Accounting Associate II (N8)

Job Summary

The City of Annapolis is seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Accounting Associate II to join the Department of Finance. This position performs paraprofessional level financial accounting duties that require the application of standard accounting theories, principles, and techniques in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Work involves responsible paraprofessional accounting and financial record keeping duties requiring knowledge of the practices and methods of accounting and familiarity with the operations and procedures of accounting systems.

This position differs from the Accounting Associate I classification in that assigned duties are more complex and represent a higher level of responsibility and independent judgment in the performance of work assignments. The work is performed under the direct supervision of a higher-level staff member but permits moderate autonomy in carrying out day-to-day activities.

Essential Job Functions

Transaction Processing & Account Entry

• Transaction Verification: Prepares and reviews payments, cash receipts, billing, or other accounting transactions by verifying documentation and accurately completing transactions.
• Ledger Entries: Prepares asset, liability, and capital account entries by compiling and analyzing account information.
• Credit Logistics: Processes and monitors credit card activity and ensures that transactions and supplemental documentation strictly follow established policies, procedures, and internal controls.

Reconciliation & Financial Analysis

• Account Correction: Reconciles accounts, identifies variances, and prepares formal corrections by collecting and analyzing account information and analyzing accounting options.
• Discrepancy Resolution: Researches and reconciles accounting transactions and fixes numerical discrepancies.
• Non-Routine Balancing: Performs non-routine duties associated with the reconciliation, balancing, or processing of vouchers, ledgers, journals, reports, and statements.
• Complex Inquiry Inquiries: Researches and resolves complex and difficult billing, invoicing, financial inquiries, accounting, and budget information.

Reporting, Auditing & Controls

• Statement Preparation: Prepares standard and non-standard financial reports, financial analysis, data analysis, and graphical data.
• Financial Reporting: Prepares financial statements and/or special financial reports including balance sheets, income statements, and other reports.
• Audit Documentation: Prepares audit work papers for annual or special audits by accumulating data accurately for assigned area(s) in a timely and accurate manner.
• File Stewardship: Maintains information and reviews financial transactions by creating and/or monitoring electronic files and/or accounting documents.
• Process Development: Assists in the collaborative development of guidelines, procedures, and templates for financial review and reporting.
• Security Standards: Actively maintains accounting controls and financial security by following policies, procedures, and internal controls.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Accounting Principles: Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and standardized financial practices.
• Regulatory Frameworks: Knowledge of federal, state, and local applicable laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines.
• Function Practices: Knowledge of the policies, practices, procedures, and terminology of the assigned finance function.
• Customer Service & Operations: Advanced knowledge of the principles and practices of customer service, modern financial record keeping, bookkeeping, and standard office practices and procedures.
• Office Software: Knowledge of the capabilities, operating characteristics, and functions of a variety of office automation software, including database, spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation applications.
• Mathematical Reasoning: Skill in problem-solving, decision-making, mathematics, and arithmetic computations related to maintaining, compiling, and reviewing statistical or financial records.
• Hardware & Software: Skill in the technical use of computer hardware and software, including the Microsoft Office Suite or similar programs.
• Records Management: Ability to prepare, maintain, and reconcile various complex financial, accounting, payroll, statistical auditing, and numerical records.
• Data Interpretation: Ability to analyze, calculate, consolidate, reconcile, and interpret accounting data and successfully identify errors.
• Administrative Execution: Ability to prioritize work effectively to meet strict deadlines and maintain production schedules.
• Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Professional Relationships: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field.
• Experience: Three (3) years of related professional accounting experience.
• Equivalency: Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered by the City.

Employment Conditions

Physical/Mental Demands:

• Exertion Level: The work is primarily sedentary, requiring the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.
• Physical Abilities: Essential physical abilities include manual dexterity for repetitive motions and reaching.
• Sensory Acuity: Requires the visual and auditory acuity needed to perceive information and safely operate standard office equipment.
• Cognitive Demand: Requires high mental acuity to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.

Work Environment:

• Setting: Work is performed in a safe and secure office environment.