ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT II

Recruitment #2211-0319DC-005

Introduction

Qualified Candidates may be considered for vacancies in various departments. 

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed historic charm with a breathtaking art museum, top-flight cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities, and great restaurants.

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

Purpose

The Accounting Assistant II performs complex administrative and accounting functions, including processing vouchers and invoices and producing accounting records, reports and financial statements.

Essential Functions

Accounting and Reporting

  • Using PeopleSoft Financials, create control groups, vouchers, purchase orders and new vendors; research and resolve budget check errors; process bi-weekly ProCard statements; and check status of vendor contracts.         
  • Verify vendors and request W-9s; review invoices for pending credits and discounts, resolving problems prior to voucher creation; sort incoming invoices by payment category.   
  • Process payments into the City’s Financial Management Information System (FMIS) and other systems for contract/purchase order payments.
  • Ensure the maintenance of documents related to departmental contracts, including insurance requirements, Affidavits of Compliance, W-9 forms, Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Forms and Living Wage reporting forms.
  • Purchase small dollar items for departmental business.
  • Perform data entry into spreadsheets for budget tracking and generate basic budget reports via FMIS.
  • Process incoming daily mail including opening, sorting, logging, and applying payments.      
  • Maintain logs for voucher control groups and files for paid vendor invoices.
  • Provide clerical support to the section.

Customer Service

  • Answer questions from other employees and the public in-person and via phone.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Conditions of Employment

Please be advised that new employees are required to have received either both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine prior to their employment start date or have an approved religious or medical accommodation prior to their employment start date. You can find further information relative to the City’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy here.

Minimum Requirements

  1. Two years of experience performing accounting and/or bookkeeping work OR an Associate degree in accounting, finance, business or a related field from an accredited college.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

Desirable Qualifications

  • Experience in governmental accounting.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Technical Knowledge

  • Knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
  • Ability to work with computerized accounting systems, spreadsheets, and access databases.
  • Ability to guide users in the entire voucher process.
  • Ability to use the appropriate mathematical methods or formulas to complete work assignments.
  • Attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of calculations and financial reports.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

  • Ability to read and interpret job related materials.
  • Verbal communication skills to clearly convey technical information to various audiences.
  • Written communication skills to create business correspondence and reports.
  • Ability to work both independently and to function as part of a team.
  • Knowledge of the principles and processes for providing customer service for internal and external customers.
  • Ability to work in a collaborative environment with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.

Critical Thinking and Planning Skills

  • Ability to exhibit exemplary professionalism.
  • Ability to identify problems and develop and implement effective solutions.
  • Ability to organize, prioritize and complete work assignments using effective time management skills.
  • Attention to detail to ensure accuracy for accounting transactions and activities.

Current Salary

The current starting salary (salary range 6HN) is $38,587 and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $39,744.

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:         

  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan         
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan        
  • Health and Dental Insurance   
  • Paid Parental Leave     
  • Comprehensive Wellness Program        
  • Onsite Clinic Services         
  • Onsite Employee Assistance Program         
  • Alternative Work Schedules         
  • Long Term Disability Insurance         
  • Group Life Insurance         
  • Tuition Benefits         
  • Paid Vacation         
  • 12 Paid Holidays         
  • Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves         
  • Flexible Spending Arrangement         

Commuter Value Pass For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

Selection Process

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: education and experience evaluation; written, oral or performance tests; or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to the oral examination. Oral examinations may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

THIS IS A CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT. Applications will be accepted and interviews held during 2022 as often as required to meet the needs of the City. Qualified applicants will be notified by email of the date, time, and place of the examination. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative test administration. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee. Employment may be possible immediately following the examination if positions are vacant at that time. The names of successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list in a rank determined by the final grade without reference to the date of the examination. The names of candidates who pass all phases of the selection process may remain on an eligible list resulting from a continuous examination for up to six months.

Additional Information

APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting www.jobaps.com/MIL.          

  • Applications and transcripts should be submitted no later than the deadline listed above.        
  • If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.         
  • The Department of Employee Relations is in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

Conclusion

EEO 202

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents.