Accounting Specialist

Under the general supervision, performs a variety of technical accounting support functions including payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable; enters data, processes technical and accounting documents, and provides customer service as needed; performs related work as assigned.

Works under the general direction of assigned department supervisor or manager; does not have supervisory responsibilities.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is the journey level in the Accounting Specialist job series. This class may be distinguished from the lower level Accounting Clerk by the degree of supervision received, and difficulty and complexity of work performed. PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following essential functions are those that are critical, integral, necessary, crucial, primary and fundamental to the job. Incumbents who possess the requisite skill, experience, education, and other job-related requirements of a position are expected to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
 
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.
 

• Performs accounting support duties in accordance with standard office procedures and City policy; receives, verifies and enters payments, invoices, purchase orders, special fund transactions, and other data into the computer tracking systems.
• Maintains and updates records and files associated with payroll systems and related technical transactions; assures accuracy and timeliness of all payroll activities; verifies payroll register.
• Maintains and updates records and files associated with accounts receivable; receives, reviews, processes, and posts details of accounts receivable transactions, such as utility payments, licensing and permit fees and fines and other customer payments; assures accuracy; scans checks for electronic deposit, and downloads lockbox payments; verifies cash for bank deposits.
• Maintains and updates records and files associated with accounts payable such as purchase requisitions, invoices, and payroll; answers vendor or staff inquiries.
• Refers uncollected debts to collection agency, meets with debtors to create partial payment agreements and schedules; maintains debtor payment records.
• Utilizes computer software financial and spreadsheet programs on personal computer and mainframe platforms.
• Works on special projects as assigned; may perform back-up duties for other positions within the work group to ensure continuity of operations.
• Maintains and enforces all aspects of security and confidentiality of records and information.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Education and Experience:
High School diploma or GED equivalent; AND two (2) years bookkeeping and clerical accounting experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
 
Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License may be required depending upon area of assignment.

Required Knowledge of:

• City organization, operations, policies and procedures.
• Public sector fund accounting and bookkeeping principles.
• Principles of record keeping and records management.
• Payroll accounting rules and procedures.

 
Required Skill in:

• Maintaining and balancing financial records, ledgers and accounts.
• Performing mathematical calculations with speed and accuracy. 
• Entering data and numerical information into a computer system with speed and accuracy.
• Correcting and updating financial information systems.
• Using computer and software applications for accounting transactions. 
• Mathematical computations used in accounting. 
• Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of business software.
• Following written and oral instructions. 
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, City departments, and the general public.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:  

• Work is primarily performed indoors in a standard office environment.
• Work requires frequent light lifting, sorting, filing, typing and on occasion climbing (up to 4 feet).
• Moderate finger dexterity and near vision is required.
• May be exposed to minor amounts of dust and occasional sounds of office equipment running.

EXAMINATION 

The purpose of this examination is to establish an eligible list from which vacant position(s) may be filled.

Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination and interview process.

Phase one (1) is a written examination (weighted 50%) which will measure all or portions of the above knowledge, and skills.  Phase two (2) is an oral examination (weighted 50%) that will be administered by an appraisal panel to evaluate professional qualifications, background and suitability.  A passing score for each phase is 70%. Each candidate will be notified via e-mail of their status at each step of the recruitment.
The City of Compton reserves the right to utilize alternative testing methods, if deemed necessary. Failure in one phase of the examination shall be grounds for declaring the applicant as failing in the entire examination, and as disqualified for subsequent parts of an examination.

GENERAL INFORMATION TO EXAMINATION APPLICANTS 

The City of Compton does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or provisions of services.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must give advanced notice to the Human Resources Department prior to the final filing date.

ELIGIBLE LISTS 
Recruitment may be conducted on a (a) promotional basis, (b) open-competitive basis, or (c) promotional and open-competitive basis simultaneously. All candidates who attain an overall score of at least 70.00 (open-competitive) and at least 75.00 (promotional) will be placed in rank order on the relevant eligible list(s).

PLEASE NOTE: 
All permanent City employees that attain an overall score of at least 75.00 will be placed on both the promotional eligible list and the open-competitive eligible list. All City employees that attain a score of 70.00 on EACH PHASE of the examination but an overall score of less than 75.00 will be placed on the open-competitive eligible list only.

Each eligible list shall remain in effect one (1) year from the date of its establishment unless it is extended, abolished or exhausted. Whenever possible, three (3) names are certified to fill any one (1) vacant position. No candidate may be certified more than three (3) times for any one classified position. When certifying eligible lists to appointing powers, the promotional eligible list takes precedence over the open-competitive eligible list. A department manager's recommendation for employment is subject to the City Manager's approval.

EXAMINATION APPEAL PROCEDURE 
A candidate may, within five (5) days after taking the written examination, file in writing with the City Manager an appeal against any part of the test, citing the item or items against which the appeal is directed, and the reason(s) for such appeal. The Personnel Board will consider appeals from the decisions and ratings of qualifications appraisals (interview) boards if such appeals meet the conditions described in the Personnel Rules and Regulations (Section 6.8).

EXAMINATION RECORDS
All examination papers, including the employment application, resume, and other attachments submitted by candidates are the property of the Personnel Board and are confidential records which may be open to inspection only for purposes and under conditions established by the Personnel Board.

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE 
In all entrance examinations (open-competitive only) for positions in the Classified Service, veterans who served in the armed forces of the United States during time(s) of war, and who attain an overall passing score in the examination are allowed additional preferential credit in accordance with the Personnel Rules and Regulations. In order to claim veterans' credit, the applicant must submit proof of service and honorable discharge (showing specific dates of service) on a U.S. Military form (DD-214) at the time of application or not later than the final filing date for the examination.

FRINGE BENEFITS 
The City's comprehensive fringe benefits program includes: retirement (Public Employees' Retirement System), medical, dental, life and vision insurances, deferred compensation, sick and vacation leaves, after-hours education reimbursement, ride share program, uniform allowance and other provisions.

Salary : $47,150 - $55,173