Accounting Assistant I

Summary

Performs entry?level accounting duties such as processing payments; posting and balancing entries; and compiling and inputting data to prepare and maintain financial related records and statistical reports based on established procedures. May perform cashiering duties such as receiving, balancing and disbursing monies and provides general information and assistance to the department staff and the public.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Positions assigned to the Accounting Assistant I classification are entry?level accounting positions distinguished by emphasis on maintaining financial related records and preparing related reports in a specific area, such as warrant redemptions, tax payments or account collections. Work is performed under direct supervision and requires knowledge of established office procedures and an understanding of bookkeeping practices.

Example of Duties

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks which may be found in positions of this class.)

Sorts, classifies and codes entries and transactions in accordance with established department procedures, accounting system, and verbal instructions.

Maintains account records by posting and reconciling data in computerized and manual recordkeeping systems; verifies data, then enters and edits reports or information; searches files and records for readily identifiable information as directed. Identifies and resolves discrepancies in accordance with established procedures.

Posts and balances entries in appropriate journals, registers, logs or other records on a daily or periodic basis.

Receives, accounts for and safeguards cash or checks; issues receipts and classifies and codes transactions. Maintains petty cash funds; reconciles, balances, makes deposits, and maintains related records.

Responds to a variety of departmental and public requests for information relative to assigned functions; provides requested information or services when authorized or refers to appropriate individual for response.

Compiles, calculates, posts, and verifies data to produce regular or special summaries, balances, or other reports as required when pertaining to area of assignment. Maintains related files or reports; distributes reports as appropriate.

Greets and assists the public by phone or in person by providing information of a general nature as authorized from sources such as published directories, manuals, and procedures; responds to general questions regarding department procedures, policies and processes and assists them when within scope of authority and refers others to appropriate individuals or departments.

Develops and maintains follow?up systems on reports or actions required on a periodic basis.

Sorts and distributes mail according to general knowledge of department activities and programs.

Provides back?up support to other support positions and the office in case of absence or work overload.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

High school diploma, or G.E.D., coursework in accounting or bookkeeping preferred, and one year of clerical experience which required financial recordkeeping or basic bookkeeping; or any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid Washington State Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge of office practices, procedures and equipment.

Knowledge of basic math, including the ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide accurately.

Working knowledge of department operations, functions, policies, and procedures.

Knowledge of basic bookkeeping practices and procedures.

Ability to communicate effectively with other employees and the general public using tact, courtesy and good judgment.

Ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail to meet deadlines.

Ability to understand and execute oral and written instructions, policies and procedures.

Ability to apply established procedures and guidelines to the keeping of accurate accounts and the preparation of financial reports.

Ability to operate standard office equipment such as typewriter, computer terminal, word processor, calculator and photocopier.

Ability to organize, prioritize and independently perform work assignments.