Position Overview: Full-Time, 40 hours per week.

The Senior Accountant is responsible for performing financial tasks, processing financial records, and managing financial activities according to standardized accounting principles and Library policies. The work involves performance of bookkeeping entries, data analysis, and related tasks within clearly defined limits.

This position assists the Accounting Manager in providing support and direction regarding accounting policies and functions to all library departments and branches and to the Finance team. The Senior Accountant acts in the absence of the Accounting Manager under the direction of the Finance Director.

Essential Functions

Develops and communicates internal Accounting department practices and procedures to the Accounting team
Prepares and processes all disbursements and maintains corresponding documentation
Receives, verifies, and approves Finance Department invoices.
Tracks Finance Department expenses, approves direct reports expense reports, generates Department’s account activity and budgetary reports on demand as needed
Administers the Library credit card, fuel card, and merchant credit card purchasing programs
Corresponds with vendors and responds to inquiries
Serves as backup for accounts receivable and accounts payable duties when needed
Processes vendor 1099 tax documents annually
Calculates and reports sales tax payable annually

Non-Essential Functions

Assists in processing bank deposits
Works with IT to troubleshoot the financial system
Attends meetings in the absence of the Accountant as assigned

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field - Required
Accounting Certification - Preferred
3 years’ of municipal, non-profit, or public finance experience - Required

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

All successful leaders at MCPL should demonstrate:

Advanced verbal, written, and discreet communication skills with management, coworkers, and the public in a clear, timely, and proactive manner.
Ability to collaborate with Library leadership to effectively develop, adhere to, and work within the constructs of the library’s budget.
Advanced ability to maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with multiple stakeholders.
Reliable, punctual, and flexible with scheduling.
Sufficient understanding of the MCPL value of intellectual freedom in order to uphold those values while performing their job duties.
Advanced knowledge of a public library's mission and purpose, ability to provide clear expectations and direction, to manage competing priorities, to evaluate quality of work, and provide feedback and accountability.
Advanced knowledge of department processes and procedures, expert knowledge of Library Professional Ethics, advanced knowledge of the impact of decision-making on MCPL, and demonstrated mature judgment to make department-level/system level decisions.
Advanced proficiency in customer service skills through polite, professional, and collaborative interactions with internal and external customers.
An advanced understanding of the role of MCPL leaders at all levels in creating a welcoming and respectful workplace and library for all.

Additionally, this position requires:

Job Knowledge
Intermediate knowledge of our MCPL procedures and functions to assist specialists with financial related tasks
Demonstrates proficiency in understanding, implementing, and explaining library finance related procedures and policies
Ability to discern areas that may require additional focus and proactively adjust workflow
Technology including specific applications, hardware, and coding languages
Intermediate knowledge of Teams, Microsoft office 365 applications including Word, Outlook, Excel, and Teams
Adaptability and proficiency with use of Finance and other related software applications.
Demonstrates the ability to manage functions in MCPL systems
Communication (reading, writing, speaking)
Demonstrates advanced confidentiality and discretion regarding employee information and all administrative matters related to the work assigned
Ability to effectively communicate at an advanced level on the phone, in person, virtually, and via email, with both internal and external customers
Financial/Mathematical
Intermediate knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping
Demonstrates proficiency in understanding and adhering to accounting standards and guidelines
Ability to effectively maintain financial records and reporting
Teamwork
Advanced knowledge of the importance of Teamwork and collaboration within departments
Demonstrates advanced proficiency in the ability to maintain effective working relationships with others
The ability to follow directions from multiple sources within the Finance department, related to their individual areas of responsibility while maintaining collaborative relationships within the Finance team as well as others system-wide, exhibits satisfactory performance in this position
Decision Making
Advanced knowledge of department processes and procedures to inform proper decision-making
Demonstrates mature judgment and sound decision-making skills
Ability to modify workflows depending on daily demands, obligations and tasks demonstrates a satisfactory level of performance in this position

Age Requirement

Must be at least 18 years of age

Motor Vehicle Requirement

Possession of a valid driver’s license and a reliable personal vehicle for use in carrying out the duties of this position (mileage reimbursed)

Work Environment

(Indoor) Works primarily indoors with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer, and must have a reasonable tolerance for dust, mold, scents, allergens, and communicable diseases which enables the employee to handle library materials, work in older buildings and interact with coworkers and the public.

Essential physical abilities to be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodation are:

Daily (greater than 50% of the time)

Standing (up to 1 hour at a time)
Walking (even ground)
Lifting 1-10 pounds
Sitting
Receiving Communication and Instructions (vision, reading, hearing)
Conveying Communication and Instructions (Speaking, writing)
Using computer data entry tools - keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, scanner

Frequently (up to 50% of the time)

Pushing/Pulling 1-10 pounds

Occasionally (approximately 1-2 times per month)

Pushing/Pulling 11-40 pounds
Bending/Stooping

Rarely (1-5 times per year)

Standing (more than 1 hour at a time)
Walking (variable surfaces)
Lifting 11-25 pounds
Lifting 26-40 pounds
Lifting 40+ pounds
Pushing/Pulling 26-40 pounds
Pushing/Pulling 40+ pounds
Kneeling
Reaching above shoulder
Climbing stepstools
Climbing ladders

This is not a Bargaining Unit Position

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected class in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Any applicant requiring an accommodation should contact the Mid-Continent Public Library Human Resources Department at 816.836.5200.

Applicants will be considered for employment opportunities on the merits of their skills and experience related to the position sought. Employment offers are conditional upon submitting a criminal records check, identity verification, and national sex offender registry check. Applicants will not be denied employment solely or in part because of a prior conviction, unless MCPL determines the conviction is job-related. If a background check yields information that is of concern to MCPL, the applicant will be given an opportunity to review the background check findings and present information regarding inaccuracy, mitigating circumstances, and rehabilitation.

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