Senior Accounting Assistant

(Formerly: Accounting Clerk III)

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK

A Senior Accounting Assistant acts in a leadership capacity by planning, organizing, directing, monitoring and supervising the work of a team of employees. In addition, the Senior Accounting Assistant performs accounting work involving reconciliations and analysis of sensitive and/or complex accounts, preparing specialized reports, returns, claims, etc. The work of an employee in this classification is distinguished from that of Accounting Technicians I and II by the responsibility for leadership of a distinct work unit within the Finance Department and the level of knowledge required.

The work involves training and developing staff, providing expert knowledge in specialized areas, resolving complex problems, establishing work methodologies, assigning work, scheduling staff, monitoring performance, ensuring quality of work, applying a substantive body of knowledge, utilizing sophisticated software applications, achieving accuracy in complex work, meeting deadlines, communicating complex information and exercising considerable independent action and judgement within defined parameters. An employee in this classification communicates the application of legislation and Board policies to staff throughout the District.

A Senior Accounting Assistant reports to Management.

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises an assigned unit: assigns, checks and schedules work; ensures deadlines, accuracy, quality and service standards are maintained; defines priorities; communicates expectations; trains staff; and, as needed, participates in the work of junior team members.

Contributes to departmental development through participation in reviews of operations, developments of goals and objectives and implementation of operating initiatives.

Recommends changes to improve quality, efficiency, service satisfaction and cycle time.

Establishes methodologies for consistent work within the work unit and maintains required Procedures Manual.

Schedules production cycles applicable to the unit's operations.

Monitors operations to ensure adherence to internal controls and achievement of quality, service standards and deadlines, and acts to correct concerns.

Authorizes cheque requisitions, journal entries and, in emergencies, overtime for staff within the unit.

Communicates with other units, staff, users and external parties to resolve complex and unusual issues.

Analyses complex and sensitive accounts to determine adjustments and actions. Assists management to address major accounting, financial reporting and taxation issues.

Develops systems, tests financial software and troubleshoots routine unit computer problems.

Designs and utilizes complex spreadsheets. Produces complex reports from databases using specialized software.

Provides training for District employees on financial matters, including:

Developing, documenting and revising in-house training and procedural manuals.

Scheduling, organizing and conducting training classes.

Providing on-site or telephone support and assistance by explaining and demonstrating financial processes and application software.

Performs accounting work including:

-           Preparing draft financial statements and statements of financial information.

-           Designing financial and statistical reports for production and special purposes.

-           Coordinating general ledger account structure and closings of the general ledger.

-           Approving purchase requisitions as to compliance with policy, regulation,                                               accounting requirements and funds availability.

-           Researching and advising on taxation issues; and preparing compliance reports.

-           Producing deductions for benefit coverage.

-           Developing standard school-based accounting systems.

-           Coordinating Capital Plan accounting including recognizing project approval,                              establishing funding facility, examining payment claims, checking title, drawing                                  funds and accounting for borrowing.

 -          Researching and tracking insurance claims, and assisting in insurance renewal.

 -          Accounting for operating and capital leases.

Performs related duties, as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Skill in supervising staff, including the ability to train, direct, assist, schedule, monitor, evaluate and report on the quality and quantity of subordinates work.

Skill in identifying methods to improve service satisfaction, quality, efficiency and cycle time performance.

Ability to identify, analyse and recommend solutions to complex financial and related problems.

Ability to provide training to users who have a range of knowledge.

Ability to test complex financial software and participate in systems development at an advanced level.

Knowledge, at an advanced level, of the methods, practices, principles, procedures and controls involved in processing financial transactions and accounting for operations.

Knowledge of and the ability to apply the financial aspects of applicable legislation, agreements, contracts, benefit plans, policies, regulations and administrative practices.

Ability to apply the body of knowledge comprising third level of a professional accounting program including encumbrance accounting and C.I.C.A. Handbook.

Ability to utilize, at advanced level, networked personal computers and applications software for operating systems, word processing, database and spreadsheets, and mainframe multi-user computer applications related to the work, and to trouble-shoot routine problems.

Ability to organize, prioritize and schedule diverse tasks to ensure the orderly, accurate completion of work in accordance with competing deadlines and requirements.

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

Interpersonal, communication, customer service and teamwork skills, and the ability 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.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of grade 12, and third level of a recognized professional accounting body's program or equivalent training in accounting or business administration (accounting major) from a post secondary institute recognized by the district.  Software course certificates, and/or demonstrated experience and proficiency.

Two years' 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

Eligible for registration as Associate Accounting Technologist from the Certified Management Accountants Society of B.C., or equivalent standing in another recognized professional accounting body.