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Bellevue, WA - Accounting Associate

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City of Bellevue: Accounting Associate

JOB TITLE:

Accounting Associate

JOB FAMILY:

Fiscal Mgmt/Accounting

JOB TITLE CODE:

BNG 501

EEO CODE:

Para-Professional

DEPARTMENT(S):

Multiple

WAGE SCHEDULE:

G

FLSA STATUS:

Non-Exempt

EFFECTIVE DATE:

January 1, 2001

Job Family Overview: This position is part of a "generic" job family, encompassing positions that are engaged in performing clerical and para-professional accounting work in support of the finance/accounting function(s) throughout the City. Positions allocated to this job family may be assigned to different functional work groups (such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, general accounting, payroll accounting, or related financial area) but the nature and scope of the work, specific procedures/processes applied and general knowledge requirements will be comparable.

In general, work involves checking/matching/researching data and verifying accuracy of accounting documents in order to process, record, balance, and/or reconcile transactions, data and/or input/output in accordance with established internal guidelines, procedures and practices. Much of the work is executed on-line, with system edits in place to flag improper entries and facilitate the review process. Job duties in the family range from administrative to para-professional and require basic knowledge of accounting concepts and practices. Functional work methodologies employed in this job family are essentially the same for the first two classification levels.

Differences relate principally to the requirement for greater depth and breadth of knowledge and analysis applied to researching/validating/processing more complex accounting work and in the degree of independent judgment/action allowed in problem-solving activities. At the highest level, responsibilities associated with the development of new/revised procedures and limited staff supervision are introduced, resulting in less emphasis on processing activities. More experienced incumbents classified in the higher levels of the job family are expected to share their skills and knowledge with less experienced team members, serving as a resource for direction, training, and guidance.

JOB SUMMARY

This is the middle level of entry to the job family, experience and/or specific education in two or more accounting support functions is a prerequisite. The work is not focused on providing a training opportunity. An incumbent performs recurring and moderately complex clerical accounting assignments in accordance with standard operating procedures and precedents. Knowledge of the sources and availability of specific information is required and the incumbent is acquiring a familiarity with City guidelines and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs duties and responsibilities commensurate with assigned functional area which may include any combination of the following tasks:

Enters pre-reviewed data in on-line or manual accounting system(s) to process transactions relative to assigned accounting support function in a timely, comprehensive and error-free manner; updates data by executing appropriate corrections, additions and deletions; balances and/or reconciles transactions, accounts and/or data entry in accordance with standard practice.

Processes work in a manner that results in a complete and evident audit trail; prepares comprehensive and accurate documentation of transactions and adjustments; maintains files in a timely and complete manner and ensures that all documentation is filed appropriately and is accessible as required.

Receives continuous on-the-job training to identify tools, resources and other sources of information that will be relevant to the type/nature of accounting-related activities and assignments; attends periodic training sessions designed to impart updated information for use as reference/resource in performing job duties; ensures that personal reference materials are maintained in timely and comprehensive manner to forestall the application or dissemination of inaccurate information.

Maintains positive customer relationships by providing prompt and appropriate responses to inquiries/issues/concerns; follows through with respect to commitments and corrections; provides customer with confirmation of actions taken; refers matters outside personal scope of authority to appropriate individual.

In addition to job functions performed at the Accounting Assistant level, also includes the following

Reviews routine finance/accounting-related transactions, input/output and other materials such as records, reports, invoices, journal vouchers and ledgers for timeliness, completeness and reasonableness; validates accuracy of data and compliance with explicit internal requirements, coding conventions, procedures, and guidelines; identifies questionable and/or potentially non-compliant data/matters; initiates prompt action to correct/resolve independently where a standard course of action is clearly prescribed; seeks the assistance of more experienced employees in the handling of non-routine or precedent-setting matters.

Contacts internal and external customers in order to explain procedural requirements, question/validate data provided, gather additional information, request clarification/backup documentation, correct inaccuracies and/or to address other needs/issues prior (or subsequent) to the initiation of processing activities; follows-up to ensure pending issues are resolved; keeps supervisor informed of non-routine issues and recommendations made.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

This position's work is supervised; however, not all aspects of the work are closely supervised. Those job elements that the incumbent has demonstrated competency in performing are moderately supervised. Only new work activities are assigned in a detailed manner, and progress is more typically reviewed when tasks are completed rather than while they are being completed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRMENTS

Graduation from a 2-year college or university program related to business or accounting.

Two years of progressively responsible related work experience which includes accounting transaction processing and verification.

Or, any equivalent combination of education and experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS

Key Contacts/Communications: Exchanges information with internal and external customers. Requires positive customer relations skills, business acumen, and customer relations attitude.

Knowledge Requirements

  • Accounting fundamentals relating to debits/credits and their relationship to the General Ledger.
  • Sources & availability of information relevant to the assigned function and the nature of questions typically received.
  • Standards and practices for establishing and maintaining valid accounting documentation and a credible audit trail.
  • State and/or local regulations affecting the assigned accounting function.
  • Accounting practices relating to the proofing and balancing of accounts, transactions and/or data entry.
  • Modern office procedures, practices and equipment.

Ability to:

  • Develop and maintain current knowledge of the functionality, operation and application of internal on-line systems sufficient to efficiently and effectively complete work assignments.
  • Use automated systems and operate office equipment/software at an acceptable level of proficiency.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships as required by job responsibilities.
  • Gain and apply knowledge of daily operating procedures and internal standards, processes and procedures as they relate to the assigned accounting function.
  • Comply with documentation standards relative to the assigned accounting function.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 10 pounds.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.