Accountant I

City of Essex Junction; Essex (VT); On-site; USD 34,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation 3 weeks

Holidays 14

Sick leave 18

VMERS retirement plan

457/IRA options

Dental & Vision 100% paid

Disability & Life insurance

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

The City of Essex Junction is seeking an organized Accountant I to join the Finance team in Essex Junction, Vermont. The role focuses on accurate bi-weekly payroll processing, accounts payable, and maintaining payroll and vendor records across the organization.

You'll support multiple departments while ensuring compliance, timely reporting, and accurate financial documentation. This position offers a stable career path within the City's Finance Department.

Qualifications

• Associate degree plus 1–2 years of relevant experience or equivalent
• Basic knowledge of federal and state payroll and HR regulations preferred
• Experience using financial software and spreadsheets

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly payroll including reviewing timesheets and reports for accuracy
• Maintain employee payroll information (new hires, deductions, retirement contributions, insurance withholdings)
• Prepare direct deposits and banking records
• Prepare federal/state payroll reports for review and approval
• Process invoices for City departments and reconcile accounts payable
• Prepare and distribute payroll and leave accrual reports
• Maintain payroll, accounts payable, vendor, and insurance records
• Assist with reconciliations, accruals, and audits
• Prepare and file tax forms (W‑2s, 1099s, 1095‑Cs)
• Assist with unclaimed property filings with the State of Vermont

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Discretion with confidential info

Interpersonal skills

Education

Associate degree in a relevant discipline

Tools

Accounting software

Spreadsheets

Job description

The City is seeking an organized, detail-oriented professional to join our Finance team as an Accountant I. This position is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of the City’s bi-weekly payroll and accounts payable, as well as maintaining payroll, vendor, and financial records.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with numbers, staying organized, and supporting employees and departments across the organization.

Pay/Wages

Pay is $24.85 to $31.25 based on the candidate’s experience.

Benefits(this is not a comprehensive list of benefits)

• 3 weeks paid vacation to start.
• 14 paid holidays
• 18 sick days per year
• Retirement benefits include apension plan (VMERS C)or deferred compensation plan (VMERS DC),and the ability to contribute to a 457, Traditional IRA or ROTH
• Generous health insurancebenefitin which the Citypays94% of the premium for medical and the first 80% of the deductible. After that, you are only responsible for the next 20%, which is not more than $600 for single plans and no more than $1200 for all otherplans forcovered medical expenses.
• 100% employer paid for dental and vision
• 100% employer paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

What You’ll Do

• Process bi-weekly payroll, including reviewing timesheets, forms, and reports for accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain employee payroll information, including new hires, deductions, pay changes, retirement contributions, insurance withholdings, association dues, and wage attachments.
• Prepare direct deposit and banking records.
• Assist with administration of the City’s municipal retirement program in coordination with Human Resources.
• Prepare required federal and state payroll reports for review and approval.
• Prepare payroll and leave accrual reports.
• Process invoices for City departments through the City’s purchasing and accounting systems.
• Reconcile City charge accounts and resolve discrepancies.
• Produce and distribute bi-weekly accounts payable checks and prepare positive pay files.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date payroll, accounts payable, vendor, and insurance records.
• Assist with reconciliations, accruals, and audits.
• Prepare and distribute annual tax forms, including W-2s, 1099s, and 1095-Cs.
• Prepare and file unclaimed property with the State of Vermont.
• Assist other Finance Department staff as needed.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Experience using financial software and spreadsheets.
• The ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work professionally with employees, City officials, vendors, and outside organizations.
• An Associate’s Degree in an appropriate discipline plus one to two years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of related education and experience.
• Basic knowledge of federal and state regulations related to payroll and HR is preferred.