Staff Accountant I

St. John The Baptist Parish Government • LaPlace, LA

1d • $25 - $31 • Onsite

About The Position

Performs specialized accounting work in the preparation and maintenance of financial documents and records for the Parish. This position is “safety sensitive” and subject to random drug testing as per Parish ordinance(s) pertaining to substance abuse. This position may be classified as essential during declared emergencies or disasters.

Requirements

• Sufficient experience, education, or training to successfully perform the duties of this position and possess the knowledge, skills and abilities for the position.
• Possess the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, or related field and previous accounting work experience in a government setting or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, correspondence, and memos, and to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to representatives from other agencies, auditors, co-workers, and public officials.
• Ability to communicate, read, write and understand English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.
• Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Must possess a valid Louisiana driver's license and driving record acceptable to the Parish’s Risk Manager.
• Must be bondable.
• Knowledge of accounting fundamentals relating to debits/credits and their relationship to the General Ledger; standards and practices for establishing and maintaining valid accounting documentation and credible audit trails; accounting practices relating to the proofing and balancing of accounts, transactions and/or data entry.
• Knowledge of basic recordkeeping in the maintenance and filing of accounting documents.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel.
• Arithmetic skills to perform calculations with speed and accuracy.
• Organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to apply a variety of government rules, laws, and policies while performing a variety of administrative assignments.
• Ability to utilize specific finance software programs.
• Ability to create and maintain accurate records, reports, and files.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines and operational needs.
• Ability to use judgment and resourcefulness in solving problems, especially those problems relating to monetary discrepancies or delinquencies.
• Understanding the difference between balance sheet and income statement accounts, debits and credits and a balanced journal entry.
• Ability to analyze various sources of information and reconcile inconsistencies.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Regularly required to talk and hear; sit for prolonged periods of time for extensive use of computer keyboard for inputting data, preparing reports and other correspondence; use hands to finger, grasp, handle, or feel objects, reach with hands and arms, and communicate using telephone.
• Occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Responsibilities

• Review and approve accounts payable invoices for accuracy.
• As needed, review and enter invoices. Process payments to vendors and employees once approved for payment.
• Approve cash receipts.
• Assist with vendor issues, phone calls, emails and other accounts payable inquiries.
• Maintain contracts in the financial system.
• Review the general ledger and budget to actuals for discrepancies. Research and resolve any discrepancies.
• Maintain project and construction in progress schedules.
• Maintain debt schedules.
• Maintain capital assets in the financial system.
• Review and approve requisitions for accuracy.
• Research and disseminate information as needed.
• Maintain all records neatly and electronically.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Attractive benefits package, including up to 85% employer-paid premiums for health insurance and 100% employer-paid premiums for dental and life insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level