Finance Technician I

Performs a variety of highly responsible, confidential, bookkeeping and administrative tasks, for the Financial Services Department as a whole but primarily maintains business/occupational tax, alcoholic beverage tax and licensure, regulatory permits, and other related office records, which requires an involving working knowledge of departmental programs and services, process a variety of payments to various type accounts. Internal and external customer service plays a key role in this front office position. Answers telephones and greets visitors, providing information and direction to public and official inquires.

Assist the public with general information as well as assisting public in completing required licensing forms; provides information to the public pertaining to licensing of businesses; create and maintain information sheets and other documentation for distribution to the public concerning business licenses.

Issue license after determining applicant is in compliance with all City and State Statutes and Ordinances; establish and maintain business license files as well as a monthly listing for new businesses for distribution to various offices and companies.

Verify that businesses are in compliance and have no outstanding debt to the City prior to releasing the business license.

Receives, processes and verifies the accuracy of mixed drink tax payments, alcohol consumption reports, bingo tax reports, hotel/motel tax reports, wholesalers excise reports for beer, wine, and liquor each month, quarterly solid waste franchise tax. Prepares and maintains various tax collection spreadsheets to track taxes received.

Assists taxpayers, property owners, escrow agents, banks, trust companies, real estate agents, and the general public over the counter or by telephone with questions relating to real estate and personal property tax matters and records; explains laws, regulations, and operational procedures.

Processes current and delinquent tax payments that are received at the window and assist with processing tax payments received via mail when needed.

Produce receipts when applicant(s) pay fees; must reconcile receipts each day and prepare these receipts/monies for daily deposit.

Opens mail; prepares and separates payments for processing.

Answer department phones; greets and screens callers; direct callers to appropriate staff members; respond to technical questions from the public and gives them necessary information.

Assumes routine projects to relieve management of administrative detail; monitors projects to completion to assure accuracy and completion.

Serve as backup support to accounts payable and purchasing.

Balance cash requirements for weekly check run, prints and prepares checks.

Other duties as may be assigned:

Posts receipts and balances financial accounts manually and via computer; maintains departmental files and records; posts financial transactions such as invoices, receipts and adjusting entries to ledgers and journals; assists with administration of accounting procedures.

Prepares bills for service due the City or department; receives payments and posts to appropriate accounts.

Prepares various financial reports as required by federal, state, and local laws, and rules and regulations.

Makes mathematical calculations; verifies various accounting tables and reports.

Files vouchers, receipts, correspondence, and other materials according to a pre-arranged filing system.

Performs clerical tasks such as typing correspondence, receiving and sorting mail, maintaining various files, answering the phone, maintaining supplies, etc.

Assists with the preparation of financial statements, audit, and budget reports.

May run monthly general ledger statements; balances accounts and funds before updating.

Receives, receipts, and deposits money from citizens and maintains accurate records of transactions.

Assists the public by providing information regarding the department's services and providing direction regarding completion of department applications and forms.

May provide assistance, answer questions, and/or train other clerical employees.

Verifies and updates computer reports as assigned.

Assumes routine projects to relieve management of administrative detail; monitors projects to completion to assure accuracy and completion.

Disburses and maintains department petty cash fund.

Performs other related duties as required.

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or G.E.D. supplemented with coursework in accounting and bookkeeping.

Three years bookkeeping or accounting experience.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the minimum level of qualifications stated above.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid Class C Driver's License and satisfactory motor vehicle record (desirable).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting principles, practices, methods, and procedures.

Knowledge of departmental accounting systems and procedures.

Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment - including computers.

Ability to perform mathematical calculations.

Experience with Microsoft Office products, specifically Windows, Excel and Word.

Ability to apply accounting principles to the maintenance of standard fiscal and accounting records.

Ability to deal courteously and diplomatically with the public and be tactful with difficult customers.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Skill in operation of computerized cash register; ability to make change in monies.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.

Incumbent qualifies for an automatic promotion to Finance Technician II upon meeting requirements specified in Finance Technician II class specification.