Accountant I

Fulton County•Sheriff'S Office/Jail/Courts, GA

About The Position

The Accountant I assigned to the Property Tax Unit performs administrative and accounting duties to support compliance with the levy and execution of properties in Fulton County and to collect amounts owed on judicial foreclosure liens and non-judicial delinquent tax liens presented to the Sheriff. The position independently performs general accounting work, including reconciling and monitoring accounts, processing transactions, and maintaining financial and property records. It differs from Accountant II in that it handles general accounting duties and account reconciliation and monitoring, rather than preparing financial reports covering substantial County resources. The role manages the financial and administrative steps of levy and execution sales, from reviewing liens, notices, and title reports through sale administration, payment tracking, reconciliation, and preparation and maintenance of post-sale records. It works with lienholders and a contracted vendor to help ensure statutory requirements are met. The position also posts deposits and expenses in QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel, reconciles bank statements, researches outstanding items and dishonored checks, interprets court documents, and prepares reports and other financial documentation. Other related duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field, supplemented by two years of experience in government accounting, accounts payable, procurement, or a closely related financial field; an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may qualify.
Basic understanding of accounting principles and accounts payable processes.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, and Word.
Ability to communicate effectively with employees, vendors, and external partners.
Ability to demonstrate proficiency in essential functions and learn, understand, and apply County or departmental policies, practices, and procedures.
Must agree to and successfully pass a background investigation, drug screening, and polygraph.
Must be able to lift and carry items weighing approximately 10–15 pounds for Sheriff’s Levy Sales conducted on courthouse steps.
If selected, an official, accredited college transcript is required at the time of employment for degrees or coursework used to qualify.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with computer systems and software, including Microsoft Office Suite (Access, Word, and Excel), and database management.
Ability to learn legal processes and requirements related to Civil Practices, Revenue, and Taxation.
Basic understanding of legal and accounting terminology.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent customer service skills and ethical conduct.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

Review liens for facial validity and confirm required statutory pre-sale notices are issued to parties with recorded interests.
Prepare and send pre-sale communications to lienholders and required notices to parties with pre-sale record interests.
Review title reports submitted by plaintiffs and prepared by the contracted vendor, identifying potential title issues affecting levy and execution.
Submit required advertisements to the county legal organ for publication within statutory timelines.
Manage public sales, including minimum bid calculations, recording bids, and overseeing financial transactions.
Record and post payments received before and during sales and track financial activity accurately.
Reconcile funds collected, including pre-sale payments, winning bid proceeds, lienholder amounts, and funds transferred to the County for costs and fees.
Manage debt and interest owed to lienholders and maintain accurate financial records for each lien.
Prepare post-sale documents, including Sheriff’s Deeds for judicial foreclosure liens, and review Tax Deeds and related vendor-prepared documents for delinquent tax liens.
Maintain complete lien files in compliance with Georgia’s record retention schedule.
Create invoices for pulled or canceled liens and maintain proper financial documentation.
Maintain property information, including amounts owed, Sheriff’s Office costs, minimum bids, winning bids, and excess funds.
Work with lienholders and the contracted vendor to ensure statutory requirements are met throughout levy, execution, and sale processes.
Post deposits and expenses into QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel.
Post adjustment entries, reconcile accounts, monitor account budget status, review accounting documents, and post adjustments or refer errors and misstatements for resolution.
Reconcile bank statements, balance activity statements, research dishonored checks and outstanding items, and follow up with applicable parties to resolve them.
Interpret court documents and make appropriate accounting adjustments and entries.
Research information for customers and external auditors.
Receive, review, process, modify, or delete data-entry transactions related to payroll information, invoices, departmental reports, customer billings, and other division documentation within designated timeframes and procedures.
Prepare or complete reconciliation reports, reimbursement requests, receipts, financial analyses, correspondence, forms, and other documentation; compile data and maintain computerized or hardcopy records.
Provide lead direction to accounting or financial support staff as required.
Maintain knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, principles, and practices relating to government accounting, financial reporting, and grant accounting or administration; attend required professional events and training, and provide related staff guidance when applicable.
Perform other related duties as required.