Accountant I in Essex Junction, Vermont at City of Essex Junction

The City is seeking an organized, detail-oriented professional to join our Finance team as an Accountant I. This position is responsible for processing the City’s bi-weekly payroll and accounts payable and maintaining accurate payroll, vendor, and financial records.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with numbers, staying organized, and supporting employees and departments across the organization.

Pay/Wages

Pay is $24.85 to $31.25 based on the candidate’s experience.

Benefits (this is not a comprehensive list of benefits)

• 3 weeks paid vacation to start.
• 14 paid holidays
• 18 sick days per year
• Retirement benefits include a pension plan (VMERS C) or deferred compensation plan (VMERS DC), and the ability to contribute to a 457, Traditional IRA or ROTH
• Generous health insurance benefit in which the City pays 94% of the premium for medical and the first 80% of the deductible. After that, you are only responsible for the next 20%, which is not more than $600 for single plans and no more than $1200 for all other plans for covered medical expenses.
• 100% employer paid for dental and vision
• 100% employer paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

• Process bi-weekly payroll, including reviewing timesheets, forms, and reports for accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain employee payroll information, including new hires, deductions, pay changes, retirement contributions, insurance withholdings, association dues, and wage attachments.
• Prepare direct deposit and banking records.
• Assist with administration of the City’s municipal retirement program in coordination with Human Resources.
• Prepare required federal and state payroll reports for review and approval.
• Prepare payroll and leave accrual reports.
• Process invoices for City departments through the City’s purchasing and accounting systems.
• Reconcile City charge accounts and resolve discrepancies.
• Produce and distribute bi-weekly accounts payable checks and prepare positive pay files.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date payroll, accounts payable, vendor, and insurance records.
• Assist with reconciliations, accruals, and audits.
• Prepare and distribute annual tax forms, including W-2s, 1099s, and 1095-Cs.
• Prepare and file unclaimed property with the State of Vermont.
• Assist other Finance Department staff as needed.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Experience using financial software and spreadsheets.
• The ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work professionally with employees, City officials, vendors, and outside organizations.
• An Associate’s Degree in an appropriate discipline plus one to two years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of related education and experience.
• Basic knowledge of federal and state regulations related to payroll and HR is preferred.