Accounting Specialist

PURPOSE: The Accounting Specialist will plan, organize, process, and manage the accounts receivable or payable function, lead or assist with the monthly bank reconciliation, manage the assessments of payments for the Township’s lighting districts, and plan and implement initiatives to achieve the Township’s strategic goals.

SCOPE: The Accounting Specialist will play an integral role in the success of the Finance Department and will plan, organize, coordinate, and direct activities related to the accounting functions of the Township.

ESSENTIAL ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Plan, organize, process and manage the accounts receivable or accounts payable function, consistent with township policy, collective bargaining agreements, and the Ohio Revised Code.
• Lead or assist with the monthly bank reconciliation.
• Manage the assessments and payments for the Township’s lighting districts.
• Plan and implement initiatives to achieve the Township’s strategic goals.
• Prepares periodic financial or operational reports.
• Identify opportunities to improve organizational performance.
• Identify opportunities to secure outside funding, grant writing, monitoring, and compliance.
• Other duties as assigned.

CRITICAL SKILLS / EXPERTISE:
• Highly proficient with Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel. Proficient with financial management systems on a fund accounting platform is preferred.
• Must have a keen sense of attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to structure, prioritize, and manage multiple projects.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Commitment to customer service.
• Must be a self-starter, demonstrating strong initiative, and exhibiting a high energy level to quickly generate results.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with employees.
• Must be a person of high integrity, energy and enthusiasm who can work independently, and as part of a team; consistently exercises good professional judgment.
• Must be an agile, adaptable and flexible individual who is able to quickly and effectively change direction in an environment characterized by ambiguity and continual change.

EDUCATION, LICENSING & CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
• High school diploma or GED required. Graduate of accredited four-year college or university with a degree in accounting, finance, business or public administration, or a closely related field preferred.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, and hear, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, and to reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must be able to lift and/or move varying amounts of weight, depending upon the task at hand.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.  Must be able to kneel, bend at the waist, and work in a standing position for long periods.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essentials of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.