Accounting Technician

Expected Hiring Range: $51,644.70-$64,555.88

Important: The pay range listed above represents the anticipated starting annual compensation for this position. Your final starting pay will be based on factors like your experience, education, and certifications.

PURPOSE

An employee in this class is responsible for the day-to-day cash receipting and general ledger operation of the Town's accounting systems. Duties include performing a full range of clerical accounting functions for routine maintenance of Town accounts.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF CLASS

• Receipt of funds from other departments as well as monies submitted direct to the Finance Department. Being responsible for assuring that generally accepted accounting principles are followed in the related systems.
• Employee ensures that periodic and special financial reports are prepared in an accurate and timely manner.
• Work is performed in a very independent manner under the direction of the accounting supervisor and following established procedures.
• The work requires the ability to understand the overall financial accounting and budgetary system.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK

• Prepare a wide variety of payroll related reports including monthly retirement report to be submitted to The State of North Carolina, quarterly 941 reports to be submitted to the Internal Revenue Service and The Department of Revenue for the State of North Carolina.
• Post a wide variety of accounting transactions including journal entries, invoice payments, fund accounts and project accounts.
• Reconcile daily cash receipts.
• Prepare IRS W2 form for distribution to employees, by the IRS deadline.
• Assist Town departments with questions regarding general ledger accounts as well as cash receipt items.
• Prepare payroll function in a timely and accurate manner on a bi-weekly basis.
• Assist in year-end closing and preparation of yearly journal entries and reconciliation.
• Assist in yearly audit and pre-audit preparation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of the principles of accounting and governmental fund accounting in particular.
• Considerable knowledge of the Town’s financial policies and practices.
• Working knowledge of standard office equipment.
• Ability to operate standard and specialized equipment used in the Town’s accounting process, such as calculators, personal computers, typewriters, and copiers.
• Knowledge of basic tax, payroll deductions, as they apply to municipal government in North Carolina.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and compile standard and special reports from these records utilizing excel worksheets.
• Ability to inter-relate accounting records to assure accuracy in recording and reporting.
• Ability to make normal arithmetic computations with speed and accuracy.
• Knowledge of the state and local laws, policies and procedures concerning governmental fiscal operations.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

• Preference that employee possess a two-year degree in accounting from a business school or community college or graduation from high school supplemented by additional course work in accounting and/or bookkeeping with payroll related and general clerical accounting experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift and carry boxes up to 40 pounds.
• Must possess a valid NC driver’s license with an excellent driving record.

Town of Southern Pines is an Equal Opportunity Employer