Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Accounting Associate (#20001150)

General Statement

Under general supervision, performs a variety of standard and/or advanced technical bookkeeping, accounting and financial tasks.

Essential Job Functions

Essential job functions are fundamental, core functions common to positions in a classification.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.  Since class specifications are designed to be descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents may complete one or all of the job duties listed or tasks of similar kind not specifically listed here. 
  • Audits and analyzes various accounting and financial transactions and documents, traces discrepancies, and resolves problems.    
  • Assists in the preparation of the District’s financial statements.    
  • Processes employee and vendor payments, cash disbursement reports and other financial documents.    
  • Develops, prepares and maintains various standard and ad hoc accounting and financial reports using various software solutions.    
  • Maintains, and monitors accounting and financial records, books, databases; assists in development of accounting systems.    
  • Files and retrieves various documents and system reports.    
  • Prepares and calculates data for computer input; posts, codes, reconciles, reviews, totals, batches, and ensures accuracy.   
  • Reconciles balances, bank accounts, financial records and reports.    
  • Maintains and assists in development of necessary manuals and job process documentation.    
  • Records various accounting documents such as invoices, checks, securities and cash.    
  • Reviews status of delinquent accounts and contacts customers. 
  • Provides customer service to internal and external customers.

Other Job Functions

  • Implements procedures and trains new employees.
  • Conducts physical inventory audits or inspections at outlying locations.
  • Makes deliveries of deposits, reports and tape files to financial and other institutions.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Environmental Conditions

Work is performed in a typical office environment and requires the use of standard office equipment including computers and on-line collaboration tools.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of advanced bookkeeping principles, concepts, terms and processes.
  • Knowledge of basic accounting principles and procedures.
  • Knowledge of fiscal reporting procedures.
  • Some knowledge of the principles and techniques of internal auditing.
  • Ability to compile, analyze and summarize financial information.
  • Ability to plan and organize work in an efficient manner.
  • Ability to perform arithmetic computations related to bookkeeping and accounting tasks.
  • Ability to operate standard office equipment such as a computer, calculator and adding machine.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate’s degree in accounting, finance, or business and one year of experience as an accounting clerk or bookkeeper or in other positions involving the preparation and maintenance of cost and bookkeeping records.

Substitution

Additional experience as an accounting clerk or bookkeeper or in other positions involving the preparation and maintenance of cost and bookkeeping records may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. Certification as a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Illinois, or a state which has reciprocity with Illinois, may be substituted for the required education.

Promotional Requirement

  • Possession of an associate’s degree in accounting, finance, or business; or certification as a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Illinois, or a state which has reciprocity with Illinois. 
  • One year of service with the District as an Administrative Specialist.
  • Civil service status as an Administrative Specialist.
CLASS: 20001150; EST: 1/1/2013; REV: 2/1/2024;