Accounting Specialist

Job Title: Accounting Specialist

Department: Finance

Reports To: Finance Manager

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Safety Sensitive: No

Classification: Full Time; Non-Exempt

Job Level: 3

Driving Status: Yes

Work Environment: The position primarily works in an office environment. Occasional travel to interoffice Township sites.

Summary

This position is responsible for performing a variety of accounting, financial, customer service, and administrative functions to support the Finance Department. Key responsibilities include processing accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions, cash receipting, escrow accounting, collections, and related financial activities. Strong attention to detail, organization, customer service, and accounting knowledge are essential for ensuring accurate financial records and compliance with Township procedures.

Essential Functions

1. Review invoices, procurement card transactions, supporting documentation, approvals, and coding prior to processing and entry into the financial system.


2. Process accounts payable transactions, including invoices, reimbursements, utility payments, procurement card transactions, and other payment activity, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with Township procedures.


3. Maintain vendor information within financial systems and ensure required documentation is completed and recorded appropriately.


4. Process and reconcile cash, check, ACH, and credit card transactions and prepare deposits and supporting documentation.


5. Prepare and process invoices, billings, and other accounts receivable activity.


6. Perform collection activities, account follow-up, and customer communication.


7. Maintain escrow accounting records and related invoicing and tracking for Township development projects.


8. Research and resolve discrepancies or issues involving vendor accounts, customer accounts, invoices, receipts, payments, or other financial activity.


9. Assist with preparation and compilation of documentation for audits, budget support, compliance reporting, and other accounting activities as assigned.


10. Provide backup support and cross-training for other accounting functions within the Finance Department.


11. Assist Township departments, residents, vendors, and outside agencies with financial questions, payment inquiries, documentation requests, and accounting procedures.


12. Provide professional customer service and support by phone, email, and in person.


13. Maintain, organize, retain, and archive financial records and supporting documentation in accordance with Township procedures.


14. Perform general administrative and office support duties within the Finance Department.


15. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

1. Able to stand, sit and walk for extended periods of time and intermittently.


2. Dexterity is mandatory as this job requires frequent use of hands and fingers.


3. Ability to complete keyboard entry for extended periods of time.


4. Ability to reach with hands and arms, push items overhead, occasionally stoop, kneel, or crouch.


5. Ability to talk, hear, and see.


6. Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs.


7. Ability to operate office equipment including computers, printers, copiers, scanners, and related office equipment.


8. Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Competencies

1. Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.


2. Working knowledge of accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipting, banking, and account reconciliation practices and procedures.


3. Ability to review financial transactions for accuracy, completeness, proper coding, and compliance with established procedures and internal controls.


4. Strong attention to detail and accountability for the accuracy and reliability of financial records and data.


5. Working knowledge of governmental or fund accounting principles and practices, or the ability to learn and apply governmental accounting procedures.


6. Ability to communicate professionally and provide effective customer service to Township staff, residents, vendors, and outside agencies.


7. Ability to process and maintain financial records accurately in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.


8. Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively within a team environment.


9. Proficiency in financial systems and Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.


10. Ability to learn and adapt to changing processes, software systems, and departmental operational needs.

Required Education and Experience

Associate's degree in accounting or related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant accounting experience.

Minimum of 2 years of experience in accounts payable, accounts receivable, or related accounting functions.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.

Preferred Education and Experience

Experience in governmental or fund accounting. Minimum of 5 years of experience in accounts payable, accounts receivable, or related accounting functions. Experience working in a high-volume transaction processing environment.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

Must possess valid Pennsylvania driver's license.

Work Environment

The position primarily works in an office environment.

Occasional travel to interoffice Township sites.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.