Finance Assistant I (FT)

The City of Brooklyn Park is seeking two Finance Assistant I's to provide service oriented, skilled accounts payable (A/P) and accounts receivable (A/R) activities to organize, process and maintain account ledgers and other financial documentation.

Application Deadline:  This job posting will be open until filled.  If you have interest in this position, it is highly recommended that you apply as soon as possible upon seeing the announcement as the vacancy may close without notice.  First review of applications will be on June 16, 2023.  

• Provide administrative support to the Finance Director and Assistant Finance Director
• Manage full cycle of accounts payable and accounts receivable
• Review all invoices for appropriate documentation, account information and approval prior to payment 
• Process purchase card (P-card) transactions on a weekly basis and code, track, and reconcile monthly P-card charges 
• Reconcile bills to item receipts and resolve any discrepancies 
• Communicate daily with internal and external customers via phone, email and written correspondence
• Complete weekly check runs
• Maintain vendor records for current 1099 and contact information
• Enter and issue payroll deduction checks biweekly
• Process and pay sales and use tax
• Maintain proper retention records and storage for the Finance Department
• Follow general accounting principles and methods and refer to city policies, procedures and regulations as needed
• Complete year end processes and assist accountants with audit workpapers and provide documentation as requested
• Continuous improvement on processes in order to increase accuracy and efficiency 
• Organize and manage requests for Council action (RFCA)
• Write and submit RFCAs and council resolutions
• Daily deposit activities
• Prepare /reconcile daily deposit of all cash receipts from every cash collection area in the City
• Send deposit to the bank
• Collect, analyze, and process internal documentation from departments to invoice customers
• Maintain accounts through invoices, trial balances, and collection efforts, including dishonored checks
• Receive daily payment and post amounts to customer accounts
• Process cash receipting to deposit funds
• Prepare and generate billing and invoices
• Resolve accounts receivable discrepancies and questions through correspondence and/ or telephone calls.
• Record data and maintain voided checks and expenditure reports.
• Maintain account receivable customer files and set up a retention schedule for later storage
• Assist in data entry of purchase orders, invoices and vouchers for the general fund regular claims list done weekly
• Balance the batch postings
• Maintain the petty cash fund, make payments, reconcile and replenish the account
• Prepare Special Assessment Certification lists for outstanding city code violations annually
• Mail is sorted, date stamped and dispersed to the appropriate people
• Perform other job duties as assigned

• Ability to accurately and efficiently process invoices and work with vendors and departments to resolve issues surrounding payment
• Ability to exercise sound judgment to solve problems in compliance with established policies, procedures, and practices
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, determine and organize priorities, and successfully work within deadlines and time constraints
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision/direction
• Ability to develop and maintain positive and professional working relationships at all levels both inside and outside the organization
• Ability to clearly, concisely, and effectively communicate, both in verbal and written formats
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Outlook and business network environment
• Ability to maintain attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to provide a level of customer service that meets or exceeds customer expectation and satisfaction
• Ability to relate and work effectively with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds
• Embrace and engage in cultural shift toward Continuous Improvement

Desired Qualifications

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible/successful experience in accounting or finance
• Highly related experience performing accounting or finance functions for a government organization
• Internship with a government organization within the finance area
• Previous experience with Tyler/New World software applications
• Previous experience working with people from various cultural, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds
• Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Laotian or Vietnamese language(s)

Background Check
The City has determined that a criminal background check will be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Selection Process
The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience and/or an oral examination (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions.  Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

Brooklyn Park is a thriving northwestern suburb of Minneapolis and the sixth largest city in the state with over 86,000 residents and 30,000 jobs. As the 11th fastest growing city in Minnesota, the city has become even more vibrant because of our remarkable racial and cultural diversity. Approximately 60 percent of our residents are people of color, 22 percent are foreign-born, and more than a quarter speak a language other than English at home.

Our Vision, Values and Goals  

Resume Requested 
To help us evaluate candidates' education, experience and skills, we are asking all candidates to attach a resume to their application  

Department/Division:  Finance Department/Financial Services

Anticipated Work Schedule:  This is a full-time, non-exempt, non-union position with a standard eight (8) hour work day, Monday-Friday

Anticipated Hiring Wage:  $24.56 - $31.56, depending on qualifications

We welcome applications from all individuals, including (but not limited to): people of all abilities, persons of color, Veterans, LGBTQ and women.  If you need these materials in an alternate format or if you have a disability-related need and need assistance with the application process, please contact Janis Lajon at either 763-493-8016 or via e-mail at Janis.lajon@brooklynpark.org.

Salary : $51,085 - $65,645