Senior Accounting Technician

Position Summary & Duties Responsible

DEFINITION

Classification specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in this classification. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Under direction, performs complex paraprofessional technical accounting work in support of assigned fiscal program area; functional areas of responsibility may include, but are not limited to, general accounting, payroll, accounts receivable and treasury; reconciles fiscal transaction documents; compiles data to generate a variety of reports; and performs other related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey level within the Accounting Technician classification series. This classification is distinguished from the classification of Accounting Technician in that positions at the Senior level are assigned significant responsibilities above the journey level; possess specialized knowledge, abilities, skills, and experience; and often exercise independent judgment in the performance of their duties. Advanced journey-level classifications may provide lead supervision over lower-level staff, when such assignments are a formal organizational responsibility supervising at least three subordinate staff members. This classification is distinguished from the Fiscal Program Supervisor in that positions in the latter classification level are assigned formal responsibility for supervising and directing the staff, operations and activities of a fiscal program.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Performs complex paraprofessional technical accounting work in support of assigned fiscal program area; functional areas of responsibility may include, but are not limited to, general accounting, payroll, departmental budget, grants, accounts receivable and treasury.

Plans, schedules, assigns and reviews the work of assigned staff; participates in the hiring and selection process; monitors work assignments; provides input into performance evaluations; determines training needs.

Researches, analyzes and resolves complex issues within functional area; as necessary, coordinates activities with other departments or outside agencies.

Ensures the provision of optimal customer service through individual contributions and monitoring the work of assigned program staff.

Performs more complex calculations for assigned function including tax calculations for various types of properties.

Receives, researches and responds to actions involving delinquent tax accounts, bankruptcies, and related transactions; monitors and tracks delinquent accounts; coordinates response/collection activities with internal staff and external agencies.

Coordinates activities with other internal County departments in verifying and proofreading tax bills; balances the tax roll with the County Assessor’s office; enters tax rates into automated system and generates tax rate chart.

Reviews, approves, posts, deposits and prepares receipts for monies received from various programs in accordance with all mandated guidelines.

Reviews, approves and allocates accounts payable documents for accuracy prior to payment; sets up summary invoicing and electronic payments.

Reconciles the accuracy and validity of financial transactions, purchase orders, and invoices to ensure compliance with all mandated guidelines.

Provides technical support to the procurement process; generates shopping carts; coordinates with vendors and other County departments; processes payments to vendors; reconciles purchases to ensure they are posted to the correct general ledger and cost center.

Prepares and enters manual or system journal entries into the general ledger for assigned funds, grants and programs; reviews, maintains and reconciles financial transactions within the financial management system for review by higher level accounting staff.

Conducts daily cash counts; reconciles cash entries; reports daily revenue and prepares monthly balance ledger.

Compiles and provides statistical data for financial reports; generates data and assists in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial, summary and technical reports, as directed.

In coordination with other departments, receives and processes non-sufficient (NSF) check funds received by the County.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Experience

Education:
Equivalent to a High School Diploma or GED supplemented by two years of college level coursework in business administration, accounting or a related field.

Experience:
Four (4) years of technical accounting and/or business administration experience; depending on assignment, one (1) year of lead supervisory experience is required.

OR any combination of education and or experience six (6) years of technical accounting and/or business administration experience depending on assignment, one (1) year of lead supervisory experience is required.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of:
Operations, services and processes within a finance department including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, treasury, and related fiscal program areas.

Principles of lead supervision and training.

Operations, services and activities of assigned department.

General governmental accounting principles.

County procurement processes.

Cost control methods and techniques.

Operational characteristics of automated financial management systems and how to navigate these systems.

Principles and practices of bookkeeping and general ledger maintenance.

General accounting principles and practices.

Accounting structure of assigned department.

Principles and practices of billing and collection.

Principles and practices of effective time management.

Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and software applications relevant to work performed.

Mathematic functions.

Methods and techniques of compiling and summarizing data.

Principles and practices of financial record keeping.

Principles and practices of customer service.

English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.

Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances and regulations related to assigned area of responsibility.

Ability to:
Perform complex technical accounting duties in assigned areas of responsibility.

Lead, plan, direct, monitor and review the work of assigned staff.

Ensure the provision of staff training.

Understand and use the County’s specialized financial operations, processes and software applications.

Interpret and explain departmental or program policies, procedures, rules and regulations.

Apply specialized accounting rules within functional areas of responsibility.

Review and reconcile fiscal documents.

Perform complex mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.

Verify, reconcile and balance financial transactions.

Prioritize work.

Balance workload of assigned staff.

Enter data into the County’s financial system.

Generate and compile data for reporting purposes.

Maintain a variety of financial records and files.

Understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions.

Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.