Accountant I - Finance

Decatur; Decatur (AL); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Decatur is seeking an Accountant to support the city's financial operations through accurate accounting and reporting. You will handle accounts payable, journal entries, and ledger reconciliations, ensuring compliance with GAAP and city policies.

Ideal candidates will have a related bachelor's degree, 1–2 years in accounting, and strong Excel and financial systems skills to provide departmental support and timely financial reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.
• Experience or apprenticeship/internship in accounting, or 1–2 years in a similar role.
• Proficient in financial management systems and Excel, with intermediate/advanced Excel skills.
• Knowledge of GAAP and generally accepted accounting principles.
• Comfort with computers and job-related software programs.
• Strong problem solving, prioritizing and planning abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Accounts payable for all City invoices, including requisition reconciliation and payment processing.
• Maintain financial records and ensure transactions are properly recorded.
• Ensure accuracy of entries to funds ledger accounts.
• Prepare journal entries.
• Balance and reconcile assigned accounts.
• Provide financial and software support to city departments; run reports as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal relations

Oral and written communication

Problem solving

Prioritizing and planning

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Financial management systems

Job description

This position performs accounting functions in support of the city’s financial operations.

Job Summary

This position performs accounting functions in support of the city’s financial operations.

Major Duties

• Accounts payable for all City invoices including requisition reconciliation and payment processing.

• Assists in maintaining financial records and ensuring that financial transactions are properly recorded.
• Ensures the accuracy of entries to all funds ledger accounts.
• Prepares journal entries.
• Balances/reconciles assigned accounts.
• Provides financial and software support to city departments; offer department financial position, available budget, run reports as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.

• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Must be proficient in financial management systems as well as Microsoft Office, with intermediate to advanced skill in Excel.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skilled in problem solving.
• Skilled in prioritizing and planning.
• Skilled in interpersonal relations.
• Skilled in oral and written communication.

Supplemental Information

Guidelines

• GAAP, GASB guidelines, internal control procedures, relevant state and federal laws, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

Complexity/Scope of Work

• The work consists of varied accounting duties. Strict regulations and the need for accuracy contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to provide financial accounting support for the city’s financial operations. Successful performance ensures the efficiency and effectiveness of those operations.

Contacts

• Contacts are typically with coworkers, representatives of other government agencies, bankers, auditors, vendors, attorneys, accountants, and the general public.
• Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table.
• The work is typically performed in an office.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility

• None.