About the Role
Join our Team! The City is seeking an Accountant to support our Finance Department. In this role, you’ll perform professional accounting work that helps ensure the accuracy, integrity, and transparency of the City’s financial operations.
You’ll work across a variety of accounting functions—including payroll, general ledger, financial reporting, and budgeting—while supporting compliance with regulations and internal controls. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working with numbers, solving complex problems, and contributing to the financial health of an organization.
About the Finance Department
The Finance Department manages most of the City's financial activities, including budgeting, accounting (including payroll), auditing and financial reporting, financial forecasting, purchasing, cash management and investing, risk management, retirement benefits administration and more. The department strives to provide information for decision-making, procure the best value for the City and ensure continued funding for City services while complying with legal and technical standards.
What You’ll Do
- Perform professional accounting work across payroll, general ledger, budgeting, and financial reporting
- Prepare and review journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reports
- Compile and analyze financial data, including year-end reporting and audits
- Process and verify payroll while ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations
- Prepare financial statements, cash reports, and supporting documentation
- Assist with audits, grants, and budget preparation activities
- Develop and maintain spreadsheets, reports, and data analyses
- Monitor compliance with accounting standards, policies, and regulations
- Support internal controls and Finance Department procedures
- Respond to financial inquiries from staff and the public
- Maintain accurate records and prepare written reports and correspondence
Your work helps ensure responsible stewardship of public funds and supports informed decision-making across the organization.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
- Two years of professional accounting and/or payroll experience
- OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Knowledge of accounting principles (GAAP) and governmental accounting practices
- Experience with financial reporting, reconciliations, and data analysis
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial systems
- Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
Please view the full job description and requirements for more details.
Pay and Benefits
Hourly pay range: $28.69 – $38.45, depending on qualifications experience
The City of Kentwood offers a competitive compensation package and excellent benefits, including:
- 10% employer retirement contribution
- 11 paid holidays, three personal days, and 12 sick days annually
- Up to four weeks of vacation annually
- Fully paid parental leave (4–6 weeks depending on eligibility)
- Medical insurance with 2% employee premium share
- Free dental and vision insurance
- Health Savings Account with employer contributions of $850–$1,700 annually
- Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employer-paid training and professional development
- Discounts on city recreation programs
Why work for the City of Kentwood
A community of more than 54,000 residents and growing, Kentwood is a safe, prosperous, and welcoming city with vibrant neighborhoods and flourishing businesses that make it a wonderful place to live and work. The City offers easy access to a variety of amenities including many of West Michigan’s destination shopping, dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreation options. This, along with Kentwood’s outstanding public-school systems, wide variety of businesses, and career and education advancement opportunities attract a diverse population.
With a mission of providing high quality services to foster a thriving community for all, Kentwood maintains a culture of excellent customer service, actively providing a responsive and responsible local government with a focus on continual improvement.
The City of Kentwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply today to join our supportive, dynamic team! Applications will be accepted through July 24 .
