Accountant / Senior Accountant

Job description

About the City Lafayette has an inescapable small-town feeling that provides a sense of belonging and connection. Whether it’s eclectic Old Town, distinctive neighborhoods, or unique arts and outdoors spaces, the City has a warmth and character all its own, offering a unique vibe and spirit. Lafayette has appeared on numerous national lists of top places to live and safely raise a family. We are a full-service City, which means services are provided directly to our community such as Police, Fire, Public Works, Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, Library and Community Arts Center. These types of services offer employment opportunities for a wide array of interests. The City’s mission is to recruit, develop and retain a diverse, well-qualified and professional workforce that reflects the unique personality of the community we serve. Exceptional City Provided Benefits: • Medical, Dental, Vision • 401A Retirement Plan (10.2% City, 8% Employee, immediately 100% vested upon hire) • Life Insurance (One year’s salary up to $150,000. AD&D coverage in equal amount) • Tuition Assistance (up to $5000 per year for approved expenses) • Employee Assistance Program (free counseling, travel assistance, legal aid, etc) • Short and Long-Term Disability • Bilingual Pay Additional Benefits: • Deferred Compensation and Roth Options • Voluntary Life Insurance/AD&D • Identity Theft Program • Recreation Center Pass • Wellness Punch Card (100 punches per year to use at golf course, waterpark, etc) Leave: • First year employees will accrue 80 hours Vacation • Sick Leave • Floating Holiday Leave • 11.5 paid City holidays. • Other leave programs are offered to include FMLA, Parental and Bereavement Leave Pay Range: Accountant: $71,399-$99,937 Senior Accountant: $78,825-$110,334 SUMMARY OR GENERAL PURPOSE: Performs professional level accounting work; in relation to duties assigned in this position, utilizes and analyzes others’ work in the areas of payroll, utility billing, accounts payable, sales tax, cash collections, and other related accounting operations in the department. Under the direction of the Deputy Finance Director, the Senior Accountant position may perform work directing, coordinating and supporting the activities of administrative and clerical personnel assigned to the Finance Department. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following duties are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive: ACCOUNTANT: • Prepare and enter journal entries as part of month-end and year-end close activities. • Proof output reports and updates to general ledger. • Assist in preparation of interim financial statements and account reconciliations. • Respond to inquiries from both internal and external parties and assist in resolving issues or answering questions. • Analyze information and assist in preparation of ACFR and annual budget. • Perform year-end functions and assist in preparation of audit documentation as well as responding to auditor requests and ensuring timely completion. • Contribute to special projects across the Finance department, including implementing new systems, enhancing processes, updating policies/procedures, conducting analyses or developing custom reports. • May provide backup support for other Finance department functions during staff absences or high-volume periods. • Perform other tasks as assigned. SENIOR ACCOUNTANT: The Senior Accountant will perform the duties described above (shared with the current Senior Accountant). In addition, the Senior Accountant will: • Review and post journal entries. • Oversee month-end close processes. • Maintain capital asset records, including additions, disposals and depreciation. • Monitor City’s cash and investment position and prepare monthly account reconciliations. • Maintain debt detail, process debt service payments, and prepare related year-end reporting. • Assist with ambulance billing coordination. • Assist with various accounting and budget questions and transactions to ensure accuracy • Perform other tasks as assigned. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Accountant and Senior Accountant positions work under the general supervision of the Deputy Finance Director. SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Accountant and Senior Accountant positions do not currently supervise other positions. QUALIFICATIONS: KNOWLEDGE: Accounting principles/practices, internal controls, and process development. Senior Accountant should have a solid working knowledge of Governmental accounting standards. SKILL: Strong written and verbal communication abilities; familiarity with Microsoft Excel is strongly preferred; operation of equipment necessary to perform functions of the position. ABILITY: Work accurately with information where numerous distractions exist and do repetitive and detail-oriented work; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, the public, and other agencies. Senior Accountant should have ability to conduct themselves professionally under stressful and challenging situations; approach problems with critical thinking and analytical skill. EVIDENCE OF QUALIFICATIONS: TRAINING: ACCOUNTANT and SENIOR ACCOUNTANT: Bachelor’s Degree with emphasis in finance, accounting, or a related field. EXPERIENCE: ACCOUNTANT: Three (3) years working experience in the accounting field, governmental experience preferred. SENIOR ACCOUNTANT: Five (5) years working experience in the accounting field, governmental experience preferred OR equivalent combination of training and experience that provides evidence that the applicant possesses the required knowledge, skills and abilities. ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This position is primarily administrative in nature, working indoors, completing tasks such as reading and reviewing reports, papers and other documents, as well as writing reports, papers, correspondence and other documents. This portion of the job will require acute mental skills and a lengthy attention span. The ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner both in writing and verbally is essential to this position. Work involves sitting (70%), walking (15%), and standing (15%). Occasional lifting of objects weighing less than 24 pounds and rarely lifting of objects weighing 25-50 pounds is required. INDEPENDENCE OF ACTION: ACCOUNTANT: Work is performed with a moderate level of independence and judgement. Responsible for accuracy of transactions and work prepared. Reports and transactions are prepared independently and reviewed by a supervisor. Follows established operating procedures and suggests improvement opportunities. SENIOR ACCOUNTANT: Work is performed with a high level of independence and judgement. Responsible for accuracy of transactions, processes, and work performed by themselves and in collaboration with others. Suggest and implement process improvements. Authority is granted to exercise judgement and make decisions within areas of responsibility. Areas of uncertainty or decisions that impact internal controls and processes should be reviewed with supervisor. EQUIPMENT USED: The ability to properly operate or use the following equipment is necessary: telephone, computer, printer, photocopier, calculators, shredder, and postage machine. Technology used will include Microsoft Office products, various financial software and systems, and collaboration tools (e.g. Zoom, MS Teams). Please ensure your application is complete and submitted prior to 11:59 pm on September 16, 2026, to be considered. Incomplete applications will be withdrawn from the process.