DescriptionThe City of Ottumwa Finance Department is seeking qualified candidates for the position of
Accounting Specialist. This role performs a wide range of specialized financial support duties to ensure accurate accounting records and compliance with standard practices. Key responsibilities include maintaining accounts payable/receivable, payroll, grant and insurance records, assisting with audits, processing financial documents, preparing reports, and supporting departmental financial functions. The position requires strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and proficiency with modern office software, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Functional Specific Responsibilities include:Accounts Payable / Purchasing:
- Assists with updating the fixed assets records;
- Maintains insurance claims for property damage;
- Oversees purchasing program for city equipment and supplies; includes selling items.
Accounts Receivable:
- Daily cash balances including deposits;
- Assists in customer payments;
- Analyzes and assesses late payment fees, assign past due accounts to collection agency, and analyze past due account and preparation of annual listing for write- offs;
- Administers state Offset program.
Payroll:
- Oversees preparation of payrolls; prepare payroll surveys for Federal and State governmental agencies as requested;
- Reconciles payroll and general checking accounts;
- Prepares payroll payables and submit to Account Payables (health and life insurance, retirement, etc.).
The pay range for the position will increase to $23.02 - $29.93 per hour starting July 1, 2026.
The City of Ottumwa is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with applicable state and federal law, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the City.
RequirementsTraining / Education and Experience Requirements- Associate's degree in accounting, business management, finance or related field; AND
- Two years in an accountant, payroll or accounts payable / receivable position. OR
- An equivalent combination of education / training and experiences which provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities
Skills / Abilities Requirements- Modern office procedures and equipment;
- Recordkeeping principles;
- Mathematical concepts;
- Data collection and interpretation;
- Basic budgeting principles;
- Computers and related software applications;
- Collect and compute mathematical information;
- Read, analyze and interpret financial and statistical reports;
- Creating and/or maintaining financial records and data;
- Calculate financial statements, ratios, proportions and percentages;
- Maintaining confidentiality;
- Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
- Ability to use computers and relevant software (ex.: Microsoft Office). Requires frequent use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook).