Staff Accountant

Job Summary

This is a professional position involving complex accounting tasks consistent with generally accepted accounting practices and principles. The position has responsibility for performing and monitoring the accounting and budgeting functions for the City of Bay City, including assisting with the annual audit process. The role requires considerable independence, advanced computer skills, and report writing. It is located in the Fiscal Services Department and reports to the Chief Accountant.

• Daily work assignments include various accounting and budgeting tasks that require professional judgment based on knowledge of fund accounting principles and the City’s policies and procedures.
• Direction is given at the beginning of new assignments, with considerable independent judgment and initiative required on a daily basis.
• Work is performed under general supervision, reviewed by observation for content and accuracy upon completion.
• Assist with the annual audit, including reconciliation of accounts, adjusting and closing the books, and preparing financial statements.
• Prepare journal entries, reconcile general ledger and subsidiary accounts, and produce monthly financial statements.
• Maintain fixed‑asset listings and depreciation schedules; analyze and assess inventory procedures within departments and develop city‑wide procedures.
• Prepare, examine, or analyze bank reconciliations.
• Assist with budget preparation (personal services, operating, and capital improvement budgets); analyze monthly departmental budgeting and accounting reports to maintain expenditure controls, distribute monthly revenue and expenditure reports to departments, and examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations.
• Accurately track 1099 vendors, review 1099 payments, and prepare annual 1099 statements.
• Prepare and maintain retention schedules.
• Perform grant‑related accounting, including budget and expense analysis and financial reporting; perform grant closeout functions such as reconciliations, financial status reports, and final reporting; review general ledger transactions to ensure accuracy and complete journal entries.
• Advise departments on accounting and budgeting issues.
• Complete state and federal reporting requirements and government regulations related to grants, state trunkline reports, sales tax, TIFA’s, Act 51, and F‑65.
• Maintain the invoicing system: initiate invoices, reconcile to the general ledger, prepare listings for all outstanding invoices, and collect outstanding invoices.
• Reconcile utility fund receivable and revenue accounts.
• Prepare the bond manual and all associated journal entries to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards.
• Review, adjust, and post Treasurer’s report sheets for daily cash activity.
• Performs other duties as required.

• Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in accounting, finance, or a related field, or equivalent education/experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in generally accepted accounting practices and principles.
• Preferred experience in fund or governmental accounting practices, auditing practices, or public agency budgeting practices.
• Thorough knowledge and skill with office equipment including Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access, Outlook), and accounting financial systems.
• Ability to organize and perform varied professional responsibilities with minimal direct day‑to‑day supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, employees, and the general public.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license.

Salary: $23.48 per hour