Staff Accountant (Public Works)

Racine, County of (WI); Mount Pleasant (WI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Racine County in Wisconsin seeks a Staff Accountant to support the Public Works and Development Services Department with budgeting, financial reporting, and cost accounting across multiple funds. Responsibilities include general ledger entries, accounts payable, and grant/fee revenue reconciliation.

The role emphasizes payroll support, state reporting, and ERP system administration (Tyler Munis) to improve processes and controls across divisions. Strong Excel and analytical skills are required.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Two years of progressively responsible accounting/finance experience; government or fund accounting preferred.
• Strong computer skills with MS Excel, Word, Outlook; GAAP/GASB knowledge preferred.
• Tyler Munis or other ERP experience preferred; equivalent education/experience considered.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation and monitoring of annual operating and capital budgets across multiple funds.
• Prepare, review, and distribute financial reports as requested; support year-end close, adjusting entries, accruals, and audit workpapers.
• Process and reconcile accounts payable; verify invoices and purchase orders for accuracy and proper coding.
• Prepare and reconcile deposits and revenues; audit timesheets and usage reports for accuracy.
• Assist payroll processing and reconcile state reporting requirements; participate in process improvements to enhance efficiency and internal controls.

Skills

Accounting/Finance background

GAAP knowledge

GASB knowledge

MS Excel

MS Word

MS Outlook

ERP/ERP systems

Tyler Munis

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree in Accounting/Finance

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Tyler Munis

ERP systems

MS Access

Job description

Performs professional accounting, budgeting, purchasing, and financial system administration functions supporting multiple divisions within the Public Works and Development Services Department. Serves as a key resource for cost accounting, financial reporting, and compliance with state and federal reporting requirements.

Budget & Financial Reporting

1. Assist with preparation and monitoring of annual operating and capital budgets across multiple funds.
2. Prepare, review, and distribute financial reports as requested.
3. Support year-end close processes including adjusting entries, accruals, and audit workpapers.

Accounting Operations

1. Prepare and post journal entries, cost allocations, and interfund transactions.
2. Process and reconcile accounts payable, verifying contract invoices and purchase orders for accuracy and proper coding.
3. Compile, document, and reconcile deposits and revenues.
4. Audit timesheets, equipment usage reports, and other departmental source documents for accuracy.
5. Prepare and reconcile public works billing including work performed for other municipalities, state agencies and interdepartmental charges.

Payroll & Compliance

1. Assist other Staff Accountant with Public Works & Development Services Department’s payroll processing and reconciliation.
2. Support state reporting requirements as applicable.

Systems & Process Improvement

1. Assist with administration of the Tyler Munis ERP system including general ledger, budgeting, purchasing, and fixed assets modules.
2. Monitor and maintain inventory and fixed asset records
3. Identify and implement process improvements to enhance department efficiency and internal controls.

General

1. Cross-train with Parks and Highway staff to provide integrated departmental coverage.
2. Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

• Associate degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible accounting and/or finance experience. Government or fund accounting environment preferred.
• Strong computer skills required, including proficiency with MS Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of GAAP and governmental accounting standards (GASB) preferred.
• Tyler Munis or other enterprise resource planning (ERP) system experience preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.

• Strong analytical and reconciliation skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Excel including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis. MS Access experience a plus.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local regulations related to public works accounting.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing deadlines across multiple divisions.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Team-oriented work style with the ability to work independently.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.