DEFINITION

Under general supervision (Finance Technician I) or direction (Finance Technician II), performs a variety of complex technical and administrative accounting support duties in the preparation, maintenance, and processing of accounting records and transactions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll in addition to balancing and maintaining manual and computerized accounting and financial records; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision (Finance Technician I) or direction (Finance Technician II) from the Finance Manager.  Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Finance Technician I:   This is the entry-level classification in the Finance Technician series.  Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine technical and administrative accounting support duties.  As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently.   Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Finance Technician II level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.  Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern.   Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.  

Finance Technician II:  This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Finance Technician series.  Positions at this level are distinguished from the Finance Technician I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative.  Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.  

Positions in the Finance Technician class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Finance Technician II level are normally filled by advancement from the Finance Technician I level; progression to the Finance Technician II level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Finance Technician II level.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

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

Positions at the Finance Technician I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.

• Performs a variety of complex administrative and technical account support duties related to utility billing, accounts payable, and payroll including posting, balancing, adjusting, and maintaining manual and computerized account and financial records according to established policies and procedures.
• Verifies, posts and records a variety of financial transactions; prepares and maintains databases, records, and a variety of periodic and special financial, accounting and statistical reports; generates reports and balances them appropriately.
• Maintains a variety of ledgers, registers, and journals according to established account policies and procedures; reconciles transactions and data as directed; records changes and resolves differences; maintains the accuracy of accounting and financial records. 
• Participates in the assignment of appropriate billing rates for utility and other municipal services; makes adjustments and corrections on accounts; provides back up support for the lower level staff.
• Receives, reviews, verifies, and processes time recording documents to prepare payroll for all City employees; audits such documents for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with rules and regulations; prepares and balances payroll reports and records.
• Processes, calculates, and maintains records of a variety of payroll actions; maintains employee records for voluntary and non-voluntary deductions; prepares payroll warrants and wire transfers; prepares reports and payments for various tax, financial, and insurance organizations.
• Processes and maintains a wide variety of documents associated with employee payroll including withholding forms, plan participation forms, court orders, etc.; enters timesheet data into software programs; identifies problems or issues and resolves with employee or supervisor as necessary to ensure accurate payroll. 
• Interprets, applies, explains, and ensures compliance with provisions of collective bargaining contracts and personnel rules as they apply to payroll and a wide variety of paid and unpaid leave usage; suggests contract and rule changes to improve payroll and time reporting.
• Applies and ensures compliance with applicable tax laws and rulings with regard to the employee benefits program as well as earnings.
• Receives and verifies timesheets; checks for available sick leave and vacation days and other types of available leave days and inputs into payroll system; advises supervisors and employees on requirements of union contracts for time reporting. 
• Prepares reports and payments for employee retirement benefits; prepares quarterly Federal and State tax reports.
• Prepares insurance premium statements for payment; updates insurance changes for City employees.
• Assists departments and employees by providing payroll information, explains procedures, and answers labor contract questions pertaining to payroll.
• Maintains a variety of files and records related to the City's payroll system and general accounting techniques and procedures; reconciles transactions and data as directed; records changes and resolves differences, maintains the accuracy of the accounting and financial records.
• Assists with preparation of Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) including providing statistical information.
• Audits receipts of financial transactions for various departments.
• Assists customers, departments, and employees by providing answers and information regarding specific account information, discrepancies, general accounting procedures, and/or department specific issues and problems; researches issues regarding specific transactions; and updates related files and departments on action items.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Positions at the Finance Technician I level may exercise some of these knowledge and ability statements in a learning capacity.

Knowledge of:

• Public agency finance and account functions, payroll processes and techniques, employee benefits processes as they relate to payroll, and laws, rules, regulations, procedures, and office practices related to the processing and recording of payroll and financial transactions related to employee benefits.
• Record keeping, information processing requirements and rules and policies related to the production of an employee payroll.
• Principles and practices of auditing financial documents.
• Mathematical principles.
• Principles and practices of posting financial transactions to the general ledger.
• Methods and techniques of reconciling and balancing financial documents.
• Payroll reporting and payment requirements of various State and Federal agencies and benefit providers.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility, including the City’s various bargaining unit Memoranda of Understanding and related contracts and documents.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Perform technical accounting duties in support of general accounting and payroll programs.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of accounting and payroll processing.
• Review financial documents for completeness and accuracy. 
• Review, post, balance, reconcile, and maintain accurate financial records.
• Compose correspondence and reports independently or from brief instructions.
• Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations.
• Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform assigned work.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Work closely with staff to maintain a high level of integrity and confidentiality when dealing with sensitive and complex issues.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of 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:

Finance Technician I/II:  Equivalent to associate degree with major coursework in finance, accounting or a related field.

Finance Technician I:  Two (2) years of technical accounting experience. 

Finance Technician II:  Three (3) years of increasingly responsible technical accounting experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.  This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required.  Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.  Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.  Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.