Accountant I

City-of-Manhattan-Kansa; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 57,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KPERS pension

Medical, Dental, Vision

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Paid sick leave

Parental leave

Education reimbursement

Long-term disability

Life insurance

Job summary

The City of Manhattan is seeking an Accountant I to support city-wide accounting and budgeting functions within the Finance Department. The role involves professional accounting work, reporting, and advisory tasks across departments.

Responsibilities include budget development, financial forecasting, generating reports, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Strong spreadsheet and database skills preferred; GASB/GAAP knowledge advantageous.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field; equivalent combination may be considered.
• Two years of professional budgeting, accounting, or financial administration experience.
• Knowledge of GASB and GAAP.
• High level user of spreadsheets, word-processing, and relational databases.

Responsibilities

• Readies and maintains financial and business transactions, applying accounting principles.
• Assists departments in budget development and preparation, including CIP, and prepares forecasts.
• Prepares budgetary and financial reports.
• Interprets accounting records, reports, and statements.
• Performs reconciliations and data verification for senior staff analysis.
• Ensures compliance with financial regulations.
• Conducts desk and field audits.
• Performs duties in general Finance functions (closing, audits, reporting).
• Attends meetings and trainings; maintains records; conducts financial research.

Skills

Budgeting experience

GAAP knowledge

GASB knowledge

Advanced Excel

Relational databases

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

Relational databases

Job description

Regular, Exempt

Starting Salary Range: $56,640.53 - $67,959.78/annualized, DOQ

Closing Date: Open until filled, may close at any time

Shift/Workdays and Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM (Generally)

Summary/Objective

The Accountant I position performs professional, technical, and analytical duties in support of the city-wide accounting and budget functions of the Finance Department.

Essential Functions

Under supervision, performs professional, technical, and analytical accounting/finance functions as the liaison to one or more internal departments assigned.

• Readies and maintains financial and business transactions, applying accounting principles that include work that is analytical, evaluative, and advisory in nature and that requires an understanding of both accounting theory and practice.
• Assists supported departments in budget development and preparation, including operational budgets and Capital Improvement Program. Provides on-going budget review and management through preparation of financial forecasts.
• Prepares budgetary and financial reports.
• Interprets the meaning of accounting records, reports, and statements.
• Performs basic and mid-level general ledger account reconciliations, accurate reporting, and data verification, enabling senior staff to analyze options and make financial decisions aligned with departmental and City objectives.
• Complies with federal, state, and local financial requirements.
• Conducts desk and field audits.

Performs general Finance department duties.

• Performs tasks related to assigned functions/areas, such as, special assessments, banking functions, capital improvement plan, internal/external audit functions, city-wide budget, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, month-end/year-end closing etc.

Performs additional duties required.

• Attends meetings and trainings.
• Maintains all records and documentation.
• Conducts financial research as assigned.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures in all duties.

Requirements

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or other related business field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered as meeting the minimum qualifications.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Two (2) years of professional budgeting, accounting, or financial administration experience.
• Knowledge of municipal, state, or federal government operations.
• High level user of spreadsheets, word-processing, and relational databases.
• Working knowledge of Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Compensation & Benefits

• Boot, Clothing and Vehicle Allowances, if applicable.
• City issued Cell Phone, if applicable.
• Retirement/Pension - City employees are required by statute to contribute to the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS). Voluntary retirement contributions are offered with Nationwide, Mission Square, and Empower KPERS 457.
• Medical, Dental, Vision - The City offers an excellent benefits package that includes wellness, medical, vision, dental, and prescription drug benefits.
• Paid Holidays – 10.5 paid holidays per year plus one additional floating holiday.
• Paid Vacation - 12 to 26 days per year based on years of service.
• Paid Sick Leave - 12 days per year.
• Paid Parental Leave - up to 6 weeks of paid leave.
• Education Reimbursement, Professional Development. Certifications/Licensure - The City will reimburse up to $8,000 per calendar year for tuition and fees. Professional Development funds are based on department budget. Certification/licensure may be reimbursed by the City.
• Other Benefits - Long-term disability, employer paid group life insurance, basic life insurance, employee assistance program and an array of voluntary benefit options.

The City of Manhattan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and believe the best workplaces bring together employees with diverse skill sets, backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints to achieve common goals. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any basis protected by law.