Accountant I

City of Essex Junction • Essex Junction, VT

2d

About The Position

The City is seeking an organized, detail-oriented professional to join its Finance team as an Accountant I. The position is responsible for accurate and timely processing of the City’s bi-weekly payroll and accounts payable, and for maintaining payroll, vendor, and financial records. The role supports employees and departments across the organization.

Requirements

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Experience using financial software and spreadsheets.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work professionally with employees, City officials, vendors, and outside organizations.
• An Associate’s Degree in an appropriate discipline plus one to two years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of related education and experience.

Nice To Haves

• Basic knowledge of federal and state regulations related to payroll and HR.

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly payroll, including reviewing timesheets, forms, and reports for accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain employee payroll information, including new hires, deductions, pay changes, retirement contributions, insurance withholdings, association dues, and wage attachments.
• Prepare direct deposit and banking records.
• Assist with administration of the City’s municipal retirement program in coordination with Human Resources.
• Prepare required federal and state payroll reports for review and approval.
• Prepare payroll and leave accrual reports.
• Process invoices for City departments through the City’s purchasing and accounting systems.
• Reconcile City charge accounts and resolve discrepancies.
• Produce and distribute bi-weekly accounts payable checks and prepare positive pay files.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date payroll, accounts payable, vendor, and insurance records.
• Assist with reconciliations, accruals, and audits.
• Prepare and distribute annual tax forms, including W-2s, 1099s, and 1095-Cs.
• Prepare and file unclaimed property with the State of Vermont.
• Assist other Finance Department staff as needed.

Benefits

• Three weeks of paid vacation to start.
• 14 paid holidays.
• 18 sick days per year.
• Retirement benefits include a pension plan (VMERS C) or deferred compensation plan (VMERS DC), and the ability to contribute to a 457, Traditional IRA, or Roth account.
• Health insurance benefit: the City pays 94% of the medical premium and the first 80% of the deductible; the employee is responsible for the next 20%, capped at $600 for single plans and $1,200 for all other plans for covered medical expenses.
• Dental and vision coverage fully paid by the employer.
• Short-term disability and life insurance fully paid by the employer.
• Qualified Employer for the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree