Accounting Support Assistant - Sheriff

Job Summary

This position is dynamic in that it incorporates a multitude of accounting/finance tasks and supervising inmate workers as they prepare commissary orders within our jail. You will analyze financial information and prepare financial reports accordingly, maintain the efficiency of our jail commissary and develop effective working relationships with diverse populations. This position allows you to work independently within the support of a small team environment. We strive to achieve organizational excellence and our Accounting Support Assistants are an integral part of this objective.

Performs professional accounting work involving the preparation and maintaining of financial records and reports for the Sheriff’s Office.  Follows accounting policies and procedures to prepare, maintain and analyze financial records necessary to satisfy internal and external reporting requirements. Finance/Commissary Analyst requires technical knowledge, independent judgement, accuracy, and the ability to meet multiple deadlines.  This position also requires working directly with inmates in the jail.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Accounting/Finance Duties and Responsibilities: 
Prepare, analyze, record, maintain and reconcile complex financial transactions; adhering to standardized methods and procedures.               
Prepare a variety of financial reports for State and Federal agencies, ensure compliance with reporting requirements for State statutes and Federal laws.
Assist staff in various divisions with accounting and financial matters; provides input on financial matters as requested.
Prepare analyses and reconciliation of Keefe Banking general ledger accounts.
Maintain accounts receivable, coordinate invoicing practices.
Code disbursements of various funds, maintain procedures for accuracy. Prepare upload in excel to produce checks and warrant registers.
Assist or conduct routine financial audits in accordance with established departmental policies.
Accountable for the proper handling and tracking of large amounts of cash; responsible for accurate receipting of inmate monies, calculate and collect payments and prepare monies for deposit to financial institution.
Perform grant analysis, review receipts and disbursements to ensure compliance with county policy and grant requirements.
Process department invoices, receipts, deposits, fee collections, restitution and forfeiture money in a timely manner.
Research and resolve discrepancies with invoices or payments and make appropriate adjustments to systems and records. Review reports, accounts, forms, invoices and other related materials for completeness, accuracy and conformity with established procedures.
Prepare various monthly and quarterly reports for internal and external customers, including monthly sales tax and quarterly grant FSRs.
Interact with others in the work unit, the public, vendors, departments and various State and Federal agencies to exchange detailed and/or technical information. This includes initiating conflict resolution with providers, vendors and agency staff regarding invoicing and payment concerns.
Coordinate the resources necessary to maintain the optimum function of the jail commissary and vending services.

Jail Commissary Duties and Responsibilities: 
Within the jail, supervise and work alongside inmate workers who fulfill inmate orders.
Escort inmate workers to and from housing units.
Research and gain approval for new product to sell.
Order product for commissary and vending on a weekly basis.
Complete a thorough inventory on a weekly basis.
Stock/clean vending storage rooms weekly.
Answer questions/concerns from inmates via the NCIC inmate ticketing system
Manage jail commissary operations and transactions; collaborate with vendors, resolve issues/problems and make timely deposits of money and transfers.
Maintain accurate inmate accounts to include a variety of deposits and deductions; reconcile and balance drawer weekly.
Develop and maintain respectful and cooperative working relationships.
Regular and reliable attendance according to the department’s work schedule.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
Thorough knowledge of governmental accounting practices.
Ability to make high level decisions in accordance with standard procedures in a wide variety of situations.
Ability to recognize, evaluate and manage difficult situations, conflicts, or problems in an effective and timely manner.
Ability to prepare and comprehend complex documents, correspondence, information, and reports.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations.
Thorough knowledge of standard office practices, procedures, and techniques.
Thorough knowledge of accounting software, MS Office products or comparable office programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Associates/Technical degree in accounting, or related field and three years of experience in accounting with some financial reporting experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment
Ability to lift up to 50-pound parcels and push a cart with this weight load.
Some work is completed within the jail and requires direct interaction with inmates.