Definition:
Under the supervision of the Finance Manager, the Accounting Technician I/II will perform a variety of paraprofessional accounting duties including general accounting, payroll processing, accounts receivable, revenue collections, accounts payable and purchase order processing, treasury assistance, business licensing, month-end general ledger account reconciliations/journals, annual audit/budget support, account analysis, and related duties as assigned.
Class Characteristics:
Accounting Technician I –This is the entry-level class in the Accounting Technician classification series. This class is responsible for providing support for assigned finance or accounting functional area such as billing or fiscal transaction processing. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the II 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. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence.
Accounting Technician II - This is the journey-level class in the Accounting Technician classification series responsible for performing the full range of paraprofessional accounting tasks in assigned program areas. Incumbents are expected to work independently and exercise 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 I level; progression to the II level is subject to management approval and is dependent on the incumbent (i) performing the full range of duties assigned to the II level, and (ii) acquiring the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to meet the minimum qualifications for the II level of the series.
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.
- Provides budget support such as: assistance with annual budget preparation and monthly financial reporting, capital project tracking and status reporting.
- Assists in development of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR); Creation of annual audit support schedules.
- Accounting and recordkeeping, preparing monthly and year-end General Ledger adjusting journal entries, prepare account reconciliations.
- Revenue estimation
- Audit support
- Develop, monitor, input, and process records in the City’s payroll system; calculate and record payroll; review, verify, and audit payroll data; analyze payroll reports; extract data and provide information as requested.
- Maintaining compliance with Local, State and Federal laws and regulations, PERS rules and regulations, and Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs)
- Monitor City’s grant activities; communicate with various departments to ensure grant activities are in compliance; prepare reimbursement requests to granting agencies; reconcile various grants funds
- Prepares a variety of financial reports for departmental use.
- Prepares required payroll tax/benefit payments and filings.
- Revenue tracking, collection and recording of revenues.
- Processing of accounts receivable billings; monitoring daily receipts and bank activity; tracking and reconciling customer and trust deposits.
- AP processing of City-wide vendor payments, maintaining vendor files and regulatory reporting, monitoring and processing of purchase orders.
- Prepare of annual assessment filings, serving as a business license collection and record control point.
- Maintains a petty cash fund for employee reimbursements.
- Processes the renewal of all licenses on an annual basis, including generating renewal notices, receiving payments and following up by letters to obtain payment.
- Maintenance of electronic and hard-copy archival models.
- Prepares and issues purchase orders.
- Operates computer, printer and other general office equipment.
- Will be cross trained in a variety of accounting duties to ensure proper department coverage.
- Will assist with supporting front counter operations.
- Department filing.
- Performs other duties as required.
MINIMUM POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Basic governmental accounting practices, principles and procedures, general office work flow administration, sound business organization skills; finance terminology, payroll processing and reporting requirements, commonly used office and governmental accounting software products, government budgetary and financial audit structure and process, and methods and practices of financial record keeping and report preparation.
ABILITY TO:
Provide excellent internal and external customer service; Excel in and promote a teamwork-based environment involving cross training and collaboration; Effectively read, interpret and apply established internal rules, procedures and policies; Effectively communicate with diverse audiences in written and oral form; Effectively apply and use technology, including skilled use of business software systems; Track, collect, analyze and reconcile accounting data; Work cooperatively and effectively with the public, employees, agency officials and surrounding departments; Use initiative and sound judgment within established guidelines; Organize, prioritize and coordinate work activities; Maintain detailed and accurate financial records; Make arithmetic calculations with speed and accuracy; Operate standard office equipment; Develop effective working relationships with others and work with limited supervision.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Accounting Technician I-
- Possession of a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent is required
- Possession of a post-secondary degree in accounting or finance, or possession of a certificate in accounting proficiency, is desirable
- Requires one year of progressively responsible accounting experience, including bookkeeping, complex numerical calculations and/or processing of financial data.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license.
Accounting Technician II-
- Associates of Arts degree (AA) and three years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including bookkeeping, complex numerical calculations and/or processing of financial data.
- AA degree may be substituted with two additional years of experience in an accounting clerical position with the City of Los Altos.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license.
- Similar or relevant work experience in the public sector
IDEAL CANDIDATE POSSESSES THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERISTICS: A well-rounded Accounting Technician who is motivated and team oriented. The person holding this position should demonstrate a high level of customer service standards with the community, customers, and departments. Proven knowledge and demonstrated work experience in the basic function of finance such as Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Payroll. The ideal candidate is comfortable with change and can multi-task; is familiar with governmental organizational structure and public service oriented, has a willingness and capacity to learn other aspects of accounting and finance, and then put that new found knowledge into action.
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, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, 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 25 pounds.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS:
The recruitment will remain open until the position is filled. Prior to hire, candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, including a livescan background investigation. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose a conviction will result in disqualification or termination.
Accounting Technician I- $64,760.80-$ 78,717.16 DOE
Accounting Technician II- $74, 576.32- $90,647.98 DOE
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Los Altos is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age or sexual orientation. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Los Altos upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.
LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
