Accountant II / Sales Tax Analyst

Overall Job Objective

Description

This position has two distinct roles. The primary role is that it performs the financial administration of the Sales and Use Tax established for the Open Space Program. The second role is to serve as part of the Accounting Team, primarily assisting with Accounts Payable functions but also doing a variety of tasks in support of the staff accountants. The Sales Tax Analyst function of the position exercises a high level of independence and responsibility. The position requires independent research, interpretation, and application of complex sales tax laws. The Finance function is less independent, assisting both the AP Team and the professional Accountants Team.

This position is funded 50% in the Open Space Fund and 50% in the Finance Department. Duties and time are split evenly between the two departments.

To learn more about the Finance Department at Arapahoe County Government, click here.

To learn more about our Mission, Vision, and Values at Arapahoe County Government, click here.

Duties

The following duty statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other non essential or marginal duties that may be required. The County reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.

Duties of the Sales Tax Analyst function:

• Responsible for all aspects of the Countys role in monitoring, collecting, and tracking sales tax for the Open Space Program and for serving as the primary resource for sales tax compliance and knowledge within the County.
• Provide a high level of customer service both internally and externally, by answering phone, mail and email inquiries and offering sales and use tax education. Act as a liaison between the Open Space Division, Finance Department, other County departments and local jurisdictions to coordinate various aspects of the Sales and Use tax Program.
• Calculate amount of sales tax shareback to cities. Work with Open Space Division, Treasurer, and Accounts Payable to coordinate distribution of sales tax shareback. Act as an Open Space liaison to various local jurisdictions on shareback distribution and reporting.
• Maintain sales tax database and work with IT department to update processes as needed in obtaining electronic data from the State of Colorado.
• Research, review, analyze, explain and arrange compliance with State and County tax guidelines, regulations and statutes.
• Track all County sales and use tax revenue collections providing reports, analysis and projections to various County departments and outside entities.
• Report delinquencies and non-payments to the Colorado Department of revenue via data review. Follow up on delinquency account findings and update database accordingly.
• Calculate and prepare accounting entries relating to distribution of tax revenues to all sales and use tax funds and cost centers.
• Conduct periodic inspections of County businesses ensuring sales tax collection compliance and provide sales and use tax education, especially new businesses and those along the Countys borders.
• Evaluate and monitor the sales tax program procedures for greater efficiency and accuracy.
• Research, interpret and apply federal and state sales tax regulations and guidelines as they pertain to the accounting of sales and use tax revenue.

Duties within the Finance Department:

• Assists AP Unit with the review of travel expenditure reports to assure compliance with County policies, accuracy and completeness of documentation.
• Assists staff accountants with account analyses, spreadsheet preparation and schedule preparation for the CAFR (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report). This position will also assist accountants with the establishments of internal orders in the SAP financial system.
• Assists in the monitoring and accounting for Purchasing Card and Credit Card transactions and payments.
• Reviews accounts payable invoices as entered and approved online by County departments for accuracy, completeness and compliance with County procedures and policies.
• Approves and pays compliant invoices and works with departments to resolve non-compliant invoices.
• Researches and responds timely to questions from vendors and from County departments regarding accounts payable, travel and business expenditures and purchasing card related questions.
• Monitors and resolves questions related to the Countys Accounts Receivable system.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to sales tax and use tax administration
• Ability to explain the results of their analyses to Manager and Director of Open Spaces. Ability to clearly give answers and explanations to the public who call with sales tax questions.
• Knowledge of department of Revenue sales tax reports, systems and procedures related to the distribution of County sales tax revenue.
• Must be proficient in Excel to perform the necessary analyses.
• Have an ability to conduct research, properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations and policies.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships; provide excellent customer service
• Knowledge of accounting principles and accounts payable practices.
• Must have problem solving skills.
• Ability to prepare and maintain moderately complex reports and files.

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES:

• Accountability
• Accessibility
• Inclusivity
• Integrity

Requirements

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Associates Degree or Bachelor's Degree in accounting, finance, economics, or closely related field preferred.
• Coursework in governmental accounting preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Four or more years of general accounting experience is required.
• Two or more years of experience in Sales and Use Tax is required.
• Some knowledge and experience in Accounts Payable is preferred.

Any equivalent combination of education and work experience that satisfy the requirements of the job may be considered.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must successfully pass pre-employment testing which includes an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR) check and background check.

POST-EMPLOYMENT ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a valid Class "R" Colorado Drivers License or the ability to obtain one within two weeks of appointment.

Supplemental Information

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is generally confined to a standard office environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The following are some of the physical demands commonly associated with this position.

• No unusual physical demands are associated with this position.
• Spends 50% of the time sitting and 50% of the time either standing or walking.
• Occasionally lifts, carries, pulls or pushes up to 20 lbs.
• Uses cart, dolly, or other equipment to carry in excess of 25 lbs.
• Occasionally climbs, stoops, kneels, balances, reaches, crawls and crouches while performing office or work duties.
• Verbal and auditory capacity enabling interpersonal communication through automated devices, such as telephones, radios, and similar; and in public meetings and personal interactions.
• Constant use of eye, hand and finger coordination enabling the use of automated office machinery or equipment.
• Visual capacity enabling constant use of computer or other work related equipment.

Definitions:
Occasionally: Activity exists less than 1/3 of the time.
Frequently: Activity exists between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.
Constantly: Activity exists more than 2/3 of the time.

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (i.e. uploading or attaching documents to your online application), call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627. Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application, first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files, and second, close the document before you attempt uploading (attaching) it.