ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST/PAYROLL COORDINATOR

City of North Kansas City•North Kansas City, MO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs bi-weekly payroll, business license renewals and compliance, varied and complex human resources functions including preparation of bi-weekly and monthly premiums. Position will provide backup customer service to Finance Clerks and process utility and other payments as needed.

Requirements

Must possess four years of college-level course work (or a bachelor’s degree) in Accounting or a related field, and at least three years related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proficiency in English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and simple mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, ratios, etc.;
Knowledge of bookkeeping and generally accepted accounting principles, terminology, procedures, theory, and practices;
Knowledge of (or ability to learn) City ordinances, City organization and functions, as well as the processes, policies, codes, regulations, and protocols related to the essential duties and responsibilities;
Proficiency in use of personal computer software, including spreadsheet development and word processing;
Ability to provide appropriate customer service and interact effectively with individuals who may be confused, upset, or irate;
Ability to remain calm and level-headed during times of high pressure or stress;
Ability to learn how to use software applications and systems related to the essential duties and responsibilities;
Ability to comprehend, process, and apply both verbal and written skills appropriate to the job;
Ability to detect errors, determine causes, and make corrections as appropriate;
Ability to operate modern office equipment such as personal computer, facsimile, copiers, scanners, and telephones;
Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with customers, co-workers, and representatives of other agencies, including individuals with various educational, lingual, and economic backgrounds;
Skilled in researching and resolving customer questions and problems;
Ability to develop, layout, and implement clerical procedures and operations from general instructions;
Ability to explain departmental policies, processes, and services in layman’s terms;
Ability to accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files;
Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries;
Ability to meet deadlines under time constraints and multi-task;
Ability to use City resources effectively and efficiently.

Responsibilities

Performs bi-weekly payroll processing including premium payments bi-weekly and monthly;
Renews business licenses, tracks delinquent accounts, coordinates collection efforts with Community Development department, issues licenses, locates unlicensed businesses by cross referencing permits department, utility and property tax records, verifies compliance with state and city tax clearances, obtains insurance clearances, corresponds with businesses concerning requirements, and maintains files;
Assists Human Resources Manager as needed including benefits processing, research and other related functions;
Performs routine general accounting activities, including collecting, interpreting, and analyzing financial data as well as performing account reconciliations and preparing a variety of financial reports;
Provides comprehensive customer service in person and over the phone, including answering customer questions regarding City services, fees, and taxes as well as directing calls and visitors to appropriate departments and staff;
Provides back up services to Finance Clerks for any or all duties such as customer billing and payments of services including utility billing, accounts payable and procurement card purchase review, etc. and performs adjustments and journal entries for internal utility payments;
Processes, compiles, and researches information and statistics, prepares and verifies data, reports, correspondence, and other documents, utilizing applicable software and systems as well as independently running reports, identifies potential errors or omissions, researches and resolves incomplete information;
Uses a wide variety of office machines such as printers, personal computers, facsimile machine, postage machine, adding machine, scanners, and copiers;
Explores and brings forth new ways to improve efficiency in the workplace;
Assists with special projects and performs other similar duties as assigned.