Accounting Technician (I/II)

JOB The City of Adelanto is seeking a Accounting Technician to support the Finance Department. The Accounting Technician performs a variety of specialized, technical, and complex clerical accounting work of above average difficulty in connection with the preparation, review, and maintenance of financial and statistical records. This classification reports to the Finance Manager. The position is distinguished from the Account Clerk in that the duties are more focused on preparation of financial records and reports, depositing funds, encumbrances, cash receipts, and petty cash functions. The Accounting Technician receives occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and is fully aware of the operating policies and procedures of the Finance Department.DEFINITION: Under general supervision, performs technical accounting functions involving reviewing revenues, payroll and expenditures; provides technical and clerical accounting functions; prepares a variety of financial records and reports; performs a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This classification reports to the Finance Manager.Accounting Technician I is the entry-level classification. Incumbents perform routine to moderately complex accounting tasks under closer supervision.Accounting Technician II is the journey-level classification. Incumbents perform the full range of technical accounting duties with greater independence, take on more complex assignments, and may serve as a subject matter resource. Municipal government accounting experience is required at this level.ESSENTIAL DUTIES: The duties assigned include, but are not limited to, the following: · Perform a variety of technical accounting work involved in the preparation, maintenance, and processing of accounting records and financial transactions including those related to payroll, accounts payable and billing.· Maintain and reconcile petty cash funds, ensuring proper documentation, authorization, and accuracy in replenishments and disbursements.· Prepare data to be posted to various ledgers, registers, journals and logs according to established accounting techniques and procedures; prepare and input month end journal entries and assist in bank reconciliation process.· Analyze a variety of financial reports; reconcile discrepancies; revise journal entries.· Review and process timesheets and payroll records; participate in the preparation and balancing of payroll reports.· Process and calculate a variety of payroll actions including benefit withholding, overtime hours and workers compensation.· Assist with Capital Improvement Project (CIP) accounting, including tracking project expenditures, verifying supporting documentation, monitoring budget status, and preparing reports for management.· Support grant administration by tracking grant-related revenues and expenditures, ensuring compliance with grant requirements, maintaining documentation, and assisting with financial reporting and reimbursement requests.· Provide technical assistance to various City staff in matters related to financial accounting; assist departments in the proper classification of revenues and expenditures. · Prepare a variety of monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports.· Respond to internal and external inquiries regarding payments, payroll, revenues and other financial transactions.· Assist with the annual audit; provide requested information.· Assist Billing Department with reconciliation of utility deposit funds, chargebacks and delinquencies.· Work on a variety of special projects as assigned.· Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.Additional Duties — Accounting Technician IIIndependently perform more complex reconciliations and other advanced accounting tasks.Prepare specialized reports, schedules, and analyses for management review.Identify discrepancies and recommend or implement corrections.Serve as a resource to departments regarding accounting procedures, payroll processes, and financial policies.Assist in process improvements, procedure updates, and system enhancements.· May provide guidance or training to Accounting Technician I staff.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge of: Governmental bookkeeping and accounting principles and practicesPrinciples and procedures of financial record keeping and reportingModern office procedures, methods and computer equipmentFinancial research and report preparation methods and techniquesPertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and ordinancesAbility to: Examine and verify a wide variety of financial documents and reportsUse and operate modern office equipment, including computersAnalyze and interpret financial and accounting recordsPrepare a variety of financial reportsUnderstand and implement oral and written instructionPerform accurate data entryMaintain a variety of accounting records and filesUnderstand and use computer spreadsheet applicationsTravel to various sites and operate a motor vehicle safelyApply Federal, State and local laws and regulations pertaining to accounting and auditing activitiesTRAINING, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATIONS: Any combination equivalent to experience and training that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for acceptable job performance. Example combinations include: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work in accounting or a related field; three years of increasingly responsible technical or clerical accounting experience preferably in municipal government or related field; any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities.License: Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and have a satisfactory driving record.Physical Standards: Physical & Sensory Elements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to communicate effectively, verbally and in a written manner; observe and interpret data, and analyze and solve problems. The employee may have to move up to 25 lbs. and transport up to 10 lbs. objects. See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate office equipment. Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. The employee may be required to work overtime to complete assignments. Must be able to work a flexible schedule. Use of personal vehicle during employment may also be required.Environmental Elements: Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may be required to travel to other locations and attend meetings. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing policies and procedures.Tools and Equipment: Personal computer, including spreadsheet, word processing, central financial computer system network; ten-key calculator, electronic calendar and records management software programs; telephone; fax and copier; postage meter and other office equipment as necessary.