Accounting Assistant I

(Formerly: Accounting Clerk I)

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK

An Accounting Assistant I provides financial advisory and processing services for assigned schools and departments. Maintains the integrity of the district's financial records and compliance with policies, regulations and external requirements.

The work involves liaising, problem-solving, providing financial advice and communicating technical information in a straightforward manner. The work requires utilizing diverse computer software applications to analyse, research and process financial transactions and to prepare adjustments and journal entries. An employee in this category prioritizes and coordinates tasks with team members to satisfy deadlines.

An Accounting Assistant I provides technical direction and/or advice to support staff in the department and to administrative staff in assigned schools and departments. An employee in this classification exercises limited independent judgement and action within defined parameters.

Work is conducted under the direction of a Senior Accounting Assistant and management.

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Responds to enquiries as a primary contact and provides financial advisory services and financial software support to assigned client schools and departments by providing telephone help and field assistance.

Solves problems related to financial records, transactions and planning by researching information utilizing diverse software applications and communicating financial information in a straightforward manner to non-financial personnel.

Utilizes a personal computer to research databases, analyse date and solve problems related to the payments, receivables and financial systems including linkage with Purchasing, Payroll, Continuing  Education and Budgeting systems.

Audits reimbursement requests for payment ensuring compliance with policy and agreements, documentation adequacy, appropriate authorization, general ledger account accuracy, budget capacity and SOFI data identification. Prepares payment processing documentation. Initiates problem resolution.

Prepares Capital Certificates of Payment involving large individual amounts for disbursement after performing title lien search, contract verification and authorization authentication.

Receives remittances and researches applies account codes and issues receipts.

Prepares journal entries in spreadsheet form using accounting knowledge and intermediate spreadsheet skills to process electronic invoices from vendors and provide accurate presentation of the District's finances.

Provides financial technical direction and guidance to support staff in the department.

Audits data entry batches generated by junior staff.

Reconciles intermediate accounts and statements (i.e. banks and general ledger accounts), prepares adjustment entries and recommends actions.

Prepares government prescribed tax forms.

Performs related duties, as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge of the methods, practices and principles involved in the processing of all financial transactions and accounting for assigned operations.

Ability to apply the basic financial aspects of applicable  legislation including: taxes, tariffs, Builder's Lien, Workers Compensation, Financial Information, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy, etc.

Ability to apply Board policy, regulations and procedures related to financial matters.

Ability to apply the body of knowledge comprising the first level of a professional accounting program.

Ability to utilize, at an intermediate level, networked personal computers and applications software for operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets and Internet, and mainframe multi-user computer applications related to the work.

Ability to self-organize within the context of a team, satisfy competing deadlines, and comprehensive requirements.

Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written English utilizing the terminology of business, benefits, accounting and taxation.

Interpersonal, communication, customer service and teamwork skills to deal with employees at all levels and with outside agencies.

Ability to maintain sustained attention to decision-making and apply a comprehensive body of knowledge within the context of high volume activity and deadlines.

Ability to solve technical problems effectively.

Ability to provide financial technical direction and advice.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of grade 12, and first level of a recognized professional accounting body's program or equivalent training in accounting or business administration (accounting major) and software utilization from a post secondary institute recognized by the district.

One year recent full-time experience as an accounting  technician in a similar computerized financial services environment or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

LICENCES, CERTIFICATES AND REGISTRATIONS

None.