Staff Accountant - Utilities

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Full-Time Regular Salida, CO, US

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

Department:Finance / Administration

Job Title:Staff Accountant - Utilities

Reports to:Finance Director

Classification:Exempt

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Process bi-weekly payroll using ADP Workforce Now, including timekeeping uploads, payroll validation, deductions, tax with holdings, 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Provide professional customer service to utility customers and the public, including assistance…