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Accounting Technician/ Accounting Specialist

City of Grand Forks

Accounting & Finance

Grand Forks, ND, USA

Posted on Aug 23, 2025

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Description

Examples of Duties

Accounting Technician:
Essential Functions:

1. Process billing and receivables; receive billing information from various departments; verify data and input into computer system; maintain and update master files; post invoices to accounts receivable and general ledger; process adjustments.

2. Prepare billing and collection statements; monitor past due accounts; arrange payment schedules as needed; receive and process payments.

3. Review, audit and reconcile accounts receivable and payables; provide necessary corrections; document changes; post purchase orders; create journal entries; perform general ledger maintenance as needed.

4. Enter data on a computer from various sources including accounting, statistical and related documents; input corrections and updates; verify data for accuracy and completeness; assist in the compilation of reports.

5. Balance check runs, prepare and process accounts payable checks, prepare, process and distribute vendor checks; Participate in a variety of record keeping activities, investigate discrepancies and prepare reports.

6. Process payroll as necessary; perform data entry and report generation.

7. Code invoices and expenses; analyze and review budget of projects; prepare and make cash deposits; perform statement reconciliation; collect payments; perform vendor file maintenance.

8. Answer questions as appropriate within assigned area of responsibility; provide fiscal information and explain procedures; resolve customer complaints in courteous manner.

9. Implement and maintain a records management system within the department.

10. Set up various financial projects and perform cash flow analysis; perform revenue and expense analysis; perform account reconciliation and journal entry maintenance.

11. Provide internal and external financial reporting as necessary.

Assignment Description:

In addition to the duties above when assigned to utility billing:

Will perform clerical accounting and bookkeeping work including utility billing and collection; accounts payable and purchase order processing; to receive and process all incoming City funds; and to provide administrative support to the Finance & Administrative Services Department.

1. Perform all duties related to utility billing function; audit meter books, establish new accounts and services, set-up and coordinate billing schedule and special meter readings, update billing records, investigate exceptions, communicate billing information to customers, prepare and enter adjustments to monthly billing, prepare utility bills and verify and balance various month end reports.

2. Process and maintain automatic withdrawal information for customers; process and post customer payments; prepare and send shut-off notices to delinquent customer accounts in accordance with City code and department policy; maintain files on collection efforts on delinquent accounts; determine accounts to be special assessed, written off or referred to collection agency.

3. Prepare and maintain a variety of financial reports on services, adjustments, outstanding accounts and related items.

4. Coordinate accounts payable; receive and audit all invoices for City departments; post accounts payable checks to general ledger; maintain cash disbursements journal; prepare and file Form 1099.

5. Perform a variety of clerical duties; receive, sort and distribute mail; provide assistance to customers and the general public; screen office callers and route to appropriate personnel.

In addition to the duties above when assigned to Planning and Community Development:

1. Process payroll for Planning and Community Development employees; maintain employee records; compile information for tax liability; Perform rent collection.

Marginal Functions:

1. Assist in a variety of operations and special projects as required.

2. Answer the telephone; refer callers to appropriate personnel.

3. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Accounting Specialist:
Essential Functions:

1. Review, verify and process accounts payable or receivable invoices and receipts.
2. Review cash collections and departmental cash reports for accuracy and proper distribution to revenue accounts.
3. Prepare financial statements; balance and prepare bank deposits.
4. Perform data entry functions for accounting tasks; assist in the reconciliation of ledgers and bank statements.
5. Make journal entries, prepare and review purchase orders, secure proper payment of accounts, provide information to financial institutions, vendors and the general public.
6. Lead utility billing functions.
7. May maintain records of titles, licensing and insurance of vehicles; file required paperwork with the motor vehicle department; verify all insurance coverage for new and old City vehicles; perform fixed asset management.
8. Perform project accounting, implement and review budgets as necessary; compile annual reports; perform grant/loan management accounting.
9. Assist with mailing of letters to property owners who will be affected by special assessments other areas where needed with special assessments.
10. Communicates special assessment information to address inquiries from the public including deferred special assessment information.
11. Perform other duties and activities as assigned.
Marginal Functions:
1.Provide assistance to City employees and related departments as required.
2.Assist in internal audit functions as required.
3.Assist in a variety of department operations; perform special projects and assignments as requested.
4. Resolve customer inquiries and complaints as required.
5.Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Typical Qualifications

Accounting Technician

Knowledge: Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment; Principles and procedures of basic accounting; Principles and procedures of financial record keeping and reporting; Basic mathematical principles; Preparation of legal documents; Business letter writing and basic report preparation techniques; Principles and procedures of record keeping; English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; Methods and techniques of minute taking and preparation; Organization, procedures and operating details of assigned division or section; Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and ordinances.

Skills: Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Maintain mental capacity which allows for effective interaction and communication with others; maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties; Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.

Abilities: Perform a variety of accounting activities relative to assigned area; Perform a variety of complex financial record keeping; Make arithmetical calculations quickly and accurately; Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public; Independently prepare correspondence and memoranda; Take and transcribe dictation; Type at a speed necessary for successful for job performance; Maintain confidential records and reports; Work independently in the absence of supervision; Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications; Understand and follow oral and written instructions; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Supervisory Controls:

The supervisor assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

Guidelines:

Guidelines include Governmental Accounting Board (GASB) guidelines, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

Complexity/Scope of Work:

The work consists of related technical duties. Strict regulations and the need for accuracy contribute to the complexity of the position.

The purpose of this position is to provide technical accounting support for assigned department operations. Success in this position contributes to the accuracy of the city’s financial transactions and records.

Contacts:

Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city personnel, and members of the general public.

Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, to resolve problems, to pr, or to provide services.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

Office environment; exposure to computer screens; Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for light to moderate lifting and carrying; sitting for prolonged periods of time, lifting of heavy boxes, mail containers and bus receipts vaults.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Supplemental Information