through the formal Request for Bid/Proposal process including posting on bidding networks and managing the evaluation process.
Updates auto and property insurance as needed.
Prepares and submits sales tax reports.
Monitors, maintains, and closes purchase orders.
Prepares and submits quarterly off-road fuel tax reports.
Maintains utility reports and balances utility accounts receivable.
Prepares and sends overdue invoices for accounts receivable.
Performs other financial tasks such as researching accounting and revenue/expenditure inquiries; assisting with the preparation of financial reports; and performing work of the Financial Services Technician positions as necessary.
Reviews and approves all purchase card transactions for the City. Work with Senior Accountant/Controller to set up new users, increase credit limits, and answer cardholder questions regarding balance and transactions. Ensure all transactions adhere to the City purchasing and travel policies.
Requirements of Work
A Bachelor's degree in accounting, or related field; with one to three years of experience, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, ability and skills:
Knowledge of
Requires knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for financial accounting including general ledger accounting and account reconciliation.
Knowledge of auditing procedures and practices.
Knowledge of payroll procedures and employer tax law.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office suite applications and comfort working with various software including word processing, spreadsheets, databases and integrated financial software systems, and calendar and email systems.
Ability to
Ability to reconcile accounts with significant and varied activity.
Ability to research and resolve financial questions.
Ability to work autonomously, in team/collaborative environments, and cross-functionally with other departments/divisions.
Ability to establish and maintain relationships with diverse populations at all levels of the organization, outside vendors/client representatives/peers and the public, and ability to relate effectively with people of varied academic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy.
Skill in
Requires skill in listening, critical thinking, problem analysis and problem solving; written/verbal communication skills; ability to tailor the message, context, and mode of communication to the audience; ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment and self-identify organizational, departmental, and individual priorities.
Must possess skill in monitoring one's own work to ensure quality, accuracy, and thoroughness; sound judgment in recognizing scope of authority; ability to think strategically, commit to innovation and continuous process improvement, and work collaboratively within the organization.
Other Job Functions
Report Preparation: monthly WRS report, quarterly and annual Unemployment and State 941 reports, quarterly Off-Road Fuel Tax report, bi-weekly warrant report for council.
Assist with the insurance claim process for auto and liability claims.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is performed mostly in an office setting; hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stand and talk or hear; use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
The City of Sun Prairie is committed to advancing equity, honoring our diverse identity, and creating an inclusive culture. These serve as our guiding principles every day in all that we do. Keep us accountable to this mission and join us in this commitment to a thriving Sun Prairie, as you live, work, and play. If you need an accommodation during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 608-825-1174 or HumanResources@cityofsunprairie.com.