Accounting Assistant, Senior

PURPOSE

The Senior Accounting Assistant classification performs accounting work of a moderately complex nature including maintaining cost records, account controls, and fiscal records.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Senior Accounting Assistant is the advanced journey level class in the Accounting Assistant series. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to the assigned area of responsibility.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

The Senior Accounting Assistant receives general supervision from assigned management staff.
The Senior Accounting Assistant may exercise supervision over assigned accounting and administrative support staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Maintains a chart of accounts; maintains and audits various ledgers, registers, and journals according to established account classifications; creates journal vouchers.

2. Prepares, reviews, and posts journal entries to the County financial system and reconciles general ledger account balances; researches and resolves reconciliation issues as necessary.

3. Prepares invoices for contracts and receives and records payments on these contracts.

4. Prepares journal entries to record various expenditure transactions.

5. Assists in creating a positive and supportive work environment; enforces a safe workplace; establishes a culture of teamwork and communication; creates a workplace that promotes the organizational values of access and opportunity and actively promotes an environment respectful of living and working in a society accepting of all.

6. Provides functional and technical information and instructions regarding applicable procedures and methods; interprets and explains rules and regulations; answers questions and resolves problems and complaints.

7. Maintains payment and retainage records for construction and engineering contracts.

8. Coordinates input to Cost Accounting System; edits and reconciles cost accounting reports.

9. Researches and answers department questions regarding status of accounts, the proper coding of transactions, and other matters.

10. Prepares and records trust payment vouchers and verifies money in the accounts.

11. Processes land sale contract payments, making interest and principal calculations; makes journal entries.

12. Receives and records reports on the State Investment Pool and makes appropriate journal entries.

13. Coordinates the initial creation of assessment accounts.

14. Assists with preparation of financial reports and the schedules needed for annual financial audits; assists with project audits.

15. Audits journal entries, cash transmittals, trust and agency releases.

16. Administers accounts receivable program; maintains files of invoices issued by county departments; prepares cash transmittals.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Financial and accounting recordkeeping practices and procedures;

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws;

• Modern office methods and procedures and computer equipment; and

• Basic mathematical principles.

Skills to:

• Provide timely, effective, and efficient customer service to citizens, clients, and other employees; and

• Interact patiently with individuals making inquiries regarding various County programs and services, who may have little or no experience or knowledge of the services provided.

Ability to:

• Maintain and balance a variety of financial records, ledgers, and accounts;

• Perform varied technical accounting and bookkeeping work;

• Operate a typewriter, calculator, computer terminal, and other office equipment;

• Maintain a variety of financial records and files;

• Perform procedures in an organized and accurate manner;

• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations;

• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions;

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;

• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with individuals and groups who come from diverse backgrounds and represent members of the public, coworkers, and/or vendors; and

• Train and supervise clerical and accounting subordinates.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Possession of an Associate's Degree in accounting, business, or related field AND two (2) or more years of work experience related to accounting, bookkeeping, or fiscal management; OR

• Accounting Certificate (12 months) AND three (3) or more years of work experience related to accounting, bookkeeping, or fiscal management; OR

• Five (5) or more years of work experience related to accounting, bookkeeping, or fiscal management.

ADDITIONAL LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND SPECIALTY REQUIREMENTS

• Some positions may be required to pass a criminal background check.