Accounting Assistant

Purpose The job of Accounting Assistant is done for the purpose/s of providing support to department activities with specific responsibility for the processing, recording, updating and reconciling of fiscal information; and generating periodic reports in accordance with department policy and established financial practices. This job reports to the Assigned Administrator/Supervisor. 

Essential Functions

• Assists auditors for the purpose of providing requested supporting documentation required for audit.
• Collects financial information related to work assignments for the purpose of providing required documentation and/or processing information.
• Maintains financial information, files and records for the purpose of ensuring the availability of documentation and compliance with established policies and regulatory guidelines.
• Participates in unit meetings, in-service training, workshops, etc. for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform job functions.
• Prepares written materials and electronic financial information for the purpose of documenting activities, providing reference, conveying information, and complying with established financial, legal and/or administrative requirements.
• Processes financial information (e.g. auditable financial and statistical records, reports, files, invoices, purchase requisitions, etc.) for the purpose of recording, updating and distributing information, authorizing for action and/or complying with established accounting practices.
• Reconciles financial data for the purpose of maintaining accurate account balances and ensuring compliance with established accounting practices.
• Researches discrepancies of financial information and/or documentation (e.g. purchase orders, invoices, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the accuracy and adhering to established procedures prior to processing.
• Responds to inquiries of staff and administration regarding financial procedures for the purpose of providing information, direction and/or referral for addressing inquiry.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the department and organization.

Job Requirements:  Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying district, state and federal policies and regulations; operating standard office equipment; applying standard bookkeeping/accounting procedures; preparing and maintaining accurate records; utilizing pertinent software applications; collecting and processing developer fees; and using job related software applications. KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; understand written procedures, write routine documents, and speak clearly; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions.  Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: accounting/bookkeeping principles, processes and terminology; business telephone etiquette; job-related codes/laws/rules/regulations/policies; office equipment and technology; and recordkeeping and record retention practices.  ABILITY is required to schedule activities; collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with similar types of data; and utilize job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; setting priorities; and working with detailed information.

Responsibility Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized routines; providing information and/or advising others; tracking budget expenditures. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization’s services.

Working Environment The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling,   and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, and 10% standing.  This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment. Experience:    Job related experience is desired. Education:     Targeted, job related education with study in job-related area. Equivalency:  Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and two years clerical accounting experience. The stated education and experience requirements are the preferred minimum qualifications for this job.   However, relevant experience to substitute for the education requirement and relevant education, certificates and/or licenses to substitute for the experience requirement may be allowed.