Assistant Accountant

This is an entry level accounting position involving a high level of accuracy. Assignments include statistical and operational record keeping, processing accounts payable, computer entry, routine accounting distributions, contract tracking, and some account and budget analysis. Work requires the ability to follow directions and apply correct application of various established rules and procedures. The position is led and trained by Senior level staff in work tasks.

  Initial projects the Assistant Accountant will be involved with include:

• Learns and participates in operating and maintaining a computerized financial information system.
• Learns and maintains accounting filing system.
• Learns and maintains the Agency’s procurement and accounts payable process, including:
  • Creates and closes vendor accounts.
  • Creates purchase orders.
  • Collects purchasing documentation.
  • Research discrepancies.
  • Accrues State sales tax.
  • Process roughly 2,500 payments per year.
• Learns and maintains the Agency’s 80+ Consultant Contracts, including:
  • Verify contract status.
  • Verify remaining contact funds and coding.
  • Verify required insurance.
  • Coordinates with project managers regarding new contracts and amendments.
  • Assist in action item creation.

Additional projects to be assigned with experience:

• Learns and maintains Agency Payroll and time cards, preparing payroll and benefit checks.
• Assists in preparation of annual budget.
• Assist in annual audit.
• Assist in grant invoicing.
• Other duties as assigned.

FULL JOB DESCRIPTION AVAILABLE AT:
 https://www.scwa2.com/about-us/job-descriptions/

Requirements

IDEAL CANDIDATE:

The Water Agency is open to a candidate with a range of technical experience, varying from a recent college graduate to a more senior candidate with account clerk expertise.  The successful candidate will have strong interpersonal communication skills, the ability to work well across the organization, and embrace a team mentality.  The candidate will eventually be required to work independently and be a self-starter.  The candidate will work closely and collaboratively with the Agency’s administrative staff as well as communicate with those outside of the organization.  A customer service approach is also expected to serve the needs of Agency staff and affiliates.  The candidate will need to have strong skills in managing their time effectively. 

Knowledge of:

• Computer software and relevant applications to finance and accounting operations, including report development.
• Modern office practices, methods and equipment.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Agency staff.

Ability to:

• Learn to apply accounting principles to the maintenance and reporting of financial and accounting transactions and audit of financial records.
• Learn to use automated financial management systems.
• Examine and verify a wide variety of financial documents and reports.
• Understand and carry out a variety of instructions.
• Maintain a variety of files and records.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Candidate must be comfortable working independently on a computer. In addition, the candidate must have intermediate experience in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Adobe Acrobat.

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

      - Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, mathematics, business, public administration, or related field.

No previous work experience is required.

Please note: This position requires the ability to pass a background check which may include a credit report and a pre-employment physical based on the job requirements.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The selected candidate will work in the office for the first 6 months. After 6 months the candidate can work up to 30% of their hours from home, subject to management approval.

Agency can accommodate flexible working hours anytime between 7 AM and 6 PM on weekdays. Tuesday and Wednesday availability is essential. Flexible hours arranged upon hire.