Description This is a mid-level professional accounting position designed to develop technical competence in municipal financial operations under direct supervision. The Finance Officer Trainee participates in the recording, processing, and reconciliation of the County's financial transactions while learning internal controls, budgeting principles, and grant administration procedures. Assists higher-level finance staff with budget preparation, financial reporting, and audit support as part of a structured training program leading to full performance as a Finance Officer.
Examples of Duties Essential Job Functions: Assists in the compilation of budget information; gathers data and prepares supporting schedules for budget documents under direction of the Finance Officer or County Administrator. Learns to review budgets, policies, and forecasts for adequacy of fund balances. Supports the administration of grants countywide by tracking expenditures, preparing reimbursement requests, and maintaining grant files.
Assists in ensuring proper accounting of grants and compliance with grantor agency requirements under supervision. Performs routine financial record-keeping duties including data entry, accounts payable and receivable processing, and payroll support. Learn financial controls and accounting procedures; assist in the preparation of audit work papers and supporting documentation.
Processes vouchers, invoices, and recurring payments (lease payments, insurance, etc.) with increasing independence as proficiency develops. Reconciles assigned accounts including County Health Pool records, miscellaneous accounts, and county credit card statements. Prepares journal entries and supporting documentation under review
Assists with quarterly tax payment processing, year-end payroll functions, and W-2 preparation. Maintains and updates the fixed assets database; assists with report reconciliation. Communicates effectively with internal and external contacts regarding routine financial inquiries.
Ensures compliance with applicable policies, rules, regulations, and laws within the scope of assigned duties. Manages daily finance correspondence by email, mail, and phone as directed. Assists with year-end closing procedures, annual insurance premium processing (CAPP renewal), and special projects as assigned by the Finance Officer or County Administrator.
Typical Qualifications Desired Qualifications: Knowledge of: basic accounting principles, practices, and terminology; general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll concepts; standard office productivity software and financial information systems. Working knowledge of or ability to learn governmental budgeting, auditing, and fiscal management principles; federal, state, and local laws and policies governing public finance; and grant financial management requirements. Ability to perform mathematical computations accurately; to organize and maintain financial records; to follow detailed procedures and meet deadlines; to maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial information; to communicate clearly both orally and in writing; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, and the public.
Skill in the operation of computers, including spreadsheets, databases, and accounting software. Ability to learn specialized financial systems and apply new procedures with increasing independence. Training and/or Education Experience: A high school diploma required, with equivalent of two years of college level course work in accounting or closely related field.
4+ years of experience in clerical accounting or bookkeeping. Candidates must meet the minimum required years of work experience. Supplemental Information Physical Demands: The work is mostly sedentary with periods of light physical activity and is performed inoffice surroundings.
Typical positions require workers to walk or stand for long periods; lift and carry up to 20 pounds; climb stairs; and bending. Unusual Demands Work is subject to frequent interruptions and inflexible deadlines. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.
The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position