Description

This is responsible paraprofessional accounting work in compiling and processing financial, accounting, and related data and reports. Work involves responsibility for processing, verifying, and recording financial data or accounting functions relating to accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash, payroll, and related activities.

Work is performed within the framework of established procedures, policies, rules, and regulations governing the recording and reporting of financial transactions. Work is performed under the general direction of the Accounts Receivable and Customer Service Supervisor or Budget and Grants Manager or Finance Manager, and is checked for accuracy through internal and external audit procedures and adherence to policies and procedures.

Examples of Duties

Compiles and records data for accounts payable; resolves problems regarding accounts payable; receives and distributes invoices to departments, checks edits for accuracy, and maintains voucher files, purchase orders, and encumbrances; prepares accounts payable checks for mailing.

Coordinates and participates in billing and collection activities including water/sewer billing and collections and the billing and collection of other fees and charges; verifies accuracy of account postings; supports parking enforcement, maintains tax sales and special assessment accounts; assists with telephone coverage and acts as a backup for Customer Service Representatives.

Enters, balances, and retrieves computer payroll information; maintains and updates personnel files including employee earnings and deductions, insurance information, and vacation and sick leave; prepares various federal, state, and other reports; records personnel information changes; adheres to mandated laws and regulations regarding payroll; generates payroll and retiree checks.

Monitors, directs, and records cash and investment activity; initiates and prepares wire transfers; compiles information for and prepares Illinois Sales Tax Return; records and balances miscellaneous tax revenues and police and fire pensions; prepares journal entries.

Operates various office machines including calculators, copiers, and computers and multi-line telephone system.

Responds to information inquiries from the public, other departments, and outside agencies.

Types correspondence, reports, forms, notices, and other materials. Provides effective and efficient customer services and promotes and maintains responsive community relations.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Graduation from high school (or GED) supplemented by two years of college courses in accounting, bookkeeping, or a related field; considerable bookkeeping experience; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:

Considerable knowledge of modern bookkeeping practices, procedures, and methods.

Considerable knowledge of office terminology, procedures, and equipment.

Knowledge of automated accounting systems and their use in assigned area.

Knowledge of fund accounting used in a municipal accounting system.

Ability to proficiently use data processing equipment.

Ability to maintain complex accounting records.

Ability to perform detailed work accurately and to initiate and maintain necessary follow-up.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to make arithmetic calculations rapidly and accurately.

Skill in the operation of office machines, typewriter, and computer workstation.

Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with customers and the general public and to convey concise and accurate information.

Selected candidates must meet a residency requirement, which includes living in the state of Illinois or Iowa and must report within 60 minutes after being called into work for an overtime assignment.

Supplemental Information

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed mostly in an office setting. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk and hear; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms.

The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.