The City of Covington is currently accepting applications for the position of Accountant I/II in the Administrative Department with a starting hourly rate of $26.47 depending upon qualifications. Qualified applicants may apply via our website by downloading an application packet at www.cityofcovington.org or may apply in person at the City of Covington, 2194 Emory Street, Covington, Georgia 30014. This position will remain open until 4:00pm on Monday April 7, 2025. The City of Covington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
JOB SUMMARY
This position is responsible for performing routine clerical and technical accounting and administrative tasks related to maintaining the fiscal records and systems of the city. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Deputy Finance Director and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and evaluations of results achieved.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Prepares journal entries to balance and close monthly books in the general ledger, revenue, and expense accounts; reconciles the general ledger and subsidiary utility and other accounts.
• Balances and reconciles accounting records, such as journals, ledgers, batch reports, bank statements, payroll documents, agency-generated reports, and other related records. Identifies sources of errors by researching accounting records and/or recording corrective entries.
• Prepares invoices for accounts receivable and maintains special accounts receivable.
• Prepares and records data for utility fund accounts, including financial reports on water, sewer, and electric revenue and expenses.
• Performs periodic financial studies and analysis.
• Prepares, reconciles, and verifies bi-weekly and monthly payrolls, including for retirees. Prepares labor distributions and all quarterly and year-end IRS reports.
• Composes, types, edits, and reviews various correspondence, reports, memoranda, and other materials, requiring judgment regarding content, accuracy, and completeness.
• Assists auditors in performing year-end audits, providing support to auditors and other reviewers to identify and correct procedural problems revealed in reviews and audits. Assists in the preparation of year-end reports and work papers.
• Maintains knowledge of current policies and procedures by reviewing memos, notices, and other literature, and attending training sessions, meetings, and conferences as required.
• May assist in peer reviews (accounts payable vouchers, journal entries, invoices, etc.) as assigned.
• May supervise, lead, or assist other accounting staff on an ad hoc basis.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
This position is divided into two levels, I and II. Listed below are the requirements for each level.
Level I:
• (A) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, with experience in an accounting or finance environment preferred; or
• (B) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field and four (4) years of experience in an accounting and finance environment, with at least two (2) years of progressively responsible municipal accounting or finance work; or
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Level II:
• (A) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field; and
• (B) Two (2) years of experience in progressively responsible municipal accounting or finance work; or
• (C) Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
• Considerable knowledge of internal control procedures, Excel, and management information systems.
• Considerable knowledge of budgetary, accounting, and reporting systems, GAAFR, GAAP, and GASB.
• Working knowledge of payroll and accounts receivable functions.
• Working knowledge of modern governmental accounting theory, principles, and practices.
• Some knowledge of public finance and fiscal planning.
• Skill in operating the listed tools and equipment.
• Ability to prepare and analyze complex financial reports.
• Ability to maintain efficient and effective financial systems and procedures.
• Ability to accurately account for city funds.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and city officials.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
• Personal computer, including word processing and spreadsheet software; central financial computer system; 10-key calculator; phone; switchboard; fax; and copy machine.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, use hands to operate, finger, handle, or 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.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.
The City of Covington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
4/7/2025