Accounting Specialist - AP/Cashiering | Village of Westmont

Under the general supervision of the Supervisor of Accounting Services, performs a variety of bookkeeping functions including processing of bills and invoices, balancing of daily deposits, reconciliation of balance sheet accounts, journal preparation and entry, checking for compliance and internal controls, and providing effective communication with internal and external customers.  Performs various other tasks relating to the Finance Department. 

ABOUT US:  The Village of Westmont (pop. 24,685) is a community of six square miles in area located approximately 22 miles west of the Chicago Loop in the southeastern portion of DuPage County. The name Westmont comes from being the highest point of elevation on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad west of Chicago.  The Village’s Strategic Vision is “Shaping a vibrant community and future through connection, service and leadership”.

Westmont boasts that we are “in the middle of it all” based on our central location in the Chicago Metro area.  Westmont benefits from rapid Metra Rail service to Downtown Chicago along with easy access to major highways that help ease any commute.  Westmont offers the intimacy and personality of a Village, balanced with the cosmopolitanism and infrastructure to support a business community that includes Fortune 500 corporations as well as local small and mid-sized businesses, including approximately 100 restaurants.  

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:  The department is responsible for accounting, investing, receipt collection, and financial reporting. The department's strategic areas of focus include:  collect & protect the public's resources; inform decision makers; facilitate public service through efficiency of centralized services and by equipping employees to serve; and inspire public confidence through transparency and communication, good customer service and performance, and by ensuring practices are fair, legal, and ethical.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  Under general direction of the Supervisor of Accounting Services, the Accounting Specialist - AP/Cashiering performs a variety of bookkeeping, finance and general administrative duties.  General job responsibilities are listed below:

•  Responsible for recurring Accounts Payable processing, including preparing the biweekly finance ordinance for Village Board approval, verifying invoices and documentation, preparing/processing bank transfers and processing checks and manual check requests.

• Performs a variety of customer service, cashiering and mail processing functions, such as receiving and processing payments, answering customer service inquiries in person and over the telephone, receiving and processing mail and providing assistance to the Village Clerk’s office.

• Tracks fixed asset-related transactions.

• Responsible for daily posting and balancing of general ledger to subsystem aging reports; researches discrepancies and effects problem resolution as needed; maintains documentation.

• Performs a variety of general accounting and administrative functions, like reconciling balance sheet accounts, handling bank reconciliations, assisting with the financial audit, preparing and entering journal entries.

• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:  This position requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of two years of college with emphasis on accounting and requires extensive knowledge of spreadsheet applications with the ability to create and maintain detailed records within the applications.

Successful candidates will have a minimum of two (2) years of experience in an accounting environment with at least one (1) year of cashiering or customer service experience.  Municipal experience is preferred.  This position requires knowledge of general accounting principles and working knowledge of municipal and fund accounting, accounts payable processes and computer applications as they relate to finance (i.e. - spreadsheets and database software). The ability to work independently, communicate effectively - orally and in writing - with a varied audience and to establish and maintain trust and effective working relationships with municipal personnel and the public is essential.  

The ideal candidate must be a dedicated individual with integrity and strength of character.  Candidate should also have a track record of positive interaction with employees, management and citizens.  

The complete job description is available at www.westmont.illinois.gov/HR.  

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS:  This is a full-time, non-exempt (hourly) position with a starting pay rate of $25.51/hr - $28.76 (DOQ).  

The Village of Westmont offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and pension.

EOE M/F/D/V