Accounting Generalist

Forestville Water District is searching for experienced candidates for the position of Accounting Generalist. This position requires the candidate to be flexible in the day-to-day tasks, including customer service, office support, payroll & benefit, and full charge bookkeeping.

To join our growing team, please review the job posting in its entirety for qualifications & application submission requirements.

Job Description Summary

Under general supervision, perform a variety of administrative and accounting functions, payroll maintenance, fiscal and statistical recordkeeping and provide support involving extensive public contact work; complete bookkeeping and recordkeeping assignments; work in maintaining and updating billing accounts; and receive and resolve complaints and questions concerning the delivery of services and status of funds; and provide training to other staff.

What we offer

• CalPERS & 457 Plan
• Medical, dental & vision plan options
• Retirement fully integrated with Social Security
• Work schedule flexibility
• Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional floating holiday per year.

How to apply:

All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

1. Closing date: 5/31/23 11:59 p.m.

2. Email your resume in PDF format to info@forestvillewd.com

3. In the body of the email provide a cover letter including the following:

• Please provide an example of a time you had to reconcile a complex bookkeeping or accounting error(s). Describe the situation and parties impacted, your role, the software utilized, and the outcome.
• Describe your duties related to ensuring the accuracy of information, verifying the accuracy of data entered into computerized databases and systems, and comparing and proofing information for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with standards.
• These positions require considerable computer skills and proficiency in multiple software applications. Please detail the type of tasks you have completed using Excel, Financial/Accounting systems, Outlook, Word or other word-processing applications, or other relevant programs (please describe)

Applicants must successfully pass a background check, physical and drug testing. Also, provide proof of current driver's license, including a DMV copy of their driving record free of severe or multiple traffic violations or accidents for at least three (3) consecutive years.

Qualifications/Requirements

Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:

Education:

Completion of advanced educational training, a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, business administration, or closely related field, and the equivalent of three years of work experience in these fields

Experience (must meet the minimum of all experiences listed below):

• Two years of increasingly responsible work experience in performing a variety of office and administrative support, including customer service and relations work.
• Three years of HR Generalist or Benefits Administration experience such as benefits, time & attendance, leave management, worker's compensation, and employee health & safety and/or other relevant HR experience.
• Five years of payroll and full charge bookkeeping, preferably including experience in a governmental or public agency setting.

Physical Activities:

• May occasionally travel by airplane and automobile in conducting District business.
• Extended sedentary office position although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required.
• Work in an office environment, lift and move objects up to 25 pounds, such as large binders, books, and small office equipment.
• Occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.
• Sufficient finger/hand coordination and dexterity to operate and adjust office equipment.
• Regularly use of a telephone for communication.
• Use office equipment such as computers, copiers, and FAX machines.
• Hearing and vision within normal ranges with or without correction.

Knowledge of:

• General Accepted Accounting Principles; Purposes, methods, practices, and principles of District financial and statistical recordkeeping work.
• Laws, ordinances, statutes, and regulations controlling the maintenance of District payroll and financial records, issue of payments, and financial statements.
• Principles and practices of public personnel administration, including employee health and welfare benefit administration.
• Laws, rules, ordinances, and legislative processes governing the development and administration of personnel and employment systems.
• Procedures and requirements for payroll deductions.
• Basic mathematics.
• Correct English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Customer service procedures and methods of resolving complaints.
• District policies and regulations regarding the establishment and maintenance of services.
• District billing practices and fiscal recordkeeping methods.
• Computerized billing, payroll, and service information systems.
• Governmental and public agency rules and regulations.

Ability to:

• Handle multiple tasks in a constantly changing environment.
• Skillfully use computer systems and software applications related to District administrative functions, including QuickBooks, word-processing, and spreadsheet software, as appropriate.
• Perform a variety of complex and sensitive customer service functions regarding the establishment and maintenance of District services.
• Maintains and updates payment and billing records, resolving problems regarding delinquent accounts.
• Perform a variety of challenging and complex payroll maintenance and recordkeeping work.
• Assist with District preliminary budget development.
• Research and evaluate information regarding customer service and payment problems.
• Analyze and evaluate customer complaints.
• Maintains journals and ledgers and performs bookkeeping work.
• Make arithmetic calculations quickly and accurately.
• Coordinate customer service functions with other District functions and services.
• To work alone or in a team setting.
• Type at a rate of 50 words per minute from clear, legible copy.
• Follow oral and written directions.
• Maintain diplomatic and good relations regarding District services and complaints when working with the public.
• Screening calls and Direct calls to the appropriate individual
• Continue to work efficiently with constant interruptions or change in deadlines.

Essential Functions

• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, outside agencies, and the public.
• Regular attendance and adherence to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities.
• Performs typing assignments, utilizing computer word processing programs.
• Answers the telephone and greets office visitors, providing information or referring them to other staff.
• Performs filing and recordkeeping.
• Proofreads various documents for accuracy.
• Maintains and updates employee payroll deduction information.
• Reviews payroll records and updates information regarding federal and state withholdings.
• Prepares and distributes payments to insurance agencies and others receiving monies from payroll withholdings.
• Provides general HR service to employees and managers by handling inbound requests related to pay and benefits.
• Sets up accounts for general ledger posting.
• Reviews and ensures the accuracy of ledger posting.
• Reconciles revenue and expenditure data with the general ledger.
• Prepares month-end journals.
• Assists with the preparation of financial statements and reports.
• Closes and adjusts journals and ledgers each fiscal year.
• Prepares monthly schedules of reserved and surplus funds invested by type of investment, location, fund account, interest rate, and due date.
• Transfers invested funds to cash accounts as directed.

Other Duties

• Receives and processes billing payments, and service requests, collects appropriate funds, and coordinates the establishment of services with other District staff.
• Receives and responds to complaints about District service; resolves a variety of problems related to accurate meter readings, high consumption, delinquent accounts, turn-ons, turn-offs, non-reads, and improper billings.
• Audits meter readings.
• Assists with gathering and distributing financial data and projections for the preparation of the District budget.
• Communicates with customers, face-to-face and via the telephone, to discuss and resolve problems and concerns, providing a variety of information regarding District policies, programs, and functions.
• Process benefits enrollments for all full-time employees, including health benefits insurance, short/long term disability, and Paid Family Leave.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding benefit plans.
• Processing employee benefits change requests, terminations, COBRA, and leaves of absence, including Short-Term/ Long-Term Disability, FMLA, and worker's compensation.
• Assist with Board Clerk and general HR duties.
• Gather, organize, and prepare various information utilizing appropriate software in processing the district payroll.
• Prepares a variety of correspondence, memoranda, and other items as delegated by the General Manager.
• Operates various office equipment and computers in the performance of work assignments.
• Performs special assignments as directed by the General Manager
• Provides work training for other support staff.
• Participates in housekeeping duties.
• Create, schedule, and publish social media posts and update websites as needed.