Accounting Assistant I/II (20750465)

Description

The City of San Mateo Finance Department is seeking an Accounting Assistant I/II

The Department

The City of San Mateo is a very progressive City that encourages staff and resident engagement to develop positive solutions that meet the demands of our community.

The Finance Department is responsible for the overall financial management of the City. The Department’s core function is to maintain a strong and secure financial position for the City by providing comprehensive financial and analytical services to the City Council, City management, staff, and the public. Operationally, the Finance Department provides services in the areas of Accounting and Financial Reporting, Budget, Treasury and Revenue Management, Purchasing, Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Debt Service.

Collaboration, Innovation, Respect, Creativity, Transparency, and Informed Risk-taking are attributes that we are seeking in the candidates.

Look to some of the reasons why the City of San Mateo is a great place to work, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GTIzeSpc_g

The Position

Accounting Assistant I - This is the entry level class in the Accounting Assistant series. This class is distinguished from the Accounting Assistant II level by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series which are performed according to established procedures, and changes in procedures or exceptions to rules are explained in detail as they arise. Since this class can be used as a training class, employees may have only limited experience. Certain positions in this class, those that contain primarily routine and less complex tasks, may be permanently assigned to the "I" level.

Accounting Assistant II - This is the journey level class within the Accounting Assistant series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Accounting Assistant I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned. Employees 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 this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower grade of Accounting Assistant I, or when filled from the outside, require prior accounting clerical experience. Appointment to the higher class requires that the employee be performing the full range of duties for the class and meets the qualification standards for the class.

Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Open and close accounts; maintain various ledgers, registers, journals, and spreadsheets according to established account classifications.
• Audit invoices against purchase orders; verify encumbrances; research discrepancies; approve for payment and post to the proper account.
• Maintain daily transaction records by balancing, preparing summaries, and entering into financial system; maintain records of delinquent invoices.
• Respond to citizen inquiries; research and answer employee and department questions regarding the status of accounts and payments, the proper coding of transactions, and other matters.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
• Participate in the preparation of payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable as well as control and account verification of an accounting system.
  
  

Immediate and/or general supervision is provided by higher level accounting or supervisory positions.

For a complete list of duties, reference our job specifications at https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/DocumentCenter/Home/Index/86

Ideal Candidate

Knowledge And Abilities

Accounting Assistant I:

Knowledge Of:

• Modern office practices and procedures.
• Business math.
  
  

Ability To:

• Keep accurate financial records.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Perform varied clerical work.
  
  

Accounting Assistant II: (In addition to Accounting Assistant I requirements)

Knowledge Of:

• Principles and practices of financial record keeping.
• Municipal accounting systems, requirements, and procedures.
  
  

Ability To:

• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Maintain accurate records involving financial activities.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Accounting Assistant I:

• One year of clerical experience, preferably including some financial and statistical record keeping.
• Equivalent to completion of the 12th grade.
  
  

Accounting Assistant II: (In addition to Accounting Assistant I requirements)

• Two years accounting clerical experience comparable to that of an Accounting Assistant I in the City of San Mateo.
  
  

Bonus Points (highly Desirable):

• An Associate’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or related field.
• Experience working in municipal financial services.
  
  

Benefits

Benefits

• Salary: Accounting Assistant I $5,439 - $6,487/month; Accounting Assistant II $5,975 - $7,131/month
• Comprehensive benefits package including generous paid leave and health benefits
• CalPERS retirement (2% @ 55 for classic members; 2% @ 62 for new members). Classic employees contribute 8.23% to CalPERS and New members contribute 7.50% to CalPERS.
• Participation in the Social Security Program
• Programs: Deferred Compensation plan with City match up to 0.5% of base salary, City will match up to 0.5% of base salary to the deferred compensation plan, and 1% City contribution to a Retirement Health Savings Account
• Free Fitness classes through City of San Mateo Parks and Recreation, Employee Assistance Program and Credit Union Membership
• Bilingual Diff: $90 bi-weekly (if applicable)
• This classification is represented by the San Mateo City Employees’ Association