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Bellevue, WA - Senior Accounting Associate

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City of Bellevue: Senior Accounting Associate

JOB TITLE:

Senior Accounting Associate

JOB FAMILY:

Fiscal Mgmt/Accounting

JOB TITLE CODE:

BNG 502

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 Senior level of the job family, requiring considerable knowledge of internal policies and procedures and legal requirements applicable to the assigned accounting function and characterized by the introduction of more significant analysis and interpretation. The work involves the mature application of problem-solving techniques to moderately complex issues/situations. An incumbent is expected to handle most situations independently, referring only those that are unique, unprecedented or controversial to a higher level authority. Work is typically unsupervised during execution, but end results are reviewed with some frequency. Providing training/guidance to less experienced employees is also a key function although it is not the primary focus of the job. In addition to general accounting tasks, incumbents at this level may be assigned additional job duties associated with special projects. An incumbent may provide supervision with respect to lower-level accounting support staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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

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.

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

Acts as a first-level problem identification and resolution resource, including answering the questions of less experienced employees, interpreting/applying technical and/or procedural guidelines and providing overall functional guidance; investigates questionable entries and recommends (or executes) effective corrective measures; may coordinate (or act as liaison) between functions/departments/branches as required to facilitate data-gathering or problem resolution.

Responds to requests from internal/external auditors to locate and provide access to specific files and/or data as requested pursuant to audit activities.

Sets up and maintains moderately complex PC spreadsheets for use in balancing and reconciling accounts, transactions and related accounting operations.

Provides system support such as maintaining integrity of files, updating reports, running periodic jobs and other activities of similar scope and complexity.

Performs work assignments requiring considerable knowledge of internal standards and procedures such as review of expenses, multi-faceted reconciliations and special projects as requested; refers issues beyond scope of authority to supervisor.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

The end results of this position's work are reviewed; however the performance of the work is generally unsupervised. The incumbent has demonstrated competency in performing most job elements and is asked to keep their supervisor informed of any unusual or difficult circumstances that arise.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRMENTS

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

Four years of progressively responsible directly related work experience, with a minimum of one year at the Accounting Associate level or equivalent.

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

  • Content and application of accounting models as they relate to accounting procedures.
  • Internal practices and guidelines as they relate to unique accounting procedures.
  • 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:

  • Apply effective oral communication skills to explain, clarify and resolve non-routine issues.
  • Balance/or and reconcile complex transactions, accounts and/or data input relative to the assigned accounting function.
  • Apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the role of Senior Associate to special projects requiring critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration as part of a project team.
  • Provide guidance and on-the-job training to less experienced accounting staff as needed or assigned.
  • 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.