Job Description

Posting number: 202600318

Department: Finance Administration

Job classification: Accountant

Posting type: Open

Categories: Accounting and Finance

Summary

The City of Annapolis is seeking a detail-oriented, analytical accounting professional to serve as Accountant I. Operating under general supervision, this position performs a wide variety of moderately complex financial accounting and reporting tasks for the City.

The Accountant I reviews, approves, and posts computer accounting entries and source documents while executing technical activities spanning bank reconciliations, accounts payable and receivable, revenue tracking, debt reconciliations, and fixed asset reporting. Work requires strict adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines, and City policies. Additionally, this role prepares financial reports, assists with internal and external audits, and ensures that taxpayer and customer inquiries are researched and resolved in a timely manner.

Examples of duties

• Reconciliations & Subledger Management: Reconciles municipal bank accounts, payment gateways, tax systems, accounts receivable (A/R), and accounts payable (A/P) control accounts. Performs monthly closing of subledgers and maintains fixed asset detail reports.
• Journal Entries & Payroll Processing: Prepares and inputs general ledger journal entries; analyzes financial transactions, cash receipts, and cash disbursements; and assists with bi-weekly payroll processing.
• Taxpayer & Customer Resolution: Researches and resolves payment discrepancies, account variances, billing issues, and customer/taxpayer inquiries promptly.
• Audits & Financial Reporting: Prepares routine and specialized financial reports; collects, analyzes, and summarizes general ledger account data; and assists with the preparation of annual financial statements in coordination with internal and external auditors.
• Policy & Process Improvement: Assists in creating and updating departmental financial policies, accounting standard operating procedures, and internal control templates.
• General Administrative Support: Performs other related financial and accounting duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Governmental Accounting Principles: Thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), GASB pronouncements, and municipal accounting principles.
• Reconciliation Expertise: Demonstrated ability to perform complex multi-account, bank, and subledger reconciliations and resolve intricate ledger variances.
• Systems & Excel Proficiency: Proficiency with enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, specialized financial and treasury management systems, and advanced functions in Microsoft Excel.
• Problem-Solving & Accuracy: Strong analytical problem-solving skills, sharp attention to detail, and the ability to maintain accurate fiscal records.
• Communication & Customer Relations: Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and concisely, provide responsive customer service to taxpayers, and establish effective working relationships across municipal departments.
• Organization & Deadlines: Ability to prioritize work, organize daily routines, and meet critical statutory and financial reporting deadlines.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• An Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, plus two (2) years of relevant accounting or financial experience; or a High School diploma or GED supplemented by four (4) years of progressively responsible accounting, bookkeeping, or general ledger experience; or a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (experience requirement may be waived or reduced to 0–1 year). Experience in a municipal or governmental setting is preferred.

Education:

• Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. (A High School diploma/GED is acceptable when combined with additional qualifying experience.)

Experience:

• Two (2) years of relevant accounting or financial experience. Candidates qualifying under experience-only must possess a minimum of four (4) years of hands-on experience performing account reconciliations, journal entries, and general ledger maintenance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct accounting or financial management experience within a governmental or municipal setting.
• Hands-on experience utilizing municipal ERP software and financial reporting modules.

Supplemental information

Employment Conditions & Working Environment

• Physical Demands: Work is primarily sedentary, occasionally requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force to move office supplies, files, or documents. Essential physical capabilities include manual dexterity for keyboarding and repetitive motions, reaching, and visual and auditory acuity to perceive information and operate standard office equipment.
• Mental Acuity: High mental acuity is required to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.
• Work Environment: Work is performed in a safe and secure municipal office environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Annapolis Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment against any person seeking employment or employed in the civil service because of any consideration of political or religious affiliation or belief, race, color, sex, age, family status, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity.