Senior Account Specialist

Metropolitan Council•390 Robert St. N St. Paul, MN

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Account Specialist performs transactional accounting, applies knowledge of GAAP and/or governmental accounting, researches and resolves problems, and provides training as needed. The position supports agency-wide financial operations, particularly accounts payable, payment processing, reconciliation, tax reporting, and related accounting procedures. The work is performed in a standard office setting and may require travel between the primary work site and other sites. This position is eligible for a hybrid telework arrangement; the candidate’s permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin. The position will create a six-month eligibility list for current and future openings. The anticipated starting salary range is $75,560–$86,000, and the full salary range is $70,117–$113,797. Starting salary depends on the selected candidate’s experience, skills, education, and internal salary equity. The position is AFSCME, Grade E, non-exempt, and not safety sensitive.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and at least five years of accounting experience; or an associate degree and at least three years of accounting experience; or a bachelor’s degree or higher and at least one year of accounting experience. Education must be in accounting, finance, or a closely related field.
Knowledge of accounting procedures sufficient to code, process, and post accounting documents related to business functions such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, contracts, payroll taxes, or fixed assets.
Knowledge of basic accounting and business principles sufficient to monitor, collect, and analyze data and implement minor procedural and transactional changes in fiscal operations.
Knowledge of office procedures, methods, equipment, and office or financial software sufficient to input and access information in computer systems.
Knowledge of Council policies and procedures and legal requirements for handling and reporting State and Federal taxes.
Knowledge of State and Federal tax laws, 1099 reporting accuracy, and the P-card process.
Knowledge of document scanning practices and systems, alpha/numeric filing systems, and record keeping.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to make arithmetical computations rapidly and accurately.
Ability to meet short or critical deadlines and manage multiple tasks concurrently with a high degree of accuracy.
Ability to interpret and apply basic accounting principles of Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures (GAAP).
Ability to read and comprehend a variety of materials and follow detailed instructions, verbal and written directions.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence and adhere to internal controls and Council policies and procedures.
Ability to use office equipment such as calculators, personal computers, and scanners.
Ability to provide courteous and efficient service, communicate effectively with internal and external customers, and politely handle confused, agitated, or hostile clients or customers.

Nice To Haves

Experience performing account reconciliation, auditing payment discrepancies, processing accounts payable transactions, and preparing electronic fund transfers.
Experience using business accounting software, preferably PeopleSoft Financials.
Experience using an electronic document management system, preferably Application Xtender.
Experience using Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Experience working with governmental accounting.
Experience with tax reporting.
Experience working with Accounts Payable in a large, complex organization.
An associate degree or higher.
Experience working with diverse populations of internal and external customers.

Responsibilities

Audit bills, claims, and related documents by recalculating and reviewing them for accuracy and conformance with payment conditions.
Process accounts payable transactions and review monthly vendor statements for accuracy.
Prepare accounts payable forms, claims, and other payment documents.
Validate vendor invoices against purchase orders and receiving records.
Reconcile account discrepancies by identifying and tracing errors, obtaining correct data, and entering corrections.
Prepare periodic reports documenting transactions.
Scan verified accounts payable transactions for online viewing by other Council staff.
Assist with printing checks and employee expenses.
Enter transaction data into the PeopleSoft Financial system, ensuring precise calculations.
Perform routine clerical work, including routing mail and receiving, sorting, and delivering mail.
Process, review, approve, and post payments using knowledge of accounting procedures and coding.
Develop, improve, and install work instructions and forms; recommend procedural revisions in response to new systems or identified needs.
Review and assist with issues brought forward by Account Specialists.
Identify 1099-reportable payments, review vendor information, reconcile payment data, and prepare and file annual 1099 forms.
Ensure the accuracy of 1099 data and issue 1099s to vendors.
Remain current with State and Federal tax laws and submit tax documents as required.
Maintain the established department P-card payment process.
Perform other related duties as assigned.