Accountant

General Statement of Duties: Responsible position accountable for independently applying professional accounting principles and analysis to a full range of tasks. Performs accounting work in the billing, receiving and processing of Water Pollution Control Department customer transactions as well as other accounting work assigned by the Finance Department.

Supervision Received: Works under the general supervision of the Director of Water Pollution Control and the Finance Officer or their designee.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

None

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Oversees the recording of complex journal entries related to sewer use and assessment billings and collections; mails revised sewer user fees to customers; maintains petty cash; updates property transfers; issues sewer permits; disburses funds as required; prepares payroll; performs inter-fund transfers; receives payments, makes bank deposits and performs monthly bank reconciliations; accounts for all fees, charges and other levies; posts, balances, and corrects lock box transmission of payments to customer files; prepares and sends notices to customers for collection; courteously assist WPCA customers on the phone and in the office; arranges delinquent payment plans for WPCA customers; prepares and files lien certificates and lien releases with the Town Clerk; analyzes and interprets records and reports; assists in the planning, design and implementation of accounting procedures or systems; assists in budget preparation and review; monitors expenses and operating budget; provides technical and regulatory assistance to the department and the public; compiles data and prepares and analyzes reports; maintain and improve office efficiency; regular and punctual attendance; and other accounting work and responsibilities of the Finance department; other duties as required.

PYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear and perform repetitive tasks with hands, wrists and arms. May be occasionally required to walk, kneel, use hands to operate, finger, handle or feel objects or controls and reach with hands and arms; may be required to perform repetitive motions. May occasionally be required to lift, push or pull up to 20 pounds. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions. Must be able to concentrate on fine detail with constant interruption, attend to task for 45-60 minutes at a time, remember multiple assignments given over long periods of time and understand the theories behind several related concepts.

May be exposed to dust, fluctuations in inside temperature & electro-magnetic radiation as a computer screen. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of professional accounting, budgeting principles and practices; knowledge of basic auditing principles and practices and ability to use them to solve practical problems; excellent communication skills; ability to acquire a working knowledge of water pollution control authority business practices and procedures; ability to organize and maintain accurate accounting records, controls and billing systems; maintain confidential files and reports; ability to apply considerable knowledge of the theories, principles, practices and techniques of municipal accounting; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public; ability to analyze situations and make decisions in working toward assigned objective; ability to prepare and interpret written material and reports; must be resourceful, accurate and reliable; must be computer proficient with concentration in MS Office, primarily in Excel and Access.

Experience & Training:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Business Administration with three (3) years of increasingly responsible office accounting or bookkeeping experience; or Associates degree in Accounting and six (6) years of office accounting experience. Any equivalent combination of education and experience, preferably in municipal accounting.

This job description is not intended to be a complete statement of all duties, functions and responsibilities which comprise this position. EOE/AA/M/F

Historical Record: Last revision November 1, 1999

Revised: April 28, 2014; Adopted: May 21, 2024

Revised: May 14, 2024