POSITION – ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST I & II

DEFINITION

Under general supervision or direction, the Accountant Specialist I & II performs a variety of accounting and financial tasks supporting the Agency's financial operations, specifically under the Accounts Payable function. Coordinates and administers assigned tasks with other programs, departments, outside agencies, member agencies, and the general public; ensures work quality and adherence to established policies and procedures; provides technical and responsible assistance to the Chief Financial Officer and/or Accounting Manager; and performs related duties as assigned.

Performs a range of accounting tasks, including recording and reporting financial transactions; and general ledger entries. This position will perform professional accounting work under general supervision, including maintaining and reviewing fiscal records, preparing financial reports, establishing and monitoring controls over fiscal recordkeeping functions within a designated Agency department, and may include auditing fiscal records and accounting procedures.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Chief Financial Officer and/or Accounting Manager.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This classification is the entry level in the Accounting series. The main focus at this level is a technical role. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Accountant I level and exercise less independent judgment and initiative in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while progressing and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence.

PROGRAMS

Functions performed in each program area are briefly described.

Accounting / Finance: Audits, analyzes, and verifies fiscal records and reports. Monitors expenditures, revenues, budget allocations, and contracts. Prepares journal entries and reconciles general ledger and subsidiary accounts related to postings from payroll, accounts payable, cash receipts, and accounts receivable. Interprets, explains, and applies general and governmental accounting/auditing principles and procedures, laws, and regulations affecting financial operations. This position prepares comprehensive financial and accounting statements and reports.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the job's essential functions.

Invoice Processing:

Receive, review, and verify invoices and check requests for accuracy and proper documentation.
Match invoices to purchase orders and resolve discrepancies.
Ensure appropriate approvals have been obtained before processing payments.

Data Entry:

Accurately enter invoice and payment details into accounting systems.
Maintain organized and up-to-date records of accounts payable transactions.
Perform regular updates to ensure all data is current and correctly categorized.

Payment Processing:

Prepare and process electronic transfers, checks, and ACH payments.
Schedule and prioritize payments to vendors based on company policies and cash flow considerations.
Reconcile payments to ensure proper allocation.

Vendor Management:

Maintain vendor records, including W-9 forms and tax identification information.
Respond to vendor inquiries and resolve payment or billing issues.
Foster strong vendor relationships through effective communication and timely responses.

Reconciliation and Reporting:

Reconcile accounts payable transactions to ensure accuracy.
Assist with month-end closing processes, including preparation of accounts payable aging reports.
Generate and analyze financial reports to monitor outstanding payables and payment trends.

Compliance and Auditing:

Ensure adherence to company policies, procedures, and applicable laws.
Provide documentation and support for audits and tax reporting as required.
Monitor and implement changes in tax regulations affecting accounts payable.

Team Collaboration:

Work closely with procurement, finance, and other departments to ensure smooth operations.
Participate in process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
Share knowledge and provide training to team members as needed.

Other Duties:

Perform administrative tasks such as filing, scanning, and organizing financial records.
Assist with special projects or other tasks as assigned by management.
Research and resolve any discrepancies or unusual transactions in a timely manner.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Governmental accounting practices, standards, and procedures (GASB).
Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and procedures.
Accounts payable processes, practices, and internal controls.
Reconciliation techniques and methods for financial records.
Federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, and ordinances relevant to accounts payable.
Principles and practices of budget management and expense tracking.
Vendor management best practices, including compliance with tax regulations (e.g., W-9s, 1099s).
Financial reporting and audit preparation standards.
Techniques for conducting research and analyzing financial data.
Accounting software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, such as Tyler.
Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and software programs such as Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Effective communication techniques for dealing with vendors, contractors, and team members.
Basic payroll operations and their relationship with accounts payable.
High standards of customer service for internal and external stakeholders.
Organizational methods for maintaining accurate and detailed financial records.

Ability to:

Understand, interpret, and apply basic accounting and auditing principles, procedures, and methods to develop, maintain, and audit financial and statistical transactions and reports.
Prioritize work, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, and complete assignments by assigned deadlines despite frequent interruptions.
Research, analyze, evaluate, understand, interpret, and apply program policies, procedures, and guidelines. Identify and suggest improvements to strengthen internal controls and/or operational efficiencies.
Coordinate with other departments, member agencies, community organizations, and other agencies.
Perform quantitative and qualitative analyses to evaluate assigned projects, programs, and activities.
Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
Understand, interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
Effectively represent the program and WRCOG in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow up on assignments.
Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted during work.

Education and Experience:

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

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by college-level coursework in accounting or business administration or a field related to assigned program/area of responsibility.

Accounting Specialist I: One year of experience as a professional accountanting specialist or technician working under the accounts payable function within a local government agency.

Accounting Specialist II: Three years of experience as a professional accountanting specialist or technician working under the accounts payable function within a local government agency.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of a valid driver's license is required when operating a company vehicle. For all other duties, a driver’s license is not mandatory; however, employees must be able to attend scheduled meetings and events, ensuring punctual arrival through reliable means of transportation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employee is regularly required to sit at a desk long periods of time; stand at the front counter; talk or listen in person and by telephone; use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms, Lift up to 15 pounds. Intermittently, twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; walk and climb stairs to other departments; bend and squat to perform file searches; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means. While performing duties, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; know and understand laws, regulations and procedures; remember personnel rules, and explain policies and procedures; interact with management, other governmental officials, employees and the public.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job indoors, the work environment is generally in a temperature-controlled office. Noise levels in the work environment are usually moderate but the employee may occasionally be exposed to high level noises including but not limited to emergency vehicle sirens and telephones and other office equipment.

WRCOG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We value and seek diversity in our workforce. WRCOG is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

COMPENSATION

Accounting Specialist I: $52,291 - $72,072 annually

Accounting Specialist II: $57,658 - $79,477 annually

Hours: 40 hours per week (9/80 or 5/40 work schedule)

APPLICATION

Please submit a current resume and cover letter to careers@wrcog.us. If anyone with a disability has any issues accessing the online application program, please contact Princess Hester at (951) 405-6704.

FILING DEADLINE

This vacancy will remain open until filled.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

For more information regarding this job opportunity, please contact the Hiring Manager at careers@wrcog.us.

ABOUT WRCOG

Established in 1991, the Western Riverside Council of Governments is a Public Employer serving a Southern California region of more than 2 million people. WRCOG is formed as a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) between a county, 18 cities, 2 water agencies, a county superintendent of schools, and a federal JPA serving one of the fastest growing regions in the United States. The Agency convenes stakeholders and subject-matter experts to support its member agencies. It conducts studies and addresses issues of mutual concern unique to the region. This includes Transportation, Planning, Energy, Environment, and Workforce Training.

In addition, WRCOG administers and operates one other Joint Powers Authority - the Riverside County Habitat Conservation Agency. For more information on WRCOG, please visit the Agency website at www.wrcog.us.

Western Riverside Council of Governments jobs

Accounting Specialist I/II - Western Riverside Council of Governments