Accountant Trainee

ACCOUNTANT TRAINEE
#1412

General Characteristics:

An Accountant Trainee is responsible for performing entry level professional accounting work according to generally accepted accounting principles and practices in one or more areas of College Finance under the close guidance of a manager or an Accountant; under close direction, reviews grant proposals/contracts for compliance with policies, regulations and rules; monitors grant activity for compliance with applicable rules and regulations; generates financial reports and records; participates in on-the-job training sessions; does related work as required. Employees assigned to this class are automatically promoted to Accountant after two full years of experience with LCC systems. Work requires a basic knowledge of accounting principles and procedures, analytical ability, organizational skill and accuracy in reviewing, reconciling and preparing financial records and reports. Work requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills to exchange technical information with staff, administrators and agencies concerning accounting matters and to ensure compliance with applicable policies, regulations and statutes.

Examples of Work:

Monitors grant/contract fiscal transactions with a narrow focus; monitors simple general ledger accounts; requests administrators to initiate required corrections; prepares journal entries to reclassify improper expenditures; prepares or reviews grant/contract financial reports, billings and requests for funds; researches and prepares special reports and audit schedules as requested; reconciles and balances account details and controls; researches through the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) and lists each grant according to the correct code number.

Monitors federal and State tax liabilities; prepares quarterly State and federal payroll tax withholding reports; prepares work paper files, funds requests and specialized reports for State and federal agencies; reviews intercampus orders for compliance with College and granting agencies' policies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and procedures; knowledge of College fiscal policies and procedures; knowledge of and skill in the use of spreadsheet, database and word processing software and automated accounting systems; skill in maintaining accurate financial records; skill in financial analysis and report preparation; ability to learn and apply federal, State and local rules and regulations pertaining to grants/contracts; ability to learn to analyze and make decisions on complex accounting problems; ability to learn to interpret and apply College fiscal policies to the work; ability to provide an audit trail; ability to work under pressure and meet dead- lines; ability to operate a ten-key calculator by touch; ability to operate other office equipment such as typewriter, microfiche reader/printer and microcomputer; ability to maintain confidentiality of records; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to organize and prioritize work; ability to maintain effective working relationships with staff, administrators and outside agencies; ability to handle conflict situations and keep focus on facts and problem resolution; ability to work safely.

Supervision:

Reports to and works under the close supervision of a manager in College Finance. Employees receive specific oral or written instructions on accounting policies and applicable rules and regulations to be used in carrying out assignments. These instructions are in the form of memoranda and report formats. The supervisor provides training, problem-solving assistance and work priorities. An Accountant may also provide training, support and day-to-day supervision on particular projects. Work is reviewed by the supervisor or lead worker for effectiveness and results, both periodically during the project and upon completion.

Supervision of others is not a normal responsibility of this position.

Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or a related field is required. one year of bookkeeping/accounting experience is required. This experience should be at the level of a Financial Specialist.

Equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered qualifying.

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