Job Abstract

Under direct supervision (Accounting Technician I) to general supervision (Accounting Technician II), performs a variety of technical accounting duties is support of a department’s accounting functions including receiving, reviewing, entering, auditing, and processing accounts receivable and payable transactions; performs financial record keeping and reporting duties in support of assigned accounting system and/or function; prepares, processes, maintains, and verifies financial/accounting and statistical documents and records; prepares various reports, statements, and special projects; provides information and assistance to the general public and City departments; maintains files and records; and performs related duties as assigned.

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory and/or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Accounting Technician I: This is the entry level classification in the Accounting Technician series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine technical accounting duties involved in performing financial record keeping and fiscal reporting duties. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult. Close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of positions at the II-level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Accounting Technician II: This is the journey level classification in the Accounting Technician series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Positions in the Accounting Technician class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II-level are normally filled by advancement from the next lower level upon management approval, after gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class, subject to budgetary funds.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed/exercised in a learning capacity for entry-level (I-level) positions.

• Prepares, maintains, and/or verifies a variety of accounting, financial, and statistical records, ledgers, logs, and files; gathers, assembles, tabulates, enters, checks, verifies, balances, adjusts, records, and files financial data; codes data according to prescribed accounting procedures; reviews information to ensure accurate reporting; resolves discrepancies; establishes and maintains various files and records.
• Assists in the preparation of financial, accounting, and statistical statements, analyses, documents, and reports; prepares monthly bank reconciliation; reconciles and balances various records and ledgers; assists other accounting staff and departmental management in the preparation of reports; gathers and organizes data.
• Assists with payroll processing accounting functions; creates financial sets through the accounts payable functions; records bi-weekly payroll expenditures or related invoices to the general ledger.
• Prepares accounts payable batches for entry and review; verifies accuracy; reconciles batched financial data to the accounts payable statement; processes accounts payable disbursements; receives and inputs special accounts payable batches for manual checks on an as-needed basis.
• Receives incoming invoice payments and reviews for accuracy, proper authorizations, and account coding; reconciles invoice payments with accounts payable invoices; researches discrepancies; records accounts receivable transactions; files financial transactions according to the required retention schedule.
• Develops, monitors, and tracks accounts receivable collections; creates collection aging reports; maintains financial records for reconciliation and reporting purposes.
• Records all voided payments received by check or electronic funds transfer in the financial system; redistributes checks as needed; compiles supporting documentation to accounts payable for processing.
• Coordinates the posting and balancing of cash receipts; reviews all daily cash receipts, forms, and supporting reports prepared for accuracy.
• Participates in department audits and account close-out functions; gathers supporting documentation for auditor’s review; responds to inquiries for cash receipts and monthly bank reconciliations.
• Prepares the monthly bank reconciliation for assigned accounts; researches discrepancies; reviews for accuracy; records financial data.
• Prepares various reports and statements and assists with special projects; assists other accounting staff and departmental management in the preparation of reports; gathers and organizes data as needed.
• Researches and/or responds to management, employee, and vendor inquiries, requests, and complaints courteously; provides technical information and assistance within area of assignment; resolves complaints efficiently and timely.
• Performs special projects and studies; collects and compiles statistical and financial data for special reports, as directed.
• Provides back-up support for payroll and other accounting functions as required.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Mathematical and basic accounting principles
• Methods and techniques of coding, verifying, balancing, and reconciling accounting records.
• Basic principles and practices of auditing.
• Operations, services, and activities of accounting system(s), functions, and/or program area
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Principles and practices of fiscal, statistical, and administrative record keeping, reporting, and information retrieval.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts and principles, including their significance in organizational dynamics and the functioning of the City and their impact on fostering innovation and collaboration.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

• Participate in preparing various administrative and financial reports.
• Perform a variety of accounting, fiscal, and statistical record keeping duties including preparing, maintaining, and reconciling a variety of records and files.
• Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines.
• Research, compile, and interpret a variety of information.
• Review and compile various financial records, reports, and related documents, identify discrepancies, and resolve problems related to assigned area of responsibility.
• Interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations, and City and departmental rules and policies.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
• Make mathematical computations rapidly and accurately, including routine technical accounting formulas.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Engage with a diverse public and workforce, facilitating inclusive service delivery, and implementing equitable city policies.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Accounting Technician I/II: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work in accounting, bookkeeping, business administration, or a related field.

• Accounting Technician I: One (1) year responsible administrative support experience which included clerical accounting duties.
• Accounting Technician II: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in technical accounting work at a level equivalent to the City’s Accounting Technician I.

• None.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities who are qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

The City of Elk Grove is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (916) 478- 2230. The information above is subject to change without notice.