Accounting & Operations Analyst

Cityofmarion; Marion (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Marion's Marion Water Department seeks an Accounting & Operations Analyst to manage accounting, payroll, benefits, and financial reporting, aligning systems with department needs.

The role partners with the City's Payroll & Finance Department to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficient operations, with a standard schedule and competitive hourly compensation.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of accounting principles, general ledger, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of payroll processing, tax reporting, employee benefits, and HR requirements.
• Strong Excel skills and ERP system proficiency (Tyler Technologies, SAP, Oracle).
• Ability to analyze financial data, monitor budgets, identify discrepancies, and recommend improvements.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the general ledger, prepare journal entries, reconcile accounts, and produce monthly and year-end financial reports.
• Review accounts payable, monitor cash flow, coordinate remittances, and ensure proper coding and accruals.
• Assist with budget preparation, monitor revenues/expenditures, and support forecasting and reporting.
• Process payroll, reconcile liabilities, and prepare quarterly and annual payroll filings.
• Administer employee benefits, maintain records, coordinate onboarding, and assist with HR compliance.
• Prepare tax reports (sales/excise), 1099s, ACA reporting, and vendor documentation.
• Maintain capital assets/depreciation records and assist with audits.
• Coordinate ERP, payroll, HR setups, testing, integrations, and support cases.
• Analyze data and communicate findings to management to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Liaise with City departments, auditors, and staff on accounting/reporting needs and audits.

Skills

Excel skills

Financial analysis

Attention to detail

Communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Tools

Tyler Technologies

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Accounting & Operations Analyst Position

Applications Due: October 23rd, 2026

JOB INFORMATION

Job Title: Accounting & Operations Analyst

Department: Marion Water Department

Reports to Position: General Manager

Location: Marion Water Department

Overtime Status: Hourly

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary: $70,000 - $85,000, depending on qualifications and experience

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the General Manager, the Accounting & Operations Analyst performs the Marion Water Department's accounting, payroll, and benefits administration functions. This position maintains accurate financial records, prepares financial and regulatory reports, supports budgeting and audit activities, and coordinates department business software and related processes. The Analyst works collaboratively with the City's Payroll & Finance Department to configure systems and processes to meet the Water Department's operational and reporting needs. This position also collaborates with management and staff to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficient department operations. This position is non-exempt, with a standard work schedule aligned with the Marion Water Department's business hours of 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/WORK PERFORMED

• Accounting and financial reporting: Maintain the general ledger; prepare and process journal entries; reconcile bank accounts and balance transfer sheet accounts; and prepare monthly and year-end financial reports.


• Accounts payable and cash management: Review accounts payable for proper account coding, capital asset classification, and accruals; monitor cash flow and bank transfers; reconcile and coordinate remittances to the City; and process check voids as needed.


• Budgeting and financial analysis: Assist with budget preparation and implementation, monitor revenues and expenditures, analyze variances and trends, and support utility rate forecasting and reporting.


• Payroll Administration: Process payroll, reconcile payroll liabilities, remit employee withholding and employer contributions, and prepare quarterly reports, annual W-2s, and other required payroll filings.


• Human Resources and benefits: Administer employee benefit and wellness programs, maintain authorized personnel and benefits records, prepare employee benefit communications, coordinate interviews and employee onboarding, and assist the General Manager with personnel policy updates and HR compliance.


• Tax and regulatory reporting: Prepare and submit applicable sales and excise tax reports, vendor 1099s, ACA reporting, and other required filings, obtain and maintain vendor tax documentation.


• Capital assets and audits: Maintain capital asset and depreciation records, compile supporting documentation, and assist with financial, IPERS, and worker's compensation audits.


• Business systems coordination: Coordinate ERP, payroll, HR, and related software setup, permissions, updates, testing, integrations, and support cases; collaborate with staff and vendors on meter-reading and utility billing system needs.


• Data and process improvement: Compile and analyze financial and operational data, communicate findings to management, maintain forms and procedures, and recommend improvements to accuracy and efficiency.


• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the Water Department's primary liaison with the City of Marion's Payroll and Finance Department, external auditors, and department staff to coordinate accounting and financial reporting, support audits and annual benefits open enrollment, and configure payroll systems and processes to meet department needs.


• Confidentiality and Personnel Records: Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive payroll, compensation, and employee benefits information accessed or processed in the course of assigned duties.


• Other duties as assigned: Participate as needed or assigned in special department projects or assignments.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of accounting principles, general ledger maintenance, reconciliations, and financial reporting.


• Knowledge of payroll processing, tax reporting, employee benefits, and applicable HR requirements.


• Strong Excel skills and proficiency with ERP systems (e.g. Tyler Technologies, SAP, Oracle)


• Ability to analyze financial data, monitor budgets, identify discrepancies, and recommend improvements.


• Ability to maintain accurate records and handle confidential information with discretion.


• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet recurring deadlines.


• Effective communication, sound judgement, and ability to work independently and collaboratively.


• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills.


• Ability to occasionally lift objects up to 50lbs.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, public administration, or a closely related field preferred.


• 3 - 5 years of progressive corporate accounting, municipal finance, and/or business systems administration. Experience inside a public utility department is preferred but not required.


• Meet eligibility requirements for employee fidelity bond as set by Department’s insurance carrier.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Works a standard work week.


• May be required to work overtime upon demand of workload.

REQUIRED BACKGROUND CHECKS

• Criminal Background Check


• Sex Offender Registry Check


• Credit Check


• Driving Record Check