Senior Account Clerk

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
The work involves responsibility for the independent performance of moderately difficult financial account and record keeping electronically, on hard copy, or both. The work may require decision making as to methods to be used and classification of records and accounts. Additionally, the incumbent will be responsible for entering and retrieving information from an alphanumeric computer database and using a computer or work processor to produce printed material such as forms, letters and memoranda. The incumbent works under general supervision and may train lower lever clerical workers. Supervision is not a responsibility of this class. This position differs from Account Clerk in that duties are more complex and represent a higher level of responsibility. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: ( Illustrative Only )

• Reviews a variety of more complex financial documents, classifies them and distributes items into a variety of accounts according to prescribed procedures and policies.
• Post figures to appropriate accounts, makes all necessary adjustments in balances.
• Renews status of accounts as adjustments are made and takes appropriate action as authorizing payment, issuing checks or preparing bills.
• Tracks audits and monitors a variety of accounts.
• Verifies adjustments are made to correct allocations and issues reports as required.
• Prepares complex financial or statistical summary reports.
• Checks for accuracy of computations and completeness or supervises the preparation of daily, weekly and monthly reports which are compiled into summary reports or claims for Federal or State reimbursement.
• Working from rough draft or from data which is personally developed, types accounting and financial statements, payrolls, statistical tabulations and data, form letters, memoranda, vouchers, reports, requisitions and other material using a personal computer, typewriter or word processor.
• Prepares funds for deposit into book accounts.
• Reconciles accounts and prepares reports from information.
• Contact clients, vendors or other agencies to obtain additional information.
• Provides information orally or in writing in response to inquiries of status of accounts.
• Processes, sorts, indexes, records and files variety of control records and reports or supervises the process.
• May assist in preparation of figures and reports for use in budget preparation.
• Does more complex payroll transactions or may do payroll for entire department and prepare all related reports.
• Operates calculator computer terminal and other related office equipment.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Good knowledge of modern methods used in keeping and checking financial accounts and records; good knowledge of office terminology, procedures, equipment and business English; ability to make more difficult arithmetic computations involving fractions, decimals and percentage accurately; ability to operate an alphanumeric keyboard such as a personal computer, typewriter or word processor at an acceptable rate of speed; ability to organize and maintain accurate records and files; ability to analyze and organize data and prepare records and reports; ability to understand and interpret complicated oral instructions and/or written directions; ability to develop effective working relationships and deal diplomatically with the public; ability to perform close, detail work involving considerable visual effort and strain; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from High School or a High School Equivalency Diploma.
• Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate’s degree in Business Administration, Secretarial Science, or a related field and one year of paid clerical experience maintaining financial accounts and records.
• Three (3) years of paid clerical experience maintaining financial accounts and records.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (a) and (b) above.

We are dedicated to recruiting and retaining the most qualified people for positions in local government. Most jobs in local government fall under the Civil Service system. A "Civil Service" employee can be anyone from a secretary, Police Officer, Fire Fighter, a mechanic or a supervisor for a department. Different jobs have different requirements. Some jobs require that you take an examination to be considered for a permanent job. These are called competitive positions. There are three types of positions that have no examination requirements: Exempt positions are those where the employer decides the qualifications of applicants and chooses the person they want to hire. The process is similar to that found in private industry. Non-competitive positions have specific education and experience requirements that you must meet. Employers choose from among the qualified people who apply. Labor positions have no requirements. Employers may choose anyone for these jobs. If you are interested in a position with the City of Kingston, whether it be a tested or non-tested position, you must complete the Application for Examination and Employment which can be found on our website at