Accounting Specialist

Positions in this class perform the more difficult work within a specialized area that requires a thorough knowledge of a specific area of accounting functions. Incumbents are expected to exercise considerable initiative in the resolution of problems encountered in their work. This class is distinguished by its responsibility to perform the more difficult and responsible work within an assigned area, by the requirement to have a thorough understanding of the assigned area of work, by preparation of clerical accounting reports and by the responsibility to exercise initiative in researching and resolving problems which do not require a departure from established practice and procedure, and by the expectation that work will be performed with considerable independence. Incumbents at this level are generally cross-trained and able to perform the duties of other positions within the department. Incumbents are expected to have a good basic understanding of applicable County automated accounting systems. Positions in this class may be filled at the Accounting Assistant level for purposes of training. In such instances successful incumbents are expected to be advanced to the higher level within a 12-18 month training period.

Develop or assist in the development of record-keeping procedures. Research, gather, assemble, analyze, and reconcile information and records; prepare financial statements, claims and local, state, and federal reports.

 

Monitor and process revolving cash fund payments and reimbursements; prepare revolving cash fund checks; process documents to reimburse the petty cash account; ensure that petty cash expenditures are within established procedural and policy guidelines.

 

Reconcile computer generated and manual reports with control figures and accounting system.

 

Maintain budget and accounting records for externally funded programs; assist program managers in accomplishing accounting transactions within the assigned programs; monitor financial activity of the assigned externally funded program to ensure that charges are made to proper accounts and that budgeted revenues are received within expected time frames; assist in the preparation of claims and reports.

 

Assist departmental managers in accomplishing accounting transactions within the general fund; verify availability of funds for purchase requisitions; monitor financial activity of the unrestricted general fund to ensure that charges are made to proper accounts and that budgeted revenues are received within expected time frames.

 

Reconcile bank statements.

 

Prepare and audit associated student body records; prepare monthly statements and reports; work closely with advisors and campus administrators.

 

Receive financial or statistical documents, screening for accuracy and adherence to legal and procedural requirements.

 

Answer telephone and written inquiries and give out authoritative information on records maintained.

 

Initiate and compile statistical documents to complete financial transactions.

 

Gather, sort, assemble, code, tabulate, post, verify, distribute, check and file financial and statistical data; screen documents for completeness and accuracy.

 

Process documents involved in financial transactions and balances such documents, checking and correcting discrepancies.

 

Prepare, post, total and summarize manual and computer spreadsheets.

 

Operate computer terminal and microcomputer using specialized and standard software to input, arrange, and extract information; keyboard lists, notices, forms, budgets, reports, routine correspondence and other accounting documents; create spreadsheets and databases.

 

Analyze payroll reports and correct errors by transferring costs to appropriate accounts; prepare budget transfers; process inter-fund and inter-program charges for inter-district costs.

 

Work with and prepares schedules for auditors; gather and supply documents for auditors.

 

Operate various office machines, including a typewriter, calculator, photocopier, computer terminal, printer and other standard office machines.

 

Consult with technicians and supervisors in the preparation of special reports and on unusual problems involving deviation from policy or precedent.

 

Make arithmetical calculations.

 

Maintain logs, lists and files; file in alphabetical and numerical order; duplicates, collates, staples and distributes materials.

 

Answer telephone, transfer calls and take messages.

 

Accept cash, verify cash received, bundle cash and prepare receipts.

 

Open, date stamp, log and distribute incoming mail; stuff envelopes for mailing; distribute reports to program managers; maintain report distribution lists.

 

Perform the full range of tasks of positions at the Accounting Assistant level, as assigned.

 

Perform related work as required.