Accounting & Purchasing Specialist

Dallas County; Adel (IA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Dallas County is seeking an Accounting and Purchasing Specialist responsible for various accounting and procurement tasks. The role involves managing financial reports, vendor contracts, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Ideal candidates have an Associate’s Degree in Accounting or Finance and relevant experience. Join a supportive environment that encourages diversity and growth.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of related work experience in procurement.
• Knowledge of budget management principles.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and organizing county's accounting functions.
• Perform routine reconciliation operations.
• Plan and evaluate countywide procurement functions.

Skills

Knowledge of postal rules and regulations

Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

Knowledge of vendor records management principles

Skill in problem solving

Skill in prioritizing and planning

Skill in interpersonal relations

Skill in oral and written communication

Education

Associate’s Degree in Accounting

Associate’s Degree in Finance

Job description

The Accounting and Purchasing Specialist is responsible for performing a variety of accounting and procurement duties for Dallas County.

• Assists in planning, organizing and directing the County's accounting functions, including general accounting for Capital and Fixed Assets, Liabilities, Assets, revenue and expenditures and the preparation of related financial reports.

• Assists with receivables and payables for multiple departments; audits claims on behalf of the Board of Supervisors; creates and distributes invoices to internal and external customers.
• Perform routine reconciliation operations which involve a variety of documents that may require cross-referencing to identify causes of disagreement.
• Assist with compiling annual documentation for capital assets and construction projects; tags all new capital assets; prepares capital asset inventory spreadsheet for external auditors.
• Assists with updating the county’s insurance policy for buildings, vehicles, and equipment; breaks-out annual insurance invoice by department for payment.
• Assists with tracking and tagging of fixed asset equipment.
• Review, update and develop accounting policies and procedures. Researches/analyzes the impact of internal and external procedure and policy changes and reports findings.
• Comply with federal, state and local financial requirements by studying existing and new regulations, enforcing adherence to requirements and advising the Director on needed actions.
• Plans, organizes, and evaluates a variety of countywide procurement and purchasing functions including resource management, commodity and service solicitation, contracting, and evaluation of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and business needs.
• Meets with vendors and departments to discuss, develop, or revise purchase contracts for materials, equipment, and services, review product lines of supplies, discuss the suitability of price and the adaptability of products to the needs of the County, and evaluate the capability of suppliers to meet product/service demands.
• Selects sources of supplies and equipment using formal or informal purchasing methods as appropriate to procure needed items.
• Gather and manage grant files for all County departments. Prepare grand financial reporting for the annual audit.
• Identifies sourcing methods and sources of supplies.
• Plans/coordinates the purchase of supplies, materials, equipment and services from requisitions and approved budget items; makes recommendations for the enhancement of departmental policies/procedures.
• Monitors contracts and performs analysis to ensure vendor compliance in terms of quality, quantity, cost, and delivery.
• Evaluates and analyzes workflow operations and services delivery; implements process improvements.
• Prepares cost estimates for use by departments in budget preparation; verifies the intended use of equipment to determine if the item will meet the user’s need.
• Prepares financial reports for departments and the County as needed.
• Maintains appropriate documents and files.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Associate’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

• One to three years of related work experience in the procurement field.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Knowledge of postal rules and regulations, and procurement procedures.

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and governmental accounting principles
• Knowledge of general office and basic bookkeeping procedures.
• Knowledge of basic math and the ability to perform mathematical computations quickly and accurately.
• Knowledge of vendor records management principles.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Ability to make decisions in accordance with established procedures.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws.
• Knowledge of budget management principles.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in prioritizing and planning.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in operating computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects.

• The work is typically performed in an office.
• Eligible to telecommute in limited situations with the approval of the Director of Finance & Operations.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Dallas County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Women, minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.