Financial Assistant

The Financial Assistant will support the Finance Department of Heart of Georgia Altamaha Regional Commission by handling key administrative and paraprofessional accounting functions. The role includes invoice and payment processing, payroll support, record maintenance, reporting, and assistance with reconciliations and audits.

Role Overview

This full-time position is based in Eastman, GA (onsite) in an office setting. The Financial Assistant performs administrative, financial, and paraprofessional accounting duties to support ongoing Finance Department operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive invoices from the Finance Officer, enter data into the financial software system, and process payments.
• Print checks for distribution and/or mailing; prepare ACH payments and upload payment files to the bank.
• Prepare bi-weekly payroll for staff, including reimbursement expenses, and generate quarterly and annual payroll reports.
• Maintain sick leave and annual leave records, keep signed time sheets, and maintain employee files that must remain separate from Human Resources files.
• Maintain official employee records, including new employee enrollment forms and payroll change forms; complete E-Verify checks; prepare W-2s and produce annual W-2 reports.
• Assist employees with benefits and policy questions and related claims.
• Maintain organized accounts payable records and assist with fiscal year close out/opening procedures as requested.
• Verify data entry for accuracy, reconciliation, and completeness.
• Compile information from multiple sources to estimate expected revenues and expenditures, and support budgeting by entering, updating, and amending budgets.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for local, state, and federal agencies and contracts.
• Conduct detailed budget analyses related to revenues and expenditures as requested.
• Utilize grantor agency forms for payment requests based on expenditures or anticipated expenditures as needed, and submit related documentation to appropriate staff.
• Help ensure prompt payment for accounts payable and notes receivable.
• Assist with monthly summaries of cash balances by account for management review, and support audits by maintaining financial files, compiling reports, and reviewing accounts for accuracy.
• Support bank reconciliation for all bank accounts, prepare journal entries, and close books monthly as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge and Qualifications

• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and guidelines.
• Knowledge of governmental accounting and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), along with bookkeeping practices.
• Knowledge of computers, hardware and software applications, and related peripherals.
• Ability to operate office equipment including a computer, typewriter, calculator, facsimile machine, telephone, and copier.
• Skill in accounting, spreadsheet, word processing, and graphics software.
• Skill in mathematical calculations and in oral, written, and interpersonal communication.
• Associate degree in accounting with two years of related experience required; a baccalaureate degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is preferred.
• Sufficient experience to understand basic principles relevant to major duties, typically associated with an apprenticeship or internship completion or similar experience for one to two years.
• Ability to possess or obtain a valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

Technologies

• Financial software system
• E-Verify
• ACH

Compensation and Employment Details

• Job Type: Full-time
• Pay: $40,000.00 to $45,000.00 per year
• Work Location: In person
• Department: Finance, Heart of Georgia Altamaha Regional Commission

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education

Associate degree in accounting