Account Specialist

City of Granite Shoals•Granite Shoals, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the City Manager and the technical direction of the City’s contracted finance director, the Account Specialist performs municipal accounting functions focused on accounts receivable and revenue, payroll, and accounting for debt service, bond, and investment funds. The role ensures accurate financial records, timely billing and collections, payroll compliance, proper accounting for restricted funds, and adherence to City policies, governmental accounting standards, and applicable laws. As the City’s primary in-house accounting employee, the specialist serves as the day-to-day liaison with the contracted finance director, performs multiple accounting functions, and provides backup for finance and front-office staff while maintaining strong internal controls, accuracy, and confidentiality. This is a non-supervisory position. Work is performed primarily in an office setting, with frequent contact with City employees, customers, financial institutions, and auditors. The role involves time pressures around payroll, debt payments, and reporting deadlines, and may require additional hours during payroll, month-end, year-end, and audit periods. The employee regularly sits for extended periods, uses office equipment, and may lift or move objects weighing up to 20 pounds. The City of Granite Shoals is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate on the basis of protected status and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least two years of municipal accounting experience, including accounts receivable and payroll; municipal accounting experience is required.
Valid Texas driver’s license.
Complete Public Funds Investment Act investment training within 12 months of hire and continuing training as required by law.
Complete annual state-certified cybersecurity and artificial intelligence training as required by Texas Government Code Section 2054.5191.
Must be bondable and successfully pass a pre-employment criminal history background check, credit history review appropriate to a financially responsible position, and drug screen.
Knowledge of governmental fund accounting principles and practices, including GAAP and GASB standards; accounts receivable, revenue, and payroll procedures; debt service funds, bond proceeds, capital project funds, and investment accounting; relevant public funds statutes; federal and state payroll tax laws; FLSA requirements; TMRS reporting; internal controls and cash handling; reconciliations; records retention; and computers and accounting and payroll software.
Ability to perform detailed accounting work accurately; maintain confidentiality; reconcile accounts and resolve discrepancies; organize work, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks; communicate effectively orally and in writing; work independently and collaboratively; and operate computers and accounting and payroll software.
Ability to use Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and Tyler Incode 9 or similar accounting and payroll software.
Ability to meet the described physical demands, including sitting for extended periods, operating office equipment, reaching, talking and hearing, and potentially lifting or moving objects up to 20 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
Payroll experience in a Texas municipality, including TMRS reporting and police and fire payroll.
Experience with Tyler Incode 9.
Experience accounting for municipal debt service, bond proceeds, and investments.
Payroll certification such as Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP).

Responsibilities

Prepare, generate, and distribute invoices for City services, fees, grants, interlocal agreements, and other receivables.
Receive, record, and post payments to the appropriate funds and accounts; prepare and verify daily deposits; and reconcile cash receipts from City departments, including utility billing and municipal court, to the general ledger.
Record and reconcile major revenues, including property tax collections, sales tax allocations, franchise fees, and grant reimbursements.
Reconcile accounts receivable ledgers, monitor aging accounts, investigate discrepancies, and initiate collections in accordance with City policy.
Respond to customer inquiries regarding billing and account balances.
Prepare and process accurate, timely bi-weekly payroll, including reviewing timesheets, overtime, leave, and pay rate changes and applying Fair Labor Standards Act rules, including work-period rules for police and fire personnel.
Maintain payroll records for deductions, withholdings, leave accruals, garnishments, and child support orders.
Prepare and remit federal payroll tax deposits and filings, state unemployment reporting as applicable, and other required payroll reports.
Prepare and remit TMRS contributions and reports, and remit deferred compensation, insurance, and other benefit deductions.
Reconcile payroll liability accounts and payroll bank activity each pay period and quarter; assist with W-2 preparation, applicable ACA reporting, and other year-end payroll processes.
Coordinate with Human Resources regarding new hires, separations, pay changes, and other personnel actions.
Assist the contracted finance director, financial advisor, and bond counsel with continuing disclosure filings, arbitrage tracking, annual debt reporting and required website postings, and long-term debt audit schedules.
Record investment purchases, maturities, and interest earnings; allocate earnings among funds; and reconcile investment pool, depository, and investment accounts monthly.
Monitor pledged collateral on City deposits in accordance with the Public Funds Collateral Act and the City’s depository agreement.
Assist with quarterly investment reports to City Council and annual investment policy review in compliance with the Public Funds Investment Act and City policy.
Record financial transactions using fund accounting principles and governmental accounting standards, including journal entries and interfund transactions as directed.
Prepare monthly bank and other account reconciliations and assist with month-end and year-end closing.
Prepare routine financial, budget-to-actual, and payroll reports for the City Manager and contracted finance director, and provide timely, accurate records and supporting documentation to the finance director.
Assist with grant expenditure tracking and maintain supporting documentation for grant reimbursement and reporting.
Assist with fixed asset records and inventory.
Assist with the annual budget process and annual independent audit, including preparing requested schedules and supporting documentation.
Follow internal control procedures, including segregation of duties; safeguard confidential payroll, personnel, and financial information; and maintain records according to City policy and Texas State Library and Archives Commission retention schedules.
Ensure compliance with City policies and applicable federal and state laws.
Provide backup for accounts payable and other finance and front-office functions, including utility billing and cash collection.
Adhere to departmental, personnel, and safety policies and maintain regular, reliable attendance.
Perform other related duties as assigned.