Staff Accountant

City of Salida; Salida (CO); On-site; USD 63,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plans (401(a) and 457)

Paid time off

Swim benefit at local aquatic center

Job summary

The City of Salida is looking for a Staff Accountant to join its Finance team. The role focuses on utility billing, payroll, reconciliations, financial reporting, and supporting water and wastewater operations.

The position suits an experienced professional who values accuracy and customer service and enjoys working both independently and with colleagues in a municipal setting. Key duties include managing utility billing and reporting, processing bi-weekly payroll, and performing general

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or closely related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible accounting experience or equivalent.
• Experience with governmental accounting, utility billing, and payroll administration preferred.
• Strong accounting, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Administer utility billing, customer accounts, reporting, and adjustments.
• Process bi-weekly payroll, reconciliations, deductions, and retirement contributions.
• Record journal entries, reconciliations, payables/receivables, and financial reporting.
• Support internal controls, audits, and process improvements.
• Assist employees, customers, vendors, and the public with financial questions.
• Back up City Hall front desk duties including cashiering and admin tasks.
• Collaborate with Finance and Public Works to support City operations.

Skills

Accounting

Analytical

Organization

Problem-solving

Communication

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

Tools

Excel

Accounting software

Job description

The City of Salida is seeking a Staff Accountant to join our Finance team. This position performs a variety of professional accounting functions with a primary focus on utility billing, payroll, account reconciliations, financial reporting, and supporting the City’s water and wastewater utility operations.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced accounting professional who enjoys a diverse workload, values accuracy and customer service, and is comfortable working both independently and collaboratively in a municipal environment.

What You’ll Do

• Administer the City’s utility billing program, including customer accounts, billing, adjustments, payments, and reporting.
• Process bi-weekly payroll and related reconciliations, deductions, tax reporting, and retirement contributions.
• Perform general accounting functions including journal entries, account reconciliations, accounts payable/receivable, financial reporting, and audit support.
• Analyze financial and utility data and support internal controls and process improvements.
• Assist employees, utility customers, vendors, and the public with financial and account-related questions.
• Serve as the primary backup for the City Hall front desk, including customer assistance, cashiering, and other administrative support.
• Collaborate with Finance, Public Works, and other City departments to support City operations.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible accounting experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Experience with governmental accounting, utility billing, and payroll administration is preferred.
• Strong accounting, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and accounting or financial software.
• Strong communication and customer service skills with excellent attention to detail.

Schedule

This is a full-time position with a generally Monday through Friday schedule, including a half-day on Fridays, with some flexibility based on operational needs. Occasional additional hours may be required during payroll, audit, month-end, or other peak periods.

Compensation & Benefits

Hiring Range: $62,753 – $75,303 annually

The City of Salida offers a comprehensive benefits package including: Medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(a) and 457 retirement plans with employer contributions Paid time off Life and long-term disability insurance Complimentary swim benefit at the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center Additional benefits available in accordance with City policies and plan provisions