Staff Accountant - Utilities

ADP, Inc.; Salida (CO); On-site; USD 63,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Swim benefit

Job summary

City of Salida is seeking a Staff Accountant - Utilities to manage utility billing, payroll processing, and financial reporting for governmental and enterprise fund operations. You will ensure accuracy in account reconciliations, generate reports, and support audit activities while maintaining strong internal controls.

Responsibilities include collaboration with city departments, customer service, and completing payroll using our systems, with a focus on compliance and timely processing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting experience including AP/AR, GL, payroll, and financial reporting.
• Experience with governmental accounting, utility billing, and payroll administration is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administer all aspects of utility billing program and customer account management.
• Process payroll using ADP Workforce Now and ensure payroll accuracy.
• Prepare reconciliations, financial reports, and audit support materials.
• Maintain general ledger coding, records, and internal controls.

Skills

General accounting practices

Payroll administration

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance/business

Tools

Excel

Accounting software

Payroll software

Utility billing software

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full-Time Regular Salida, CO, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1045

Salary Range: $62,753.00 To $75,303.00 Annually

Department:Finance / Administration

Job Title:StaffAccountant - Utilities

Reports to:Finance Director

Classification:Exempt

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

The Staff Accountant performs professional accounting, utility billing, payroll, financial reporting, and customer service functions in support of the City’s governmental and enterprise fund operations. Primary responsibilities include administration of the utility billing program, payroll processing, account reconciliations, financial analysis, and support of the City’s water and wastewater utility operations.

The position also assists with accounts payable, accounts receivable, audit and budget activities, customer service, and other finance and administrative functions. As the primary backup for the City Hall front desk, the position assists walk-in customers and callers, provides cashiering support, and helps ensure continuity of customer service operations. Work requires strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively across City departments.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Works under the general direction of the Finance Director, exercising independent judgment in administering accounting, payroll, utility billing, and financial operations.

Collaborates with employees across all City departments and regularly interacts with utility customers, vendors, contractors, financial institutions, auditors, governmental agencies, and the public. Serves as a resource for utility billing procedures, financial policies, and Municipal Code requirements and may provide support in the Finance Director's absence.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. The City of Salida reserves the right to modify or assign additional duties as needed.

Utility Billing Administration

• Administer all aspects of the utility billing program, including account setup and maintenance, billing generation, meter data integration, customer account management, and final billing.
• Coordinate with Public Works, developers, property owners, and external agencies regarding meter readings, service changes, utility applications, tap permits, and sewer billing activities.
• Maintain customer records, billing classifications, and account information in compliance with City ordinances, resolutions, and the Salida Municipal Code.

Customer Accounts, Revenue, and Compliance

• Research and resolve customer billing inquiries; process authorized billing adjustments, payment transactions, ACH files, auto-pay accounts, liens, and related account activities.
• Analyze utility usage, billing, and revenue data; prepare receivable calculations, audit schedules, and other financial reporting related to utility operations.
• Prepare required utility reports and surveys and ensure compliance with applicable regulations, policies, records retention requirements, and Municipal Code provisions.

Payroll Administration

• Process bi-weekly payroll using ADP Workforce Now, including timekeeping uploads, payroll validation, deductions, tax withholdings, retirement contributions, and general ledger interface entries.
• Reconcile payroll reports, ensure compliance with payroll tax and reporting requirements, and respond to employee payroll and benefit inquiries.

Accounting and Financial Operations

• Perform account reconciliations, journal entries, accounts payable and accounts receivable processing, financial reporting, and audit support activities.
• Verify and approve departmental financial transactions, monitor outstanding checks and escheatment requirements, and ensure accurate general ledger coding and recordkeeping.

Internal Controls and Process Improvement

• Assist in evaluating financial processes, workflows, and internal controls to enhance accuracy, efficiency, compliance, and accountability.
• Identify process improvements, review financial transactions for adherence to established procedures, and support citywide internal control initiatives.

Customer Service, Administrative Support, and Collaboration

• Provide professional customer service to utility customers and the public, including assistance with online payment systems and account inquiries.
• Serve as the primary backup to the City Hall front desk, assisting walk-in customers and telephone callers in a professional, courteous, and responsive manner.
• Maintain departmental records and provide backup support for front desk operations, cashiering, daily deposits, and other administrative or finance functions.
• Collaborate with Finance, Public Works, and other City departments; participate in cross-training and perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of accounting principles, governmental accounting practices, payroll administration, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Knowledge of utility billing processes, customer account management, and revenue collection practices.
• Ability to interpret and apply the Utilities Chapter of the Salida Municipal Code, City policies, and applicable regulations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and experience with accounting, payroll, and utility billing software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to research issues, reconcile accounts, and prepare accurate financial reports.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, customers, vendors, governmental agencies, and the public.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, work independently, and adapt to changing priorities and technology.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field required, with a preference for a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger maintenance, account reconciliations, fixed assets, payroll, and financial reporting.
• Experience with governmental accounting, utility billing, and payroll administration is preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment and requires prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and occasional standing while assisting customers and coworkers.
• The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, with a half-day on Fridays and flexibility to accommodate operational needs. Occasional additional hours may be required to meet payroll deadlines, audit requirements, month-end processes, or other business demands.
• The position requires the ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic correspondence; regularly operate standard office equipment; and intermittently lift or move items weighing up to 20 pounds.
• The Finance Department operates in a collaborative team environment where employees are expected to cross-train, provide backup support, and assist with departmental needs during staff absences, peak workloads, and special projects.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF BENEFITS:

The City of Salida offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(a) and 457 retirement plan options with employer contributions; paid time off; life insurance; disability coverage; and a complimentary swim benefit at the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center. Additional benefits may be available in accordance with City policies and plan provisions.