General Accountant - Finance
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General Accountant - Finance
Salary
$82,338.00 - $121,086.00 Annually
Location
Rochester MN 55904, MN
Job Type
Regular FT
Job Number
20250052
Department
Finance
Opening Date
06/11/2025
Description
Benefits
Questions
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The City of Rochester invites applications for the position of:
General Accountant
The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging. We commit to recognizing the diversity of our community members, listening to ALL voices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work.
We believe EQUITY should be at the center of all our work. We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress and culture of our community.
It takes us all working together
Nature of Work
Under general supervision, the General Accountant performs a wide variety of complex accounting tasks, which involves the preparation, review and audit of input from all divisions in the City of Rochester. Incumbents maintain and verify the accuracy of records, have knowledge of various software programs maintained outside the primary accounting system JD Edwards (JDE), reconcile accounting transactions generated from these systems and submit various required reports to Federal and State entities. These positions also perform a wide variety of accounting functions relative to payroll, fleet maintenance, perpetual inventories, capital improvement projects, fixed assets, accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchase orders, work orders, grants and assessments.
Starting salary is $82,338 to $96,868 depending on qualifications, with advancement to $121,086.
To have your application considered in the first round of reviews, please apply before Monday, June 30, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
*General Ledger Accounting
Maintain the integrity of the City's financial systems and its reporting processes.
Examine and verify monthly/yearly financial documents and reports.
Analyze and interpret accounting/financial information and departmental systems.
Prepare business correspondence which involves organizing, analyzing, interpreting, evaluating and presenting data that involves several variables.
Work directly with departments to establish necessary procedures to ensure the submission of timely and accurate financial data, while maintaining quality internal controls; provide direction to staff regarding questions on accounting rules and account codes.
Perform detailed accounting work in Finance areas such as general ledger, month-end and year-end closings, journal entries, payroll, department time and equipment cost allocations, maintain fixed assets schedules and review claim vouchers.
Prepare and/or adjust various accounting journal entries, investigates departmental questions concerning transactions and processes corrections. Conduct independent financial statement research and verify that accounting transactions are in balance.
Review and analyze transactions related to budgetary appropriations and prepares the necessary accounting transactions.
*Financial Reporting
Create complex worksheets in Excel to assist departments with analyzing their division's budget and/or financial statements.
Produce work papers and analytical data to provide information for the annual audit or to form budget documents.
*Accounts Receivable (AR)
Serve as a subject-matter expert for department staff relative to accounts receivable software systems and procedures.
Monitor and review financial transactions related to the AR system.
Research questions asked by various departments as it relates to invoices, sales tax, finance charges, etc.
Assist with the development of accounting procedures and internal controls related to AR transactions.
*Accounting Software Implementation and Maintenance
Monitor the accuracy of accounting software programs used by a variety of City divisions such as Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Building Safety, Mayo Civic Center and the Public Library, and recommend any programming changes needed to ensure quality internal controls.
Provide guidance and direction for various accounting software programming changes or improvements, and assist with implementation and setup of new accounting software.
Perform testing and verification of software upgrades.
*Grants
Monitor grant applications, expenditures and interpretations of grant stipulations.
Compile related data for reports and filings to insure grant compliance.
In addition to the above duties, the general accountants may specialize in one or more of the following areas:
*Accounting Software Implementation and Maintenance
Monitor the accuracy of accounting software programs used by a variety of City divisions such as Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Building Safety, Mayo Civic Center and the Public Library, and recommend any programming changes needed to ensure quality internal controls.
Provide guidance and direction for various accounting software programming changes or improvements, and assist with implementation and setup of new accounting software.
Perform testing and verification of software upgrades.
*Accounts Payable
Perform testing and verification of software upgrades.
Provide independent judgment, in regards to the proper use of account codes, as it relates to the financial statements and assure proper use of taxpayers' dollars for AP transactions.
Monitor and review financial transactions as it relates to the AP system and compliance of the City policies and practices.
Research questions asked by various departmental staff as it relates to vouchers/invoices, sales tax and proper uses of public funds.
Validate costs related to purchase orders.
*Fleet Maintenance and Parts Inventory
Analyze, develop and recommend new or improved accounting procedures or policies on an ongoing basis, striving for continual process improvement.
Develop and implement internal control procedures as necessary to maintain quality parts inventory and efficient financial reporting.
Conduct financial analysis through the extrapolation of data from a computerized accounting system.
Create complex financial spreadsheets to arrive at variable cost data for inventory.
Logically interpret, investigate and resolve, discrepancies in a perpetual inventory, costs per piece of equipment, electronic purchase and work order system and a periodic maintenance system triggered by odometer readings.
Perform and reconcile cycle counts and investigate potential obsolescence.
Generate and structure fixed assets to flow properly through the fixed asset module as well as the fleet and warehouse modules in JDE to properly record fuel, odometer readings, inventoried parts, purchase orders, work orders and time entry.
*Capital Improvement Projects (CIP)/Job Costing
Perform accounting and project reporting for departments and managerial staff as requested for CIP projects.
Work directly with departments as the Finance liaison to provide a communications link of project status and funding needs for a multitude of construction projects.
Reconcile project funding sources, expenses and encumbrances to assure accuracy.
Analyze completed construction projects and process the necessary transactions to properly record the capitalization of the land and building assets.
Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC)
Review and verify accuracy of Master Applications for Payments (MAPs) of DMCC and DMC Economic Development Authority (EDA) submittals.
Monitor the funding needed for DMCC expenditures and create transactions as needed.
Create financial reports related to DMCC accounts as requested or required by local and state agencies.
*Reporting Processes
Compile and submit accurate and detailed reports monthly, quarterly and/or yearly for State and Federal agencies for the following: sales and use tax, fuel consumption tax, entertainer tax, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), Police and Fire Grants, and 1099MISC for accounts payable.
*Assessments
Prepare various accounting transactions including the completion of assigned reports, journal entries, account analysis, various monthly tasks (reconciliation and reporting processes), and time sensitive tasks that are requested by upper management for urgent reporting needs.
Assist with various other financial/accounting processes.
Assist other staff in the division as needed, and/or serves as a backup due to employee absences.
Participate in the design, implementation, and upgrades to accounting software systems.
Perform other duties as assigned or necessary.
*ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
A Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance from an accredited college or university and two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in general accounting and/or governmental accounting, cost/project accounting, auditing and internal controls, financial cost analysis, fleet maintenance, financial reporting and budgeting.
Licenses
Valid driver's license or driving privileges in the State of Minnesota.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
At least one year of experience with large enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, preferably J.D. Edwards.
Certifications
Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
If this work interests you but you are unsure if you meet all the job requirements listed above, please apply anyway! Your experience is likely more applicable to the role than you think, and the City is interested in candidates who can bring not only technical expertise but a variety of lived experience to the team.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.
In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Work performed during annual or quarterly inventory/cycle counts, may be classified as Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.
Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:
Continuous demands: sitting, fine dexterity, and simultaneous use of the hands and wrists.
Occasional demands: standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, handling, kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting, climbing, and balancing.
Sensory requirements necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include: sight, hearing, and touch.
Environmental conditions that may exist in the performance of the essential functions of this job include NONE (not substantially exposed to environmental conditions)
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AND RETIREMENT SUMMARY (https://www.rochestermn.gov/home/showdocument?id=36371&t=637988555643816877)
01
The following supplemental information may be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Be certain that the choices you make correspond to the information you have provided in your application and resume. You must be honest and accurate in answering the supplemental questions and do not @type "see resume". You may also be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview for this position. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is true and accurate. Any information provided may be reviewed by the hiring manager. Any misstatements or falsification of information will eliminate you from consideration or may result in dismissal. Do you understand and agree with this statement?
Yes
No
02
What is your preferred name?
03
Do you have a valid driver's license or valid driving privileges in Minnesota?
Yes
No
04
Which of the following best describes your level of education?
High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D.
Less than 2 years post-secondary training including certifications in accounting or finance
Completion of a 2 year degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field
Completion of a 4 year degree in accounting, finance, or closely related field
Completion of a 2 year program in an area NOT related to accounting or finance
Completion of a 4 year degree in an area NOT related to accounting or finance
Completion of a Master's degree, or higher, in accounting, finance, or closely related field.
N/A - None of the above
05
Which of the following best describes your years of employment experience in a position where accounting was your primary duty?
No experience
Less than 1 year
More than 1 year, but less than 2 years
More than 2 years, but less than 4 years
More than 4 years, but less than 6 years
More than 6 years, but less than 8 years
More than 8 years, but less than 10 years
More than 10 years
06
Which of the following accounting-related certifications/designations do you currently possess? (Select all that apply)
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
Certified Financial Manager (CFM)
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
Enrolled Agent (EA)
Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)
Other
N/A - I do not possess any accounting-related certifications/designations
07
Which of the following best describes the size of the organization, in terms of total annual budget, where you obtained a majority of your years of accounting experience?
Less than $1M
More than $1M, but less than $10M
More than $10M, but less than $50M
More than $50M, but less than $200M
More than $200M, but less than $500M
More than $500M
N/A
08
Does your various accounting experience include any of the following? (Select all that apply)
Analyzing various capital projects for proper funding and expenditures, and process the necessary journal entries
Monitoring various sources of funding for capital projects, including Federal, State, and local grants and private funding from local organizations
Determining the appropriate life of a fixed asset as it relates to the organization's policies
Compiling fixed asses costs and recording acquisitions and depositions
Calculating depreciation based on straight line method
Tracking fixed asset expenditures as it compares to the approved operating budget
Recording and maintaining fixed asset records so that they properly record odometer readings, part maintenance costs, purchase orders, work orders and time entry
Determining the appropriate sales tax implications on various purchases and receipts
Reviewing claims and vouchers for appropriateness, documentation and accuracy
Verifying appropriate account coding and departmental approval
Preparing accounts payable vouchers and/or accounts receivable invoices
Determining the appropriate sales tax implications on various sales and revenues
Reviewing and monitoring accounts receivable invoices for appropriate accounting coding
Correcting, voiding, or making adjustments to accounts receivable invoices
Reconciling accounts receivable transactions to the general ledger balance
Auditing
Federal and State Grant accounting and reporting
Creating and preparing financial and budget reports
Encumbrances/appropriations
Purchase Orders
Work Orders
Developing/implementing and/or modifying accounting software programming/tables
N/A - None of the above
09
Does your experience with implementing and/or maintaining software include any of the following? (Select all that apply)
Monitoring the accuracy and internal controls of the accounting software programs
Processing program improvements, upgrades or changes to existing accounting software, and/or assist in the implementation and setup of new accounting software
Performing testing and verification of software upgrades
N/A - None of the above. I do not have experience in these areas.
10
Which of the following best describes your experience with governmental accounting?
Limited - I have taken classes related to governmental accounting, as part of my degree or taken governmental CPE credited classes.
Moderate - I have performed some accounting functions or auditing for governmental entities.
Extensive - I have worked in a governmental accounting position where a majority of my duties were subject to GASB accounting principles.
N/A - I have no governmental accounting experience
11
Please indicate any of the functions that you are able to successfully perform in Excel: (select all that apply)
Formatting
Data Filter, Validation
Importing/Exporting Data
Pivot tables
"If, then" statements
Logical statements (not, or, true)
Vlookups
Using formulas - sum, average, count
None of the above
12
Does your employment experience include working with any of the following accounting software? (Select all that apply)
Oracle, People Soft, and/or JD Edwards
SAP
QuickBooks and/or Peachtree
USI
Accela
Duncan
Logis
Other (List below)
N/A - None of the above
13
Tell us how your professional, educational and lived experiences would help you be successful in this role.
14
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: If selected as a finalist, are you willing to undergo a background investigation which may include, but not limited to: verification of employment and educational records, identification verification, driver's license record and a criminal history?
Yes
No
Required Question
Employer
City of Rochester
Address
201 4th Street SE Rochester, Minnesota, 55904
Phone
(507) 328-2555
Website
https://www.rochestermn.gov/employment
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