Friend of the Court Account Specialist

The Court offers a competitive compensation package. 

Candidates that are hired with less than one (1) year of experience in this title will begin at $69,251.00.  Upon completion of one (1) year in the title and successful completion of the probationary period, the employee will receive a salary increase to $83,961.00. 

See below for additional benefits.”

SUMMARY:
The Friend of the Court (FOC) Account Specialist independently performs professional accounting, financial, and auditing functions on domestic relations cases, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, while providing quality and timely service to the public and judiciary.  Employees in this classification will be expected to research and review information to make independent recommendations or decisions. This position reports to the FOC Specialist Supervisor.

This is an at-will position serving at the pleasure of the Court which may unilaterally exercise the power to terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
•    Financial Management: Review and update financial records/systems; obtain, verify, and analyze financial information from various sources; audit account transactions, including payments, disbursements, and adjustments; review receipts on suspense hold or slated for escheatment and perform necessary actions to distribution, allocations, and/or disbursement of funds; resolve complex financial adjustments.
•    Collaboration: Work with financial departments and other agencies to direct the appropriate account adjustments or other actions necessary to ensure accuracy of account. Represent the court on local, state and federal workgroups.
•    Customer Service: Respond to inquiries from the courtroom, staff, other agencies, and the public regarding account payments, balances, adjustments, and money on suspense hold.
•    Child Support Calculation: Calculate child support obligations using the Michigan Child Support Formula.
•    Knowledge Maintenance: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of court processes, procedures, policies, laws, and accounting standards. 
•    Problem Identification, Escalation, & Improvement: Identify common problems, escalate to management, and recommend possible solutions and/or improvements. Investigate fraud claims, identity theft or other suspicious activity on FOC cases.
•    Statistical Reporting: Maintain and analyze statistical data; prepare financial reports; assist other departments in preparing and analyzing statistical data.
•    Compliance: Adhere to all relevant policies, procedures, and regulations; participate in state and federal audits and serve as liaison in the annual Single Audit of Wayne County.
•    Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

•    Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field. 
•    Experience commensurate with the job that demonstrates the required skills and competencies may be considered in lieu of education requirement(s).
•    Two (2) years of professional accounting experience within the last five (5) years.

•    General knowledge of government finance, budgeting and auditing, database and accounting computer application systems, preferred. 

•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office/Google Suite and other relevant software.
•    If an employee drives on behalf of the Court, the employee must possess and maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license, no fault insurance and access to a vehicle to use in the performance of assigned duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
•    Strong investigative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
•    Ability to learn, retain, expand, and apply knowledge of Court policies and procedures.
•    Ability to prioritize tasks, adapt to changing priorities, meet deadlines, and remain calm in high stress situations
•    Ability to independently and efficiently produce quality work in a high-volume, deadline driven environment.
•    Ability to actively anticipate, identify, and resolve issues.
•    Ability to understand and carry out instructions and request clarification when needed. 
•    Proven ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
•    Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, fostering a positive work environment, and demonstrating leadership qualities.
•    Excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills. 
•    Ability to operate office equipment, including computers, copiers, software and other technology. 
•    Ability to sort through and analyze mass amounts of information.
•    Ability to use a variety of computer systems/programs to view, enter, edit, and extract information. 
•    Ability to work with a diverse population.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
•    Successful completion of criminal and IV-D background check,  fingerprinting and rechecks.
•    Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
•    May be assigned to alternate work locations and/or training sites and will be responsible for transportation to those locations. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
•    Must be able to lift 25 lbs.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the title.  Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description.  Specific job duties vary from position to position.

Grant funded positions are contingent on availability of grant funding and may be terminated should funding substantially reduce or cease. The affected employee may be considered as a candidate for other vacant positions within the Court for which they are qualified.

Salary : $83,961