Intermediate Accountant Part-Time

This position will specialize in municipal finance and will play a pivotal role in the seamless operation of financial functions within our organization. Primary responsibilities encompass completing and reviewing various tasks critical to the municipal taxation program accounts receivable utilities receivable and accounts payable. With precision and attention to detail this position will ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data contributing to the efficient management of fiscal operations.

This is a permanent part-time position (0.4 FTE) consisting of a two-day work week. There is a temporary 0.2 FTE increase bringing the schedule to a three-day work week through December 31 2026.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Taxation Program (50%)

• Evaluate interpret and ensure compliance and regulatory oversight by staying updated on local provincial and federal laws governing property taxation and assessment practices adhering to statutory deadlines reporting obligations and audit procedures collaborating with auditors and regulatory agencies to facilitate compliance reviews resolve audit findings.
• Provide guidance and support for property owners taxpayers elected officials stakeholders and community members regarding assessment and property tax inquiries and concerns.
• Conduct comprehensive reviews for property assessments against property taxes using analytical tools and methodologies to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Assists with the end-to-end billing process for annual and supplementary property taxes encompassing calculation generation and distribution of tax and assessment notices while monitoring and reporting on tax collections delinquencies and payment plans to address outstanding balances.
• Perform financial accounting reconciliations journals and reporting duties pertaining to municipal property tax.
• Interpret understand and complete property tax collection processes tailored to various assessment classes aligning with the Municipal Government Act and other regulatory guidelines; for complex property tax files in arrears collaborate with legal counsel to support recommendations for consideration by elected officials.
• Forge connections with municipal counterparts and conduct intermunicipal research to analyze property tax trends market conditions tax rates penalty rates and methodologies utilized thereby enhancing decision-making processes.
• Coordinates and administers tax agreements tax installment payment plans and the penalty forgiveness payment plan in compliance with County bylaws and external legislation ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and municipal policies.
• Facilitates tax relief requests aligned with Council policies by conducting research calculations and collaborating with cross-functional teams within the County; prepares correspondence and assists in developing presentation materials for Council as needed.
• Demonstrate a proactive approach by introducing innovative and creative strategies to enhance property tax collection while presenting ideas and recommendations aimed at improving existing processes and methodologies.

Municipal and Utility Service Receivables (30%)

• Administer the municipal and utility billing process including meter reading imports reconciliations bill generation and distribution to ensure accurate and timely billing for municipal utility services provided by the municipality while implementing best practices and procedures to optimize billing efficiency and accuracy.
• Process payments and administer accounts receivable by receiving and handling payments for municipal and utility invoices including cash checks credit card payments and electronic transfers maintaining precise records of payments received reconciling accounts receivable balances and issuing billing statements past due notices and collection letters as required.
• Monitor delinquent accounts implement collection procedures in line with municipal policies and regulations coordinate with collection agencies legal counsel and stakeholders to pursue outstanding balances and recommend strategies to reduce delinquency rates and enhance collection efficiency.
• Conduct regular reconciliations of municipal and utility billing records payments received and accounts receivable balances aging of receivables and collection performance.
• Stay abreast of regulatory requirements and industry standards related to municipal and utility billing collections and customer service ensuring compliance with local provincial and federal regulations.
• Actively participate in financial statement audits requiring accounting reconciliations journal entries and working paper reviews to ensure compliance with internal controls accounting standards and other governing bodies as required. requirements and internal controls.

Other Related Duties (20%)

• Provides periodic coverage for the Accounting Assistant (AP) positions within the County.
• Provides periodic front desk and switchboard coverage.
• Peer reviewer for the Taxation and Accounts Receivable Supervisor and Accounts Payable Supervisor as required.
• Financial accounting tasks journal entries reconciliations and reporting activities as assigned.
• Adheres to applicable responsibilities and accountabilities as outlined in the Sturgeon County Health and Safety Management System return.
• Performs the duties of an Information Management Contact for the department.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS SKILLS ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE
The following are required in this position:

• Bachelors degree in finance accounting or related field.
• Education or direct experience working in financial accounting software.
• Minimum 2 years experience in financial and accounting related experience
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of frequently asked questions policies procedures and practices pertaining account payable and receivable administration.
• Solid understanding of internal controls and their importance in relation to financial processes and accounting.
• Ability to read follow and understand processes procedures and policies to perform work in accordance with expectations.
• Ability to apply a forward-thinking approach while working to ensure that processes are efficient and operating as intended.
• Ability to take initiative be independent resourceful work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team environment or independently.
• Proven ability to effectively communicate in writing or verbally in a clear objective logical and sensible manner.
• Well-developed customer service skills.
• Proficiency when using all Microsoft Office Programs (Excel Word and PowerPoint etc.).

The following are considered assets or preferences in this position:

• Municipal experience considered an asset.
• Public Administration certificate or equivalent.