Finance Assistant

Onsite in Byron Center, MI, this Finance Assistant role supports the township’s day-to-day accounting needs while helping residents through payment and service functions. The position offers $27.00 to $30.00 per hour, paid time off, and paid sick time, with office hours running Monday through Thursday 8am to 5pm and Fridays 8am to noon.

What you’ll do

In this role, you will process and maintain accounting transactions that support the annual audit and help keep departmental records accurate and up to date.

• Process incoming payments in BS&A by receipting, applying, and journalizing transactions.
• Back up accounts payable by processing vendor invoices and maintaining related accounts payable records.
• Enter invoice data into the computerized accounting system and prepare disbursement records for Board approval.
• Prepare checks, arrange for signing and mailing, and maintain files of paid invoices.
• Coordinate deposits for daily cash receipts and taxes.
• Balance and disburse taxes collected according to time frames stated in law, and reconcile daily receipts to reports.
• Participate in property taxing functions, including real, personal, and abated taxes.
• Assist customers by telephone and at the Township office.
• Prepare special reports and analyses, including research and reporting for Township management.
• Support department effectiveness by offering suggestions and participating as an active team member.
• Demonstrate ethical, courteous, and cooperative behavior with the public and staff to promote a harmonious workplace.
• Attend Networking and Training events provided by various municipal associations.

Required background

• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in accounting preferred, plus at least 3 years of accounting experience.
• Knowledge of general and fund accounting principles and practices.
• Experience with property tax billing, receipting, and disbursing practices.
• Comfort with computer applications related to the work, including financial record keeping and bookkeeping practices.
• Standard office skills, including filing and operating standard office equipment (10 key).
• Strong business English skills, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Ability to complete accurate arithmetic calculations and manage details while multitasking.
• Typing, keying, and data input skills, along with computer software proficiency.
• Ability to handle bank and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Skill in reviewing financial documents for completeness and accuracy and maintaining records while preparing timely reports.
• Ability to compile and summarize information for periodic or special reports, organize work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines.
• Ability to contribute to team goals and work effectively with individuals across diverse backgrounds.

Useful experience

• Government accounting and BS&A software are a plus.

Technologies used

• BS&A
• 10 key
• Computerized accounting system

Benefits

• Paid sick time
• Paid time off

Work location and schedule

• Work location: In person
• Ability to commute: Byron Center, MI 49315 (Required)
• Ability to relocate: Byron Center, MI 49315 (Relocate before starting work: Required)
• Office hours: Monday to Thursday 8am to 5pm; Friday 8am to noon

Physical and mental requirements

• Mobility to work in an office setting, use standard office equipment, and sit for extended periods
• Strength to lift and carry up to 10 pounds
• Vision to read printed materials
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone