Champaign County
Job Description

Job Title: Accountant
Department: Highway
Reports To: County Engineer
FLSA Status: Exempt
Grade Range: H
Prepared Date: August, 2009

SUMMARY Prepares and performs a variety of personnel, budgetary and routine administrative functions pertaining to the operation of the County Highway Department. Manages the department in the absence of the County Engineer and Assistant County Engineer.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Prepares and maintains payroll records. Computes attendance for department employees and calculates wages; submits records for payment.

Maintains confidential personnel records for department. Prepares employee evaluations as directed. Maintains confidential records on department drug and alcohol tests as mandated.

Monitors department budget and requests amendments as needed.

Manages the office in the absence of the County Engineer and Assistant County Engineer.

Supervises the bookkeeping for various department funds and accounts such as County Highway, Bridge and State Local Bridge, Motor Fuel Tax and Township Motor Fuel Tax. Record keeping of Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) funds must meet with approval of the State Auditor.

Maintains contact with Treasurer's Office on the distribution of investment funds.

Signs payroll and requisitions in the absence of the County Engineer and Assistant County Engineer.

Performs department bookkeeping and compiles accurate financial records including receipt of funds, disbursements, operational costs, trial balances, and costs charged to proper project. Ensures that accurate and prompt billings are established and payments are received.

Ensures that County bill payments are made to Highway Department suppliers in accordance with IDOT policies. Contacts IDOT and contractors as needed to resolve bill payments or reports. Maintains contacts with Township Road Commissioners as needed..

Orders department supplies and materials and maintains a current inventory.

May attend County Board meetings as a Highway Department representative.

Prepares contract bridge lettings. Assists in the letting of contracts for maintenance in the 28 County townships.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES May provide work direction to other employees in the department.

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE High school diploma or general education degree (GED) with 3-5 years experience in responsible clerical activities; knowledge of modern accounting and bookkeeping principles and procedures; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read and interpret documents such as IDOT regulations, construction contract instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively to employees and representatives of companies.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS As required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk; or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the primary functions of this job. Normal office conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.