Staff Accountant - Utilities

City of Salida•Salida, CO

14d•$62,753 - $75,303•Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Accountant performs professional accounting, utility billing, payroll, financial reporting, and customer service functions in support of the City’s governmental and enterprise fund operations. Primary responsibilities include administration of the utility billing program, payroll processing, account reconciliations, financial analysis, and support of the City’s water and wastewater utility operations. The position also assists with accounts payable, accounts receivable, audit and budget activities, customer service, and other finance and administrative functions. As the primary backup for the City Hall front desk, the position assists walk-in customers and callers, provides cashiering support, and helps ensure continuity of customer service operations. Work requires strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively across City departments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field required, with a preference for a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger maintenance, account reconciliations, fixed assets, payroll, and financial reporting.
Knowledge of accounting principles, governmental accounting practices, payroll administration, financial reporting, and internal controls.
Knowledge of utility billing processes, customer account management, and revenue collection practices.
Ability to interpret and apply the Utilities Chapter of the Salida Municipal Code, City policies, and applicable regulations.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and experience with accounting, payroll, and utility billing software.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to research issues, reconcile accounts, and prepare accurate financial reports.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
Excellent customer service, interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, customers, vendors, governmental agencies, and the public.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, work independently, and adapt to changing priorities and technology.
Work is performed primarily in an office environment and requires prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and occasional standing while assisting customers and coworkers.
The position requires the ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic correspondence; regularly operate standard office equipment; and intermittently lift or move items weighing up to 20 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience with governmental accounting, utility billing, and payroll administration is preferred.
Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Responsibilities

Administer all aspects of the utility billing program, including account setup and maintenance, billing generation, meter data integration, customer account management, and final billing.
Coordinate with Public Works, developers, property owners, and external agencies regarding meter readings, service changes, utility applications, tap permits, and sewer billing activities.
Maintain customer records, billing classifications, and account information in compliance with City ordinances, resolutions, and the Salida Municipal Code.
Research and resolve customer billing inquiries; process authorized billing adjustments, payment transactions, ACH files, auto-pay accounts, liens, and related account activities.
Analyze utility usage, billing, and revenue data; prepare receivable calculations, audit schedules, and other financial reporting related to utility operations.
Prepare required utility reports and surveys and ensure compliance with applicable regulations, policies, records retention requirements, and Municipal Code provisions.
Process bi-weekly payroll using ADP Workforce Now, including timekeeping uploads, payroll validation, deductions, tax withholdings, retirement contributions, and general ledger interface entries.
Reconcile payroll reports, ensure compliance with payroll tax and reporting requirements, and respond to employee payroll and benefit inquiries.
Perform account reconciliations, journal entries, accounts payable and accounts receivable processing, financial reporting, and audit support activities.
Verify and approve departmental financial transactions, monitor outstanding checks and escheatment requirements, and ensure accurate general ledger coding and recordkeeping.
Assist in evaluating financial processes, workflows, and internal controls to enhance accuracy, efficiency, compliance, and accountability.
Identify process improvements, review financial transactions for adherence to established procedures, and support citywide internal control initiatives.
Provide professional customer service to utility customers and the public, including assistance with online payment systems and account inquiries.
Serve as the primary backup to the City Hall front desk, assisting walk-in customers and telephone callers in a professional, courteous, and responsive manner.
Maintain departmental records and provide backup support for front desk operations, cashiering, daily deposits, and other administrative or finance functions.
Collaborate with Finance, Public Works, and other City departments; participate in cross-training and perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.