Accountant I

Finance Manager

The purpose of this position is to prepare documents / reports, assist with annual audit / ACFR process, debt management, cash management and respond to financial information requests. This is accomplished by maintaining debt schedules, initiating payments, preparing financial statements and schedules, assisting with debt issuance, and performing complex research. Other duties include managing accounting for the Town's insurance policies and workers' compensation. Provide contract support to the Finance Department by preparing and reviewing formal contracts for accuracy and inclusion of all relevant information and verifying contract funding. This position requires independent judgment, discretion and initiative in prioritizing and completing projects, working with all levels of Town staff, and managing difficult public contact situations with tact. This position ensures compliance with local policies, Federal regulations, and NC statutes, as well as best business practices related to government grants, bidding and contracting. Provide Grant coordination during the application and submission process to ensure all required information is included. Assists with budget preparation, maintains contract documentation, and other pre / post-award activities, such as requests for reimbursements, quarterly and annual reports to include closeout. Review documentation for compliance, communicates and coordinates grant initiatives between divisions. Manage and direct the payroll operations for all employees. This is accomplished by overseeing all payroll and timekeeping related policies and procedures, administering, and troubleshooting the payroll software system, developing and managing improvements to the Town's payroll process, and ensuring compliance with all local, state and federal reporting requirements. Responsible for managing the efficient and accurate processing of all accounts payable transactions within the organization. Involves performing and supervising accounts payable operations, ensuring compliance with Town policies and procedures, and maintaining strong relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders. Drives process improvements and use technology to enhance efficiency and accuracy in the payment process.

Essential Functions

Consolidates financial information for annual audit and assists with the production of the ACFR by preparing work papers, financial statements, footnotes, statistical tables, schedules, and the transmittal letter.

Manages the timely completion of various statutory and other required reports such as the Powell Bill report Municipal Street Fiscal Data report, LGC-203, TR-2, collecting sales tax reports from departments and filing annual sales tax refund requests; completing payroll report forms 941, 941B and NC-5Q; preparing and sending letters to stale dated check recipients; submitting NC Escheat reports and the Annual Financial Information Report.

Manage existing debt by maintaining payment schedules, initiating payments, managing responses regarding debt payments, assisting management with information gathering and distribution, managing post-issuance and arbitrage compliance and preparing the debt management section of the Town's annual budget document.

Manage the accounting of Town insurance claims and workers' compensation by, updating the statement of values, coordinating with Insurance Broker for projected premiums, managing Town-wide insurance budgets, managing disbursements for premiums and claims, and allocating related expenses to departments.

Manage surplus property; reviews surplus items for disposal and processes for disposal to ensure compliance with the Town's Surplus Property Disposal guidelines within the Town's purchasing policy; handles customer inquiries about surplus property.

Manage capitalization of fixed assets and calculates depreciation by reviewing capital outlay general ledger accounts and projects for capital expenditures, coordinating with departments for appropriate documentation, updating the fixed asset system, tagging assets, and performing physical verifications.

Processes purchase requisitions and purchase orders that involve ensuring accuracy of information; determines method of pricing requested items; decides if requisitions are valid and complete prior to processing and approval.

Prepares complex journal entries including annual modified accrual entries and other audit related annual adjustments.

Prepares and Monitors Grant Financial Documents and Reports. Prepares financial reports, reimbursement requests, and invoices; monitors internal financial forms, contracts, and compliance-related documentation.

Regularly reviews assigned grant programs to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and agency rules, and verifies attainment of grant goals and objectives.

Ensures the timely payment of employees by overseeing the data entry and recording of time and all employee actions; reviewing and making necessary adjustments to payroll; administering and reviewing all employee deductions into the payroll system.

Prepares payroll related reports by overseeing the reporting process and ensuring accuracy of payroll records; solving issues with the payroll system and employee pay; managing the preparation of reports for the annual financial statements; managing the period end and coordinating the required report submissions; overseeing the administration of various deductions, contributions, and disbursements; and supervising the execution and remittance of taxes, levies, and garnishments.

Manages the payroll system and the payroll / timekeeping functions by overseeing the development of training requirements; implementing work priorities and payroll schedules; updating and maintaining the systems and ensuring timely and accurate performance; and resolving payroll accounting questions. Provides timely communications to employees and supervisors regarding time and attendance, tax updates, benefit verification and other payroll related items.

Manages deductions and benefits with the providers by overseeing the deductions process and ensuring the proper amount is being withheld or billed; coordinating necessary adjustments to statements and system records; analyzing data and developing queries to ensure accurate and timely payments.

Resolves payroll issues for staff and / or auditors by researching regulations pertaining to payroll; interpreting laws and regulations regarding taxes and payroll withholding; interpreting internal policies and laws; providing recommendations to management based on historical analysis and projections; ensuring compliance with local, state and federal reporting requirements; and responding to inquiries and special requests from employees and regulatory agencies. Develops and manages improvements to the Town's payroll processes to improve efficiency. Collaborate with other departments for implementation of new procedures, benefits, systems, etc.

Coordinates and monitors payroll activities by preparing payroll year-end work papers for external auditors, prepares year-end journal entries, adjusting entries and accruals, financial reports and statements, coordinates payroll audit activities with auditors.

Responsible for the end-to-end operations of the accounts payable operations, including invoice processing, payment runs, and expense report management.

Ensure all payments are processed accurately, in a timely manner, and in compliance with Town policies and regulatory requirements.

Review and approve large or complex invoices and payments.

Develop and enforce accounts payable policies and procedures.

Resolve escalated vendor issues, discrepancies, or disputes effectively and professionally.

Ensure accurate vendor records, including banking information and tax documents (e.g., W-9s).

Negotiate payment terms and discounts with vendors to optimize cash flow.

Ensure compliance with tax regulations, including sales / use tax and 1099 reporting requirements.

Collaborate with auditors to support audit requests and to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting, Business, or related field and five years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles

Ability to quickly adapt to changing technology and learn new software systems.

Strong analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills.

Ability to perform independent research and develop recommendations.

Class C Driver's License

Must be bondable.

Thorough knowledge of NC Local Government bidding and contracting.

Considerable knowledge of NC General Statues, NCDOT contracting requirements, AIA documents, and Federal Grant Guidelines.

Ability to obtain considerable knowledge of Purchasing and all other related policies.

Certified Local Government Purchasing Officer (CLGPO) designation OR the ability to earn this level certification within 2 years of hire.

Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) designation OR the ability to earn this level certification within 2 years of hire.

Physical Demands and Working Environment :

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and / or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.