THE POSITION:
THE OPPORTUNITY:
Are you a highly organized and reliable accounting or finance professional who enjoys a fast-paced environment? Do you have a knack for data and problem solving? If so, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) has an exciting opportunity for you as an Accounting Technician I-II (DOQ) in the Agency's Finance Department!
Here at the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, we are a leader in water management and environmental stewardship. We strive to produce high-quality renewable products such as recycled water and top-quality compost to enhance and preserve the quality of life throughout our region. Our values go beyond just protecting the resources and the communities we serve. We are committed to applying ethical, transparent, and environmentally sustainable principles to all aspects of business and organizational conduct. We recognize that our commitment to the community starts with our employees. In order to ensure that our staff are able to continue to perform at a high level and provide unparalleled services throughout our service area, we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance.
Here are a few ways the Inland Empire Utilities Agency is committed to helping you feel your best, work your best, and live your best while working with us:
- A 4-day work week with remote hybrid work schedules for some positions
- A pension through California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS)
- Generous employer monthly health benefit allowances to go towards the cost of medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Competitive vacation, floating holiday, sick time in addition to 9 agency paid holidays
- Education Reimbursement up to $5,250 per fiscal year
- Professional Development Stipend of $1,000 per fiscal year
- Basic life insurance coverage provided
- Wellness Stipend of $500 per fiscal year
- 457b Deferred Compensation Contribution
- Interest free loan for a computer purchase up to $3,000
There is one (1) vacancy in the Finance Department.
This recruitment is being conducted to fill one (1) vacancy and will establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur during the active status of the eligibility list.
Salary Range: Accounting Technician I GU 170; Accounting Technician II GU 173
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Probationary Period: 12 months
Under general supervision, performs responsible accounting support and administrative work in the preparation, processing, verification and maintenance of financial and accounting documents and records for the Agency and Joint Powers Authority (JPA) in which the Agency participates; performs quality assurance; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
An Accounting Technician I performs journey-level, paraprofessional functions in the preparation and maintenance of the Agency's financial and statistical records and reports. Incumbents perform duties requiring knowledge of accounts payable, accounts receivable and related accounting processes and procedures, and resolves problems related to these functions in strict adherence to Agency or JPA policies and procedures and sound financial management practices. Accounting Technician I may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency that meet the qualifications for the higher-level class including supporting the accounts receivable function in processing accounts receivable billings, as well as assisting in general ledger account analysis related to Accounts Payable.
Accounting Technician II is the advanced skill level and working lead paraprofessional-level class in the accounting support class series. In addition to performing the full range of journey-level skilled duties, including Accounts Receivable functions, incumbents may serve as the working lead person of accounts payable support staff, coordinating and overseeing the work, as well as providing training and guidance to employees engaged in accounts payable and accounts receivable processing. Incumbents work with limited supervision and exercise independent judgment to ensure employees complete assigned tasks and responsibilities in accordance with established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Employees in this class typically report to a supervisor.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.
Processes and enters routine data and special transactions into the Agency's financial systems; makes accounting system adjustments to ensure appropriate payments and receipts; ensures appropriate financial control procedures and methods are followed as they apply to accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.
Reviews for accuracy and processes payments of vendor invoices, accounts payable check requests for products and services, rebate program payments, employee benefit program payments and travel expense reimbursements in accordance with Agency or JPA policies and procedures; verifies required approvals and use of correct account numbers; advises departments on errors in coding or payment methods and oversees corrections.
Analyzes and prepares utility bills for payment; logs bills into spreadsheet, scans and sends to department for approval and analyses; verifies account numbers and amounts for all bills; processes invoices for payment.
Prepares first draft of the General Disbursement Report for review by supervisor and department manager; edits and makes changes as needed; prepares second draft for review by CFO and prepares final report for distribution to the Board.
Processes routine and special check runs including pay estimates, down payments, and retention payments; validates accuracy of payments and prepares checks for printing; prepares checks for review and signature; prepares checks for mailing;; processes all returned, voided, stop payment and reissued checks utilizing standardized processes and procedures; generates ACH, Wire, and E-Payable files for processing; verifies invoices have been correctly selected; generates ACH, Wire and E-payable remittance advice, payment register and bank file for processing and filing.
Examines, reconciles and adjusts accounting records following established procedures and policies; generates reports and reviews data entered or provided for accuracy; participates in month-end closing including preparing and posting journal entries to correct general ledger accounts and accrual of recurring expenses; verifies required approvals and use of correct account numbers; advises departments on coding errors or payment methods and overrides coding if needed; advises departments on purchase order balances and resolves issues regarding billing or payments.
Additional duties at the Accounting Technician II level:
Full range of duties as a Technician I including the Accounts Receivable functions.
May lead, provide work guidance and direction and participates in the work of section staff; may participates in scheduling, assigning and monitoring work of other employees for completeness, accuracy and conformance with Agency/departmental standards; provides information, instruction and training on work processes, proper use of equipment and safe work practices; provides input to supervisor on Account Technician I employee work performance and behaviors; estimates personnel, equipment and material requirements for assigned jobs; may order work materials and supplies; assists in ensuring a fair and open work environment in accordance with the Agency's commitment to teamwork, mutual trust and respect.
Processes and enters routine data and special financial transactions, such as budget exceptions and invoices that require special handling, incorrect invoices and purchase orders, pay estimate processes and related escrow payments, manual checks, ACH for payroll and e-payable files and wire transfers; makes financial system adjustments to ensure appropriate payments and invoicing; performs periodic edits in the accounts receivable database; serves as support for certain accounts receivable billing processes; ensures financial control procedures and methods are in place and operational as they apply to accounts receivable and accounts payable processes.
Conducts quality audits of work performed by unit staff; prepares and maintains a variety of custom balance reports, work reports, tax reports and records; locates and corrects errors in order to balance; works closely with supervisor and other staff to improve programs, systems, work methods, tools and related matters; sends requested reports to other departments; assists with data gathering for audits.
May serve as accounts payable liaison to Agency external auditors.
Maintains the Agency's and JPA banking canceled check program; and oversees monitoring of outstanding checks.
Maintains the Agency's E-payables database.
May serve as a records management liaison, as assigned.
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES:
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:
A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is:
Accounting Technician I - Graduation from an associate degree program in accounting, business management or finance, and at least three years of progressively responsible experience in accounts receivable, accounts payable and/or financial recordkeeping duties; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Experience in a public agency is preferred.
An Accounting Technician I may be considered for advancement to Accounting Technician II after demonstrating proficiency to perform the full range of duties of the latter class. Proficiency criteria and the process for demonstrating performance at the levels established in the criteria are established jointly by hiring authorities and the Manager of Human Resources including supporting the accounts receivable function in processing accounts receivable billing; as well as assisting in general ledger account analysis related to Accounts Payable and/or Accounts Receivable functions.
Typically, an Accounting Technician I is expected to be capable of meeting the proficiency criteria within a 12 to 24-month period, depending on an individual's prior experience and progression in performing the full range of Accounting Technician II duties.
LICENSES; CERTIFICATES; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
A valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Agency's vehicle insurance program.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Methods, practices, documents and terminology used in financial recordkeeping.
Methods of balancing cash and checks against records of receipt.
Operation of the Agency's financial systems.
Practices and procedures of full-charge bookkeeping and basic governmental accounting, including internal control and basic auditing.
Agency policies, procedures and practices regarding processing and recording accounts payable, understanding of match requirements for AP processing; accounts receivable, general ledger and related financial transactions.
Customer service practices and telephone etiquette.
Basic research methods and account problem-solving, statistical and routine financial analysis techniques.
Working knowledge of SAP or similar enterprise software system.
Uses and operations of computers and standard business software including word processing and spreadsheet applications.
Applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.
Basic principles and practices of employee supervision.
Sound business communications.
Agency human resources policies and labor contract provisions.
Safety policies and safe work practices applicable to the work.
ABILITY TO:
Prepare clear and accurate financial and statistical records and reports.
Input data accurately at a speed necessary to meet the requirements of the position.
Analyze and make sound recommendations on routine to difficult invoicing and payment issues, data and operations.
Follow and enforce established financial and accounting procedures and controls.
Analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and recommend or adopt effective courses of action.
Set priorities and exercise expert independent judgment within areas of responsibility.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Understand, interpret, explain and apply policy, law and procedures regulating the Agency's and JPA's accounting, reporting, recordkeeping and disbursement processes as they apply to areas of responsibility.
Prepare statistical reports and balance large numbers of financial transactions.
Present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively.
Use tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive and complex issues, situations and concerned people.
Operate a computer and standard business software and a variety of complex computer software programs and databases related to area of assignment.
Represent the Agency effectively in dealings with vendors, financial institutions, members of the JPA and internal customers.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.
SELECTION PROCESS:
All employment applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completion, relevant experience, education, training and other job-related qualifications. Applicants with the strongest background relating to the responsibilities of this position will be invited to participate in the testing process which may include one or more of the following: written test, oral interview, performance/practical examination. The successful candidate will be required to pass a background/reference check and pre-employment physical examination including a drug screen (for safety sensitive position) at no cost to the candidate. Please visit our website at www.ieua.org and select the Human Resources Department for additional information regarding the Agency, the hiring process and benefit information.
Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (909) 993-1645 or hrdept@ieua.org at least 72 hours in advance of the need for accommodation.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
"The Agency's success is obtained by creating a positive and diverse work environment which recognizes individual differences and experiences".
