Accounting Specialist

Salary $34.46 - $44.59 Hourly Location 540 West Hills Circle, MN Job Type Full-time Job Number Accounting Specialist 05.2026 Department Administration Division Finance Opening Date 05/13/2026 FLSA Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit NA Description THE COMMUNITY WE SERVE: The City of Owatonna is a growing community strategically placed at the crossroads of I-35 and two major US highways, approximately one hour south of the Twin Cities metro area. The community has a commitment to growth, access to services, and quality of life for its 27,000 residents. Click the link below to learn more about the community this position would have the opportunity to be part of and serve. ABOUT THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT PURPOSE We believe that our financial resources make possible the services that are essential to the safety, livability, and vitality of our community. The Finance Department creates a better tomorrow by partnering with all City departments to steward the citizens’ shared financial resources effectively, efficiently, and responsibly. In our department, the City’s values look and sound like . . . BETTER TOGETHER Working as a team and supporting other team members Providing training/learning across departments Building relationships across the city Acting as a trusted partner by providing information and assistance to help others succeed Being available and responsive Being approachable to employees and the community Working with compassion for and attention towards the person in front of us COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP: Safeguarding the community’s assets Operating with integrity at all times Spending taxpayers’ money wisely, efficiently, and effectively Acting as a strategic partner with other departments and stakeholders to develop creative solutions that support both short and long-term fiscal sustainability Providing transparency, information, and education to the community about the city’s finances Listening to and considering input from citizens PRIDE IN OUR WORK: Providing accurate and current financial reports and data Operating with a mindset of continuous improvement that supports more effective and efficient solutions Striving for perfection while recognizing that we are human—when mistakes happen, we acknowledge them and fix them Maintaining a professional reputation as a trusted partner Duties / Responsibilities WHAT YOU'LL DO: As an Accounting Specialist you will perform complex and non-routine financial support duties to ensure the accuracy of accounting and financial records and compliance with standard accounting practices and state statutes. Responsibilities may include: balancing department accounts, maintaining program budget; reconciling accounts; clarifying discrepancies in financial records; reviewing financial reports; processing accounts payable, cash receipts and accounts payable, processing payroll, insurance and taxes; and responding to a variety of inquiries about financial information. Specifically as the Accounting Specialist you will... Performs the processing and recording of payroll, including computer processing, and ensuring compliance with contracts, regulations, and internal policies. Performs the processing and recording of accounts payable and cash receipts, ensuring accuracy and accordance with finance policies and procedures. Provides technical accounting assistance via direct contact, telephone, and electronically. Assists with preparing and reviewing the month end and year end budget processing, including the CAFR report and Five Year Capital Improvement plan. Prepares journal entries and reconciles various monthly general ledger accounts including: payroll, capital assets, investment portfolios, etc. Performs and reviews internal audits for financial policies and procedures Performs other duties of a similar nature or level. Qualifications ABOUT YOU: A successful candidate will have some or all of the following ... An Associate’s degree or two year technical certificate in Accounting; 6 years accounting support or related experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Knowledge of MS Excel, and MS Outlook; Generally Accepted Accountin