Promote confidence in the City's financial operations by providing management with timely, accurate and meaningful financial information and by continuing to achieve an unqualified (clean) audit opinion on the City's Annual Financial Report.

The Accounting Division provides timely and accurate information for management decision making. Monthly and annual financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In addition to financial reporting, reconciliations are completed for general ledger accounts, bank accounts, procurement card expense accounts, and employee travel. Accounting staff monitors internal controls, debt compliance as well as compliance of federal and state grants. Accounting safeguards and manages the City's assets by ensuring the Fixed Asset and Investment Policies are followed. The Payroll function is responsible for issuing bi-weekly payroll checks, payroll taxes, and deduction services. Payroll provides employees W2's and maintains employee payroll records and all reports required by law.

The Accounting Division aims to safeguard city assets, check accuracy and reliability of data, report financial information timely, promote operational efficiency, effectiveness and economy, and encourage adherence to the City Charter, Administrative and Personnel Code and individual policies and procedures.

The City of St. Joseph was awarded its seventeenth consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Report (CAFR) by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.