MEMORANDUM for part-time accountant

Village of Itasca
550 W. Irving Park Rd.
Itasca, IL 60143
630.773-0835 Fax 630.773.2505 www.itasca.com 
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MEMORANDUM TO: President and Board of Trustees FROM: Julie Ciesla, Finance Director DATE: February 16, 2017 SUBJECT: Part‐time accounting position During fiscal year 16/17, the finance department is responsible for accurately accounting for approximately $25.9 million in revenues, $27.8 million in expenses, and over $130 million in depreciated assets. The finance department currently has 4 full‐time employees, 3 part‐time meter readers, 1 part‐time accounting contractor and 1 part‐time hourly treasurer. Based on the upcoming budget, the Village would save roughly $13,000 by hiring a part‐time accountant versus continuing with a contracted accountant. The budget for the contracted accountant estimates an “average” of 55 hours per month at $87.00 per hour. Based on the current salary analysis performed by the Human Resources Manager, a part‐time accountant paid at the 25th percentile of $28.50 an hour would double the number of hours to 1300 hours a year, which is twice as many hours as the Village currently budgets. A 1300 hour part‐time employee would be eligible for IMRF but no other benefits such as health, dental, vacation or sick time. Attached for your review is the draft job description for this position. This position would perform the work of the current accounting contract with the ability to complete more projects that are needed, but are outside the number of hours budgeted. Some examples of these projects are as follows: update the bond list (outstanding bonds past 20 years old), update the outstanding check list (oldest check 3.25 years old), bi‐weekly post the payroll data (currently done once monthly), update the utility billing accounting structure, maintain a cash flow analysis, audit and monitor contracts to accounts payable invoices, etc. This position would also be trained to serve as a backup for accounts payable, payroll, accounts receivable, utility billing, and cash receipts. Based on the ability to save annually and at least double the number of hours the Village currently pays for accounting services, it is my recommendation that the Village Board authorizes the creation of a part‐time accountant position. The contract for accounting services with McBeath, Fates, and Ivers Inc. ends April 30th. With anticipation of having this new position hired by May 1st, staff would like to advertise for this position by March 1st at the latest. If you have any questions regarding this position, please send them to me beforehand and I will prepare the answers for discussion at the Committee of the Whole meeting on February 21st.