ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT III

The Accounting Assistant III performs critical cashiering control, general fund accounting, investment portfolio management, payroll administration, and payment distribution functions within the Investments and Financial Services Division.

Cashiering Control

• Prepare daily bank deposits to the City of Milwaukee Operating Account.
• Scan all checks presented for payment at the department’s teller windows and all City departmental check batches being deposited through the City Treasurer.
• Endorse checks with City Treasurer’s endorsement and proper Revenue Collection Division staff member identification numbers.
• Verify and submit all batches of deposits and scanned checks
• Prepare daily check listing of receipts collected and bank deposits to the City’s Operating Account, as well as any armored car service transmittal.
• Prepare and deliver materials such as cash deposits to local banks.
• Scan all supporting documents for payments presented at the department’s teller windows on a daily basis.

General Accounting Support

• Perform monthly credit card and ACH (Automatic Clearing House) deposit reconciliations for all City departments accepting credit cards and online payments.
• Assist in preparing, typing and entering data for various reports, letters, and forms.
• Maintain and file general office documents including letters, reports, forms, and canceled checks.
• Send tracer letters to payees on checks outstanding more than 90 days and exceeding certain dollar amounts.
• Issue all Treasurer’s Office Refund Account checks, as substantiated by vouchers properly approved by authorized personnel, and balance accounts using check writing software.
• Create and send check issue files to bank for both Treasurer’s refund accounts, using secure file transfer procedures.
• Perform the appropriate iNovah Cashier System data entry and transactions research to reflect all returned items from the banks on all City accounts and distribute to the respective depositing City departments.
• Place stop payment orders as required on payroll, accounts payable, Treasurer’s Automated and Office Disbursement Account checks, either on-line using the bank supplied communication software or by telephone.
• Assist in performing bank account reconciliations.
• Respond to open records requests regarding outstanding checks.
• Monitor the State’s website for unclaimed property in the City’s name and prepare and submit paperwork to claim the funds.

Payment Distribution Services

• Serve as the paymaster for the City of Milwaukee, processing all checks for City of Milwaukee payrolls and Employes’ Retirement System payrolls, deceased employee payroll distribution, check distribution, and supervising the mailing of payroll checks.
• File affidavit of forged endorsement with bank, City Treasurer, or police.
• Insert accounts payable checks into envelopes for mailing.
• Prepare hold for pick-up accounts payable checks for distribution and notify appropriate department as required.

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.

1. Regular status as City of Milwaukee employee having successfully completed a probationary period for a civil service position, or status as a City of Milwaukee employee in a fixed term position.
2. Three 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 and one year of experience performing accounting and/or bookkeeping.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also 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.

• Experience in governmental accounting.

Technical

• Knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
• Ability to comprehend and effectively navigate the City of Milwaukee’s accounting, and billing policies and procedures.
• Ability to comprehend and accurately apply generally accepted government accounting principles.
• Ability to effectively utilize computerized accounting systems, spreadsheets and databases.
• 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.
• Ability to read and interpret job related materials.
• Ability to learn and use existing computer software and computer systems in the Financial Services Division.
• Ability to file paperwork and documents quickly and accurately.

Communication and Interpersonal

• 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

• Ability to exhibit exemplary professionalism and confidentiality.
• Ability to identify problems and develop and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and complete work assignments using effective time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively under strict deadlines with varying priorities.
• Attention to detail to ensure accuracy for accounting transactions and activities.
• Honesty, integrity, and the ability to safeguard City resources, including all departmental equipment.

The current starting salary (Pay Range 5EN) is $44,887 annually, and the current resident incentive starting salary for City of Milwaukee residents is $46,234. 

**Starting Pay Period 6 (March 3rd), the new starting salary will be (pay range 5GN) $53,351-$66,689 annually, and the resident incentive salary for City of Milwaukee residents will be $54,952-$68,690. The rates are subject to Common Council and Mayoral approval

Appointment will be made in accordance with the City of Milwaukee Salary Ordinance.

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of related education, experience and accomplishments, an evaluation of written communication, interviews, and/or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations and the City’s Treasurer office reserve the right to call only the most qualified candidates to proceed in the selection process. Information from the selection process will be used to make a hiring decision. Selected candidates will be transferred and/or promoted to the position.

INITIAL FILING DATE – The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the selection process at the time and place designated by the hiring authority.

NOTE: Transfer/Promotional Opportunities and Promotional Examinations are not open to Milwaukee Public Schools employees or to the public. Only current City of Milwaukee employees and civilian personnel in MFD and MPD hired through a City Service Commission process who have successfully passed a probationary period for a Civil Service position or who have status as a City of Milwaukee employee in a fixed term position will be considered. Individuals with exempt, provisional, temporary, or emergency appointments are not eligible for transfer.

• Applications can be accessed by visiting www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.
• 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 located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

EEO 602

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.