Job Description

City of Columbia, Missouri, Human Resource Department
P.O. Box 6015, Howard Building, 600 East Broadway
Columbia, Missouri 65205-6015    573.874.7235

    DEPARTMENT / DIVISION:      Finance
Work is performed under the general supervision of an Accountant, Accounting Supervisor, or similar position. The employee is expected to perform work with minimum supervision, exercising judgment and initiative and referring only highly unusual problems or incidences to the supervisor. This is highly responsible clerical and paraprofessional accounting work involving the preparation, maintenance, and review of financial and related records, and/or timely research, data entry, reconciliation, and maintenance of City of Columbia vendor accounts.

    SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Usually none; however, the employee is expected to give guidance and assistance to less experienced clerical employees and may serve as a team leader on group assignments.

    WORK PERFORMED:
Uses computer systems (i.e. A/S 400, spreadsheets and databases) to accomplish requirements of job. Utilizes knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting principles. Ensures accuracy of work performed, such as balancing edits to source documents, processing invoices, processing payroll, bills maintaining receivable records, and bank reconciliation. Maintains complex financial records and prepares reports with financial or accounting information. Performs work with minimal direction and prioritizes job duties appropriately. Makes appropriate use of slower periods in work cycle. Exercises sound judgment and initiative for accomplishing requirements of the job. Questions and investigates transactions that appear to deviate from normal parameters. Applies established policies related to the job and makes recommendations of improving policies and procedures, such as city travel, pro card, payroll, miscellaneous receivables, bad checks, stale check policies and procedures. Performs detailed research to find solutions to resolve complex problems for accomplishing the job. Utilizes a variety of resources to determine appropriate accounting rules, internal controls as well investigative tools to research source of transactions. Uses a variety of office procedures, practices, and equipment necessary for accomplishing the job. Handles a diverse workload and meets deadlines for work output such as check run schedules, payroll schedules and other weekly/monthly/annual reporting deadlines. Interacts tactfully and courteously with the public and other employees. Performs related duties as needed or assigned.

    PARTIAL LISTING OF MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from high school and three years of experience in bookkeeping or field related to clerical accounting; college level training in bookkeeping or accounting is desirable; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which would provide the following knowledge, skills, abilities: Considerable knowledge of bookkeeping practices, techniques, and terminology. Considerable knowledge of basic accounting principles and practices. Considerable knowledge of standard office procedures, practices, and equipment. Ability to maintain complex financial records and to prepare financial reports accurately. Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public; and work tactfully and courteously with the public and with other employees. Ability to operate a calculator, computer, and other office equipment accurately and quickly; ability to successfully complete the City Clerical Exam prior to application deadline. Excellent work history and attendance record.

PLEASE CONTACT HUMAN RESOURCES FOR COPY OF COMPLETE POSITION DESCRIPTION

Individuals needing accommodation to apply may call 573.874.7235
TTY Users call 573.874.6395
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA IS A MERIT, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:    MALE / FEMALE

THE CITY OF COLUMBIA REQUIRES PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING