Financial Specialist I

Under general supervision, the Finance Specialist I performs general clerical accounting duties involved with maintaining specialized and complex fiscal records.

Environmental Factors

Work is performed in a standard office environment.

Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

• Monitors and ensures the effective payment of all invoices, travel processing, processing and conversion of requests for checks, and handling of reimbursements, utility payments, check production and mailing, and maintenance of accounts payable file records.
• Establishes, maintains, and reviews accounting records, claims, accounts payable and receivable, and all invoicing. Assists in the preparation, analysis, and review of budgets, financial accounts, documents, ledgers, transactions, special funds, and other related financial transactions.
• Develops, recommends, and implements programs, processes, and procedures for the research, collection, tracking, and analysis of data for the purpose of developing budgets and short and long-range forecasting; prepares and presents various special and recurring reports to provide timely information regarding the economy, finances, available and projected resources, and models.
• Reviews source documents for compliance with rules and regulations; determines proper handling of financial and technical transactions within designated limits; checks documents for validity and accuracy of information; performs mathematical calculations; records, files, and distributes related paperwork; maintains financial records and multiple filing systems, processes Banking transactions, compiles documentation, and reviews and validates data; maintains additional accounting and technical transaction databases as needed.
• Provides general research, analysis, and data for the development of projections of financial resources for utilization in policy development, preparation of budgets, capital planning, and debt issuance; identifies resource constraints to recommend options; assists with policy development, implementation, and compliance with governing regulations.
• Assists in the development and presentation of information in clear and easily used formats; researches and reviews various source documents and data that may impact budget and revenues; keeps current on industry trends, regulations, and legislative, budget, and economic issues to remain compliant, provide accurate and timely information, and identify areas of concern for management and City Council for review and potential action.
• Maintains the financial reporting system as needed; reviews various documents, data, and reports to identify and correct errors; tracks data and monitors compliance to budget plan.
• Responds to requests for information and provides assistance to other government agencies and the public within scope of authority.

Equivalent of a High School diploma PLUS three (3) years of computer bookkeeping and/or accounting experience working in support of related functions, duties, and responsibilities is required. Previous related experience with a government agency may be preferred. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Licenses/Certification(s)

Valid driver’s license may be required or preferred. If applicable, position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.

Knowledge of: principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.
Ability to: perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.
Skills in: reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.

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