Accountant

Under the general direction of the Assistant Finance Director, performs professional accounting, payroll, financial reporting, and internal control functions for the City and Public Utilities Commission. This position assists with the planning, organization, and administration of financial operations, ensures accurate financial records are maintained, and provides supervision and direction to assigned Finance Office staff. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB: **Payroll Administration** - Administers and processes bi-weekly payroll for City and Public Utilities employees. - Ensures accurate and timely payroll tax deposits and required federal and state payroll reporting. - Researches and resolves payroll issues and discrepancies. - Maintains payroll tables, earning codes, deduction codes, and related payroll information within the financial software. - Performs payroll benefit reconciliations and coordinates benefit payments. - Prepares all required year-end payroll reporting, including but not limited to: 1. W-2 and W-3 2. Forms 1099 3. Forms 1096 4. ACA Forms 1094-C and 1095-C 5. Other federal and state payroll as required **Accounting and Financial Administration** - Performs professional accounting and internal auditing functions. - Prepare audit workpapers and assists external auditors during the annual audit. - Audits financial documents for proper revenue and expenditure classification. - Assists in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports. - Assists the Assistant Finance Director with preparation of Economic Development Authority (EDA) audit schedules and supporting documentation. - Administers assigned grants, reimbursement programs, and other financial reporting requirements. - Recommends improvements in accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls. - Maintains journals, ledgers, and general accounting records. - Prepares account reconciliations, analyses, adjusting journal entries, and supporting schedules. - Supervise subordinate staff and complete annual reviews. - Assists with budget preparation, including salary and benefit projections and equipment depreciation schedules. - Prepares property schedules for the City’s annual insurance renewal. - Prepares submits the State of Minnesota Annual Financial Report. - Approve requisitions within delegated authority. - Posts accounts receivable entries and adjustments. - Calculates, files, and remits monthly sales tax and researches sales tax issues as needed. - Responsible for coding, entering, posting, balancing, and preparing daily deposits as assigned. **Supervision and Leadership** - Assists in organizing, assigning, directing, and supervising the work of Finance Office staff. - Provides training, guidance, and technical support to assigned employees. - Conducts performance evaluations and provides coaching and performance feedback. - Assists with developing efficient workflows and improving departmental processes. **Customer Service and Administrative Support** - Assists customers at the Finance Office counter and by telephone regarding utility billing, payments, and account questions. - Approves and signs customer payments agreements in accordance with City policy. - Maintains airport hangar lease records and tracking documentation. - Assists with election-related duties as assigned. - Attends City Council and Public Utilities Commission meetings in the absence of the Finance Director or Assistant Finance Director. - Performs other duties as assigned. The aforementioned functions are normal for this position. They are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSA’s) - Thorough knowledge of governmental accounting principles and practices. - Knowledge of municipal payroll administration and applicable payroll laws and regulations. - Knowledge of federal and state tax reporting requirements, including payroll tax reporting and Affordab…