Staff Accountant

Job Summary

Under general supervision by the Senior Engineering Accountant, the Staff Accountant is responsible for assisting the Engineering Department of the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District (MSD) with project accounting as well as reconciling assigned general ledger and fixed assets accounts.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, or other closely related field, plus two (2) years of relevant experience. Education may be substituted for the required relevant experience. CPA preferred.

• Process assigned engineering payment applications timely and accurately with proper documentation.
• Reconcile assigned month‑end engineering financial reports and project cost summaries to general ledger accounts.
• Facilitate internal financial procedures on engineering projects, including knowledge of contract controls, requisitions, and capital project budget adjustments.
• Obtain cost information for projects paid through grants from UDOT or other governmental agencies and reconcile to accounting systems.
• Act as the point of contact for project accounting‑related questions.
• Maintain capital asset database of historical costs and calculate annual depreciation on depreciable assets.
• Coordinate with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to maintain the fixed asset database and related costs.
• Support the Accounts Payable function.
• Maintain appropriate supporting documentation according to retention schedules.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Assist in the creation of the annual capital asset budget.

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), with emphasis in the areas of governmental accounting and financial reporting
• Accounting principles relating to all Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) statements
• Accounting department functions
• Effective communication methods and public relations
• Utah Code Annotated and related state and federal rules and policies

• Conduct analysis for journal entries and monthly reconciliations
• Prepare financial reports and documentation
• Provide quality customer service
• Perform financial analysis and interpretation
  
  Effectively use financial database programs
• Analyze and make recommendations for changes in procedures and financing processes
• Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively both verbally and in writing
• Interact effectively with individuals at various levels and maintain positive working relationships
• Effectively plan, organize, and perform tasks even under stressful situations
• Act independently and use sound judgment
• Possess strong problem‑solving, creative skills, and the ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions based on accurate and timely analyses

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• This position requires work in a wide variety of conditions, from a typical office setting to field work. Must be able to attend some evening meetings.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, move, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Entry level

Contract

Accounting/Auditing and Finance

Government Administration