Bookkeeper

Lorain County Metro Parks; LaGrange Township (OH); On-site; USD 37,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Lorain County Metro Parks is seeking a Bookkeeper to manage payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and general financial operations in a confidential manner. This role supports management with financial reporting, policy implementation, and compliance in a governmental environment.

The ideal candidate has an associate degree in accounting or related field, with 3+ years of payroll or bookkeeping experience; a bachelor's degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of payroll, bookkeeping, accounting, or governmental finance experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administer and process full-cycle payroll using Paylocity, ensuring accurate processing of wages, taxes, deductions, direct deposits, garnishments, and benefit contributions.
• Perform accounts payable and receivable processing and reconciliation; maintain accounting records in Sage.
• Prepare financial statements, monitor cash flow, and assist with budget monitoring and internal financial reports.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations and Park District policies; support audits as needed.

Skills

Payroll administration

Accounting principles

Confidentiality

Excel

Time management

Education

Associate degree in Accounting/Finance/Business Administration

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Paylocity

Sage

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Bookkeeper position is responsible for the accurate, timely, and confidential administration of payroll, accounting, and financial operations for the Lorain County Metropolitan Park District. This position performs full-cycle payroll processing, accounts payable and receivable functions, reconciliations, financial reporting, and compliance activities while ensuring adherence to applicable federal, state, and local laws, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and Park District policies and procedures.

This role serves as a key administrative and financial resource to management and staff and assists in maintaining the integrity of the Park District’s financial systems and records. The position requires a high level of discretion, independent judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced government environment.

The Bookkeeper may assist with policy implementation, audit preparation, budget monitoring, and supervision or coordination of administrative and payroll-related functions.

Applicants should possess an associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field; Bachelor’s degree preferred. Minimum of three (3) years of payroll, bookkeeping, accounting, or governmental finance experience preferred or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Rate of Pay: $37,000 to $72,000 with $54,000 as the midpoint, commensurate with experience.

This position is considered a confidential administrative position and may have access to sensitive personnel, payroll, labor relations, and financial information. The employee may assist management with implementation of policies, administration of collectively bargained agreements, personnel administration, financial reporting, and operational procedures requiring the exercise of independent judgment and discretion.

Must possess a valid Ohio driver’s license. New employees must satisfactorily complete a background check. Lorain County Metropolitan Park District policy prohibits hiring new employees who are tobacco users.

Lorain County Metro Parks is an equal opportunity employer.

Payroll Administration

• Administer and process full-cycle payroll using Paylocity, ensuring accurate and timely processing of wages, taxes, deductions, direct deposits, garnishments, and benefit contributions
• Review and audit payroll reports before and after processing to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Maintain employee payroll records, tax documentation, leave balances, and deduction records
• Process payroll adjustments including retroactive pay, supplemental payroll, final pay, benefit adjustments, and other special compensation
• Administer OPERS, Ohio Deferred Compensation, garnishments, child support orders, voluntary deductions, and other payroll-related withholdings
• Coordinate payroll-related onboarding and offboarding activities, including employee setup and termination processing
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations and reporting requirements
• Assist employees and supervisors with payroll questions, timekeeping issues, and payroll-related concerns while maintaining confidentiality

Accounting & Financial Operations

• Perform accounts payable and accounts receivable processing and reconciliation
• Verify invoices, purchase orders, receipts, and supporting documentation for accuracy and proper authorization
• Maintain accurate accounting records within Sage and related financial systems
• Prepare and reconcile bank statements, credit card statements, and general ledger accounts
• Assist with preparation of monthly and annual financial statements, fund statements, and internal financial reports
• Monitor cash flow, operating funds, investments, and departmental expenditures
• Assist with budget monitoring, expenditure tracking, and year-over-year financial analysis
• Prepare W-9 documentation, 1099 processing, and vendor payment records
• Maintain audit-ready financial records and assist with internal and external audits
• Process and maintain records related to Workers’ Compensation, unemployment claims, insurance, grants, leases, donations, and other financial obligations

Administrative & Compliance Functions

• Assist with development, implementation, and maintenance of financial and payroll procedures and internal controls
• Maintain compliance with governmental accounting standards, record retention requirements, collective bargaining agreements, and Park District policies
• Support administration of personnel-related financial functions and benefit programs
• Assist management with financial reporting, payroll analysis, and special projects
• Coordinate with Human Resources, department managers, auditors, vendors, and governmental agencies as necessary
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of payroll administration, accounting principles, and governmental financial practices
• Experience with payroll and accounting software systems, including Paylocity and Sage preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
• Ability to process high volumes of financial and payroll data accurately and efficiently
• Strong understanding of payroll deductions, tax reporting, garnishments, OPERS, and benefit administration
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with sensitive financial and personnel information
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with employees, management, vendors, auditors, and the public