Description

SUMMARY

The position of Finance Department Assistant is responsible for supporting the CFO/Controller in ensuring the smooth operation of the department by performing a variety of accounting duties; performs correspondent account reconciliation; receives and distributes mail and correspondence; maintains files; and performs other duties associated with the Bank’s general ledger accounts. Is responsible for assisting the CFO/Controller in managing his/her department along with other areas of responsibility; establishes and maintains the Bank’s fiscal records keeping system by utilizing generally accepted accounting principles; adheres to tax laws and regulatory compliance to properly reflect the financial position of the Bank; ensures department activities run smoothly and efficiently; provides a high level of customer relations and service. The position of the accounting clerk assists in obtaining established Bank and department goals. Assures compliance with all Bank policies and procedures, as well as, all applicable state and federal banking regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Provides support to all assigned areas in the Department where service or assistance is needed.

2. Assists the CFO/Controller by assuring audit compliance and procedure quality are maintained for the department and Bank; reviews, recommends and initiates corrective actions; and ensures department is in compliance with established Bank policies, procedures and state and federal regulations.

3. Contributes to the overall profitability of the department and Bank.

4. Assists other branch and department offices in resolving accounting inquiries and providing staff support; participates in various internal committees assigned by Senior Management.

5. Assists the CFO/Controller in ensuring accurate completion of related financial reports initiated by the Bank’s data processor along with internal reports.

6. Gathers and calculates data associated with the preparation of various routine and special financial statements and reports; reviews documentation for accuracy and completeness; highlights critical areas of the documentation for management’s review; and presents and explains reports and documentation to senior management.

7. Performs monthly certifications to ensure transactions balance to the general ledger; ensures accuracy and proper documentation of transactions; follows-up on out-of-balance items to resolve problems as necessary.

8. Reconciles assigned general ledger accounts and other specifically assigned accounts.

9. Responds to inquiries or refers inquiries to the appropriate department or person and exhibiting the necessary follow through with customers and/or staff involved.

10. Consistently applies superior decision-making techniques pertaining to inquiries, approvals and requests as they apply to existing policies and procedures, keeping within assigned approval limits and using these instances as learning tools for employee development.

11. Assumes responsibility for special projects, gathers data and prepares reports for senior management, audits and other personnel. 

12. Answers telephones, answers questions, and directs callers to proper Bank personnel.

13. Assumes responsibility for various department functions in the absence of staff members or in overload situations.

14. Makes corrections to ensure accuracy and completeness; reconciles and balances correspondent due from and due to bank accounts and statements.

15. Originates daily position report from data obtained from the Bank’s financial resource reports and accounts.

16. Compiles miscellaneous month end accounting and general ledger entries from general ledger reports.

17. Gathers and calculates data and prepares a variety of monthly, quarterly and annual reports for management; ensures reports are accurate, complete and prepared on schedule.

18. Operates computer terminal or personal computer to process account activity, determine balances, and resolve problems within given authority.

19. Records, files, updates information, and sorts mail or reports as required.

20. Performs related clerical duties such as answering the telephone, taking messages or forwarding calls, copying, typing routine letters, envelopes and forms, and filing.

21. Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; works ethically and with integrity; upholds organizational values; accepts responsibility for own actions.

22. Demonstrates knowledge of and adherence to EEO policy; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes working environment free of harassment of any type; builds a diverse workforce and supports affirmative action. 

23. Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports the Bank’s goals and values; benefits the bank through outside activities.

24. Performs the position safely, without endangering the health or safety to themselves or others and will be expected to report potentially unsafe conditions. The employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations and orders issued pursuant to the OSHA Act of 1970, which are applicable to one’s own actions and conduct.

SECONDARY DUTIES

The position of Finance Department Assistant performs duties specific to the position and other functions as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

The position of Finance Department Assistant is not responsible for the supervision of any employee(s).

Mental Demands

The incumbent in this position must be able to accommodate to reading documents or instruments, detailed work, problem solving, customer contact, reasoning, math, language, presentations, verbal and written communication, analytical reasoning, stress, multiple concurrent tasks, and constant interruptions.

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

These specifications are general guidelines based on the minimum experience normally considered essential to the satisfactory performance of this position. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required to perform the position in a satisfactory manner. Individual abilities may result in some deviation from these guidelines.

•  Associate’s degree (AA) or equivalent from a 2-year college or technical school; or two years of related experience and/or training; or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Work related experience should consist of a financial institution accounting or bookkeeping background. Educational experience, through in-house training sessions, formal school or financial industry related curriculum, should be business or financial industry related.
•  Basic knowledge of related state and federal banking compliance regulations, and other Bank operational policies.
•  Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, and technical procedures.
•  General banking experience, methods and procedures related to bank account or general ledger reconciliation.
•  Intermediate skills in computer terminal and personal computer operation; mainframe computer system; word processing and spreadsheet software programs.
•  Intermediate typing skills to meet production needs of the position.
•  Basic math skills; calculate interest and balance accounts; add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals; locate routine mathematical errors; count currency, coin and negotiable instruments in a timely manner.
•  Effective oral, written and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to apply common sense to carry out instructions, interpret documents, understand procedures, write reports and correspondence, and speak clearly to customers and employees.
•  Ability to deal with difficult problems involving multiple facets and variables in non-standardized situations.
•  Effective organizational and time management skills.
•  Ability to work with minimal supervision while performing duties.
•  Current Georgia driver’s license and a vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage if required to drive in the course of performing assigned duties and responsibilities.