Accounting Assistant

Performs routine clerical accounting and cash collection duties.

Checks source documents for common errors in account classification, prices, totals, extensions, and balances.

Codes accounting documents based on detailed procedures and account classifications.

Posts transactions to accounting records.

Logs and sequences source documents, enters accounting data in registers, sorts documents by codes, and matches documents to accounts to assure that entries are properly posted.

Reviews files to assure complete and authentic documentation for transactions.

Checks accounts for arithmetical accuracy.

Compiles information from current accounts used to prepare standard accounting statements and reports.

Extracts data from accounts in preparing accounting summaries.

Contacts District, bank, or business personnel to resolve problems relating to cash collections, balances, bank deposits and withdrawals.

Answers inquiries from administrators, instructional staff, vendors, and students regarding encumbrances, expenditures, account balances, and accounting office procedures and policies.

Reconciles discrepancies in accounts caused by coding, transpositions, or missing source documents.

Collects money and issues receipts for goods and services, such as registration fees, material fees, and bus passes and reconciles cash collections with receipts.

Counts, balances, records, and deposits large sums of cash.

Totals currency, checks, and charge card vouchers; writes deposit slips; and packages deposits for bank transport.

Prepares daily, weekly, and monthly summaries and reports reflecting cash receipts, deposits, credits, overages, and shortages.

Prepares cash boxes and change funds for various operations or special events.

Orders coin and currency from the bank for the campus change fund.

Maintains an inventory of tickets sold for admission to various events.

Utilizes computerized systems in the processing of accounting related data.

Operates a variety of equipment including computers, coin counters, coin wrappers, calculators, copiers, and cash registers.

May distribute checks for scholarships, grants, and loans to students.

May assist customers at a counter.

Performs related duties as assigned.

An Accounting Assistant applies an entry-level knowledge of clerical accounting and standard cashiering methods; receives daily cash collections from various locations, reconciles cash with register receipts, prepares the daily bank deposit; and follows a fiscal unit's established practices and procedures in the clerical processing and recording of accounting transactions and information which includes coding, posting, checking, and matching documents.

 

An Accounting Technician applies a basic knowledge of double entry accrual clerical accounting methods, techniques, and procedures in the maintenance of specific accounts which includes verifying documents, adjusting accounts, closing accounts preparing data for accounting statements, and resolving discrepancies.

 

A Senior Accounting Technician applies a working knowledge of the District's accounting system while acting in a lead capacity with responsibility for overseeing the day-to-day operation of a small unit engaged in processing clerical accounting and other related documents.

Immediate supervision is received from a classified supervisor.  Work direction may be received from higher-level clerical accounting staff.

Knowledge of:

Basic practices and procedures used in processing and recording of accounting information and transactions

 

Elementary accounting principles and practices

 

Standard accounting codes, classification, and terminology

 

Basic cash verification systems and procedures

 

Cashiering procedures and practices

 

Standard clerical banking procedures

 

Customer service techniques for public contact in person, on the phone, and in written communication

 

Capabilities of computer systems, software, and hardware used in the processing of accounting data

 

Recordkeeping procedures

Skills:

Use of computers, various cashiering equipment, and standard office equipment

Ability to:

Quickly recognize sources of errors in accounting records

 

Make arithmetical computations rapidly and accurately

 

Post accounting data rapidly, neatly, and accurately in standard and electronic files

 

Critically review source data and detect and correct errors

 

Count large amounts of cash quickly and accurately

 

Prepare basic accounting summaries and reports

 

Maintain accurate accounting files and records

 

Prepare routine correspondence and reports

 

Follow written and oral directions

 

Work effectively and cooperatively with District staff, students, and the public

 

Effectively utilize computer equipment and software in the performance of duties

 

Learn to apply various accounting practices and procedures

 

Learn District's accounting policies, procedures, and requirements

 

Learn to determine necessary adjusting entries between accounts

 

Learn specialized governmental accounting practices and procedures

 

Learn to use accounting related equipment

 

Learn specialized software applications

Education and Experience:

 

A. Graduation from high school or its equivalent AND five semester units of college-level accounting classes.

 

OR

 

B. Graduation from high school or its equivalent AND six months of full-time, paid clerical accounting experience.

 

Experience in the use of computer equipment is desirable.

• Medical and dental insurance and vision care plans are provided for employees and their dependents.
• A $50,000 life insurance policy is provided free of charge for each employee.
• New employees receive 12 full-pay days and 88 half-pay days of illness leave.
• At least 15 paid holidays per year.
• Vacation days accrue annually beginning at 10 days and increasing incrementally to 24 days depending on years of service with the District. Vacation days for management and confidential positions begin at 15, 20, or 24 days.
• Other paid time off includes: bereavement leave, personal necessity leave, court subpoena, and jury duty.
• Employees become members of the Public Employees Retirement System. Employees are also covered by Social Security.
• Employee Assistance Program

The examination process may consist of one or more parts which may include a training and experience evaluation, written test, performance test and/or oral interview.

Our class specification generally describes the duties, responsibilities, and requirements characteristic of the position(s) within this job class. The duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a particular position within this class may vary from the duties of other positions within the class.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Los Angeles Community College District provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with covered disabilities on a case-by-case basis throughout the application, examination, and hiring processes and throughout employment. If an individual is in doubt about his or her ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of a position or possession of any other requirement noted in a class specification or job announcement, he or she should always apply for a position and request reasonable accommodation at the appropriate time.