Bookkeeper at Humboldt Transit Authority (CA) – Eureka, California

DEFINITION:

To perform a variety of professional and technical accounting duties related to the processing of accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and purchasing; and to assist with the preparation of financial statements, review of fiscal records, and monitoring of financial transactions in accordance with prescribed accounting systems and generally accepted principles of accounting and auditing.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the entry level class in the Finance Department. Positions in this class typically require less related work experience. Incumbents work under general supervision while learning job tasks, progressing to relatively less supervision as procedures and processes of assigned area of responsibility are learned.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform specialized and detailed work in the review and processing of various financial records and related materials; ensure the integrity of data and information.
• Receive, research and resolve discrepancies related to cash management, payroll, and/or accounts payable/receivable; receive, research and respond to inquiries from staff, vendors, and customers.
• Managing purchasing expenses with meticulous record-keeping, and sourcing suppliers based on price, availability, necessity, quality and logistical expenses
• Analyze and reconcile a variety of journals, accounts, reports and records; prepare, process, and maintain accounting system records, and transactions.
• Participate in the posting, balancing and reconciliation of the general ledger and subsidiary accounts.
• Assist with State and Federal grant activities by maintaining records of grant-related financial transactions.
• Examine accounting transactions to ensure accuracy; correct financial records as necessary; analyze, verify, and prepare various financial reports and statements; assist in monitoring various accounts and verify availability of funds and accurate coding and classification of revenues and expenditures; research and analyze transactions to resolve problems.
• Recommend or implement changes in accounting systems and procedures; participate in operating a variety of automated office and computerized financial information systems and test various budgetary accounting programs.
• Respond to inquiries from the public in person, by telephone, and/or in writing, regarding areas of responsibility and initiate appropriate action to resolve problems.
• Analyze and reconcile and maintain a variety of payroll transactions and records.
• Reconcile and transfer payroll taxes.
• Audit and process timecards; prepare and submit payroll accounting information for data processing; check payroll batches for errors and reconcile differences.
• Audit and calculate adjustments and retroactive pay, benefit changes, pay raises and promotions; review all personnel transactions.
• Assist with the onboarding process of new employees as it relates to benefits and payroll.
• Represent the Authority with dignity, integrity, and the spirit of cooperation in all relations with staff and the public.
• Foster an environment that embraces integrity, service, inclusion and collaboration.
• Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other Authority employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Governmental accounting and payroll practices, especially as applied to municipal organizations.
• Practices, methods, and terminology used in financial and statistical record keeping.
• Principles and practices of routine analytical research.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment including relevant software programs.
• Oral and written communication skills; business English including vocabulary, spelling, and correct grammatical usage and punctuation.
• Safe work practices.
• Principles and practices of excellent customer service.

Ability to:

• Learn to apply accounting principles to accounting transactions and financial reports.
• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedures.
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk for long periods of time; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone, and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift or carry weight of 10 pounds or less.
• Learn governmental accounting principles and practices, including fund accounting.
• Examine and verify a wide variety of financial documents and reports.
• Prepare a variety of financial statements, reports, and analyses.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions and prioritize workload to meet deadlines.
• Read, write and comprehend the English language at a level necessary for effective job performance exercising correct English usage, vocabulary, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Communicate effectively, tactfully and positively in both oral and written form.
• Operate and use modern office equipment and technology, including computers and applicable software.
• Maintain regular attendance and adhere to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities.
• Utilize appropriate safety procedures and practices for assigned duties.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Contribute effectively to the accomplishments of Authority goals, objectives and activities.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education, experience, and training that would provide the best qualified candidates. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be two years of increasingly responsible technical accounting experience.