Accounting Specialist

Jocogov; Kansas; On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson County Government seeks an Accounting Specialist to perform technical accounting and financial support for the Sheriff’s Office, handling accounts payable, payroll processing, revenue tracking, budget support, and general ledger activities. The role ensures accuracy, compliance, and timeliness of financial transactions while supporting departmental staff and County Finance.

The position requires attention to detail, analytical and communication skills, and knowledge of GAAP.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field is preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
• Knowledge of public-sector administration is preferred.
• Minimum two (2) year’s experience in accounting, bookkeeping, or governmental fiscal experience.

Responsibilities

• Process accounts payable transactions in compliance with County policies and statutory requirements.
• Audit invoices, purchasing documentation, and expense reports for accuracy, proper coding, and authorization.
• Reconcile purchasing card transactions and employee expense reports.
• Maintain vendor records and related financial documentation.
• Process accounts payable related to special or restricted funds, ensuring compliance with applicable guidelines.
• Support purchasing and requisition processes.
• Process and review payroll transactions for accuracy and completeness.
• Ensure proper labor distribution and coding within the County’s financial system.
• Maintain confidentiality of payroll and personnel records.
• Serve as a resource to employees regarding payroll and benefit-related inquiries.
• Process departmental revenues and accounts receivable transactions.
• Prepare and issue invoices for fees and miscellaneous charges.
• Maintain receivable records, aging schedules, and follow up on outstanding balances.
• Prepare reimbursement requests and related documentation.
• Prepare journal entries and revenue/expense corrections.
• Assist with petty cash oversight and reconciliation.
• Compile and track budget information to support annual budget preparation and ongoing monitoring.
• Maintain financial spreadsheets and reports to support trend analysis and management review.
• Assist in identifying budget variances and communicating concerns to management.
• Provide backup support to fiscal staff as needed.
• Assist with training staff on fiscal procedures and financial systems.
• Review financial transactions for accuracy and compliance and elevate concerns as appropriate.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Time management

Written communication

Oral communication

GAAP knowledge

MS Office Suite

Public sector knowledge

Education

Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Overview

A career with Johnson County Government is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we provide excellent public service, seeking always to improve ourselves and our organization. We offer wonderful benefits, retirement plans, wellness incentives, a great organizational culture, and much more! If you’re searching for something more than just a job, something akin to a calling, then consider the challenge and opportunity of being a member of Johnson County Government!

Job Description

Position Summary

The Accounting Specialist performs technical accounting and financial support functions for the Sheriff’s Office. This position is responsible for accounts payable, payroll processing, revenue tracking, budget support, and general ledger activities in accordance with County policies and applicable regulations.

The position ensures accuracy, compliance, and timeliness of financial transactions while providing support to departmental staff and County Finance.

Essential Job Duties

• Accounts Payable & Purchasing
  • Review and process accounts payable transactions in compliance with County policies and statutory requirements.
  • Audit invoices, purchasing documentation, and expense reports for accuracy, proper coding, and authorization.
  • Reconcile purchasing card transactions and employee expense reports.
  • Maintain vendor records and related financial documentation.
  • Process accounts payable related to special or restricted funds, ensuring compliance with applicable guidelines.
  • Support purchasing and requisition processes.
• Payroll & Personnel Support
  • Process and review payroll transactions for accuracy and completeness.
  • Ensure proper labor distribution and coding within the County’s financial system.
  • Maintain confidentiality of payroll and personnel records.
  • Serve as a resource to employees regarding payroll and benefit-related inquiries.
• Revenue & Accounts Receivable
  • Process departmental revenues and accounts receivable transactions.
  • Prepare and issue invoices for fees and miscellaneous charges.
  • Maintain receivable records, aging schedules, and follow up on outstanding balances.
  • Prepare reimbursement requests and related documentation.
• Accounting & Budget Support
  • Prepare journal entries and revenue/expense corrections.
  • Assist with petty cash oversight and reconciliation.
  • Compile and track budget information to support annual budget preparation and ongoing monitoring.
  • Maintain financial spreadsheets and reports to support trend analysis and management review.
  • Assist in identifying budget variances and communicating concerns to management.
• Administrative & Operational Support
  • Provide backup support to fiscal staff as needed.
  • Assist with training staff on fiscal procedures and financial systems.
  • Review financial transactions for accuracy and compliance and elevate concerns as appropriate.

Job Requirements

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field is preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
• Knowledge of public-sector administration is preferred.
• Minimum two (2) year’s experience in accounting, bookkeeping, or governmental fiscal experience.

• Attention to detail.
• Analytical skills.
• Basic mathematical and accounting skills.
• Computer software: MS Office Suite
• Human relations/ interpersonal skills.
• Written communication skills, including business writing, report writing, summarizing and editing skills.
• Oral communication skills, including presentations to individuals and small groups.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and meet deadlines.
• General knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Working knowledge of public sector administration. Preferred.

Johnson County Government requires reference/background screening for all positions. Specified criteria may vary by Department/Agency.

Preferred Job Requirements:

• Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field is preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
• Knowledge of public-sector administration is preferred.
• Minimum two (2) year’s experience in accounting, bookkeeping, or governmental fiscal experience.

Education/Experience Substitutions:

Experience may be substituted for degree.

Education may be substituted for experience.

Physical, Environmental, and Special Working Conditions:

• Work in an indoor professional office environment and exposed to moderate noise levels.
• Operate a computer and other office machinery.
• Frequently remain in a stationary position.
• Occasionally move office materials weighing up to 10 pounds.
• All county employees may be called upon to assist other departments in a declared emergency situation.