Accounting Assistant

This position performs technical duties in support of assigned city financial operations.

• Process and approve accounts payable invoices for payment; review vendor statements monthly to ensure proper processing by departments.
• Complete vendor credit applications as requested by departments to establish payment terms; assist in maintaining financial system for vendor set‑up; enter new and update existing vendor information.
• Process and approve purchasing card transactions.
• Post monthly interest and fees generated by bank accounts to the general ledger; balance bank statements.
• Balance daily reports to copies of deposit slips received from department as assigned.
• Enter monthly appropriations designated by the City Commission to fund agency requests as assigned.
• Coordinate with buyers of auctioned items to provide receipts, etc. as assigned.
• Maintain record of vehicle titles as assigned; ensure titles are filed under correct departments; return disposed of vehicle titles to Fleet Division for sale by auction.
• Generate and maintain accounts payable group to balance various reports/invoices for Municipal Court as assigned.
• Assist in management of fixed assets as assigned; compare items delivered to invoices; document serial numbers, dates purchased and received, location, etc. and assign city identification number; complete related reports and maintain records.
• Maintain travel expense reports as assigned; collect data on cash expenditures for 1099 reports; scan and maintain related files.
• Research business tax payment activity to ensure compliance.
• Process utility bills and work orders and reconcile prepay accounts.
• Research billing errors and perform analysis of utility accounts.
• Exchange information with other departments to resolve discrepancies in utility accounts.
• Perform adjustments to utility accounts related to water leaks, pool fills, debt collection, garbage exemption, and returned items.
• Research and collect delinquent utility accounts, including submission of debt to third‑party collection agencies.
• Procure warrants as deemed necessary for theft of utility services and collection of returned items.
• Manage and track bankruptcy accounts to ensure applicable laws are followed.
• Perform nightly payment balancing to submit end‑of‑day processing and reporting.
• Perform setup of new City of Dothan utility accounts for interdepartmental billing by assigning the correct department, receivable codes, expense account, and payable account. Process interdepartmental bills twice monthly ensuring accounts are charged timely and correctly.
• Coordinate with external utility assistance agencies to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Assist Customer Service Representatives with daily utility workflow and aid in resolving escalated customer inquiries.
• Perform related duties.

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines.
• Knowledge of accounts payable and receivable principles.
• Knowledge of general ledger accounting principles.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, city policies, and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of computers and job‑related software programs.
• Knowledge of collection and bankruptcy best practices.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Skill in prioritizing and planning.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

• Graduation from standard senior high school or GED, as recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• Two (2) years recent work experience in accounting, bookkeeping, or fiscal clerical experience.
• Possession of a current Certified Governmental Accounting Technician certification (CGAT) preferred.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate’s degree or higher in Finance, Accounting, Business, or closely related field preferred.

• Applicants are required to successfully pass a Data Entry test, with a minimum composite score of 65.
• May require the employee to be bondable.
• Employees must obtain a Certified Governmental Accounting Technician (CGAT) certification within three (3) years of employment.
• Background investigation, drug and alcohol testing, and meeting physical standards per City policy.

An Equal Opportunity, Affimative Action Employer.