Accountant- Parks & Recreation

• Location 4900 Breton SE,Kentwood, MI, 49508,United States
• Base Pay $28.69 - $38.45 / Hour
• Job Category Finance
• Employee Type Full-Time
• Required Degree 4 Year Degree
• Manage Others No

• Name Keyla Garcia

About the Role

Join our Team! The City’s Finance Department is seeking an Accountant to support Parks and Recreation operations. In this role, you’ll perform professional accounting work that helps ensure the accuracy, integrity, and transparency of the City’s financial operations.

You’ll work across a variety of accounting functions including; reconciliations, cost recovery, general ledger analysis, financial reporting, and budgeting- while supporting compliance regulations and internal controls. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working with numbers, solving complex problems, and contributing to the financial health of an organization.

About the Finance Department

The Finance Department manages most of the City's financial activities, including budgeting, accounting (including payroll), auditing and financial reporting, financial forecasting, purchasing, cash management and investing, risk management, retirement benefits administration and more. The department strives to provide information for decision-making, procure the best value for the City and ensure continued funding for City services while complying with legal and technical standards.

What You’ll Do

• Provide accounting and financial support to the Parks & Recreation Department as part of the Finance Department’s shared service model
• Perform professional accounting work across general ledger, budgeting, financial reporting, and financial forecasting
• Prepare and review journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reports
• Compile and analyze financial data, including year-end reporting and audits
• Prepare financial statements, cash reports, and supporting documentation
• Oversee the integrity of accounts payable data across multiple systems by monitoring balances, identifying discrepancies, and coordinating resolutions to maintain accurate records.
• Assist with audits, grants, and budget preparation activities
• Develop and maintain spreadsheets, reports, and data analyses
• Monitor compliance with accounting standards, City policies, and regulatory requirements
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes and internal controls; collaborate with Parks and Recreation to develop, document, and implement process improvements.
• Responding to financial inquiries from staff and the public
• Maintain accurate records and prepare written reports and correspondence

Your work helps ensure responsible stewardship of public funds and supports informed decision-making across the organization.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
• Two years of professional accounting and/or payroll experience
• OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Knowledge of accounting principles (GAAP) and governmental accounting practices
• Experience with financial reporting, reconciliations, and data analysis
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial systems
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills

The City of Kentwood offers a
competitive compensation package and excellent benefits
, including:

• 11 paid holidays, three personal days, and 12 sick days annually
• Up to four weeks of vacation annually
• Fully paid parental leave (4-6 weeks depending on eligibility)
• Medical insurance with 2% employee premium share
• Free dental and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account with employer contributions of $850-$1,700 annually
• Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employer-paid training and professional development
• Discounts on city recreation programs

Why work for the City of Kentwood

A community of more than 54,000 residents and growing, Kentwood is a safe, prosperous, and welcoming city with vibrant neighborhoods and flourishing businesses that make it a wonderful place to live and work. The City offers easy access to a variety of amenities including many of West Michigan’s destination shopping, dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreation options. This, along with Kentwood’s outstanding public-school systems, wide variety of businesses, and career and education advancement opportunities attract a diverse population.

With a mission of providing high-quality services to foster a thriving community for all, Kentwood maintains a culture of excellent customer service, actively providing a responsive and responsible local government with a focus on continual improvement.

The City of Kentwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Additional Information

• Work Schedule or shift Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm