Accountant Aide 1/Trainee - NYSTRS
Albany, NY
About the Job
Accountant Aide 1/Trainee
Department: Finance
Location: Albany, NY
Apply by: All Applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm on Sunday, November 24th. Applications received after 5:00 pm will not be considered.
_*Transcripts must be provided during the application process._
Position Summary
Under the direction of a unit or team supervisor, the Accountant Aide (Accountant Aide Trainee 1/2) performs paraprofessional accounting tasks to support financial management operations.
NY HELPS Program Information
+ This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).
+ For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications, and any specialized requirements, of the title for which they apply.
+ At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination.
Minimum Qualifications
EITHER 1) Reachable on the Civil Service eligible list; OR 2) Eligible for reassignment by virtue of having permanent competitive service as an Accountant Aide 1 (SG-13); OR 3) Eligible for transfer under the provisions of the Civil Service Law by virtue of having one year of permanent competitive service in an appropriate title.
To be appointed via the NY HELPS program, you must meet the following requirements:
Accountant Aide Trainee 1 (Grade 9) - Six credit hours in accounting, auditing, or taxation courses and either one year of experience gathering, preparing and updating financial data, financial reports, and records; or reconciling accounts and data, reviewing accounting and auditing reports, and verifying accuracy of calculations, balances, and supporting documentation; or assisting accountants or auditors conducting financial and program audits by counting, verifying, and reconciling inventory and cash on hand, determining and verifying the accuracy and propriety of transactions, records, reports, and statements.
Accountant Aide Trainee 2 (Grade 11) - Nine credit hours in accounting, auditing, or taxation courses and either 18 months of experience gathering, preparing and updating financial data, financial reports, and records; or reconciling accounts and data, reviewing accounting and auditing reports, and verifying accuracy of calculations, balances, and supporting documentation; or assisting accountants or auditors conducting financial and program audits by counting, verifying, and reconciling inventory and cash on hand, determining and verifying the accuracy and propriety of transactions, records, reports, and statements.
Accountant Aide (Grade 13) - Twelve semester credit hours of accounting, auditing, or taxation courses and either two years of gathering, preparing, and updating financial data, financial reports, and records; or reconciling data, reviewing accounting and auditing reports, and verifying accuracy of calculations, balances, and supporting documentation; or assisting accountants or auditors conducting financial and program audits by counting, verifying, and reconciling inventory and cash on hand, determining and verifying the accuracy and propriety of transactions, records, reports, and statements.
_*Transcripts must be provided during the application process._
Preferred Qualifications
+ Experience performing similar duties in a financial institution
+ Understanding of accounting, finance, and banking functions
+ Experience working on and across teams
+ Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities at once
+ Comfortable interacting with members and coworkers verbally and in writing
+ Excellent verbal and written communication skills
+ Ability to successfully collaborate with other Finance units and NYSTRS- departments to achieve positive outcomes
+ Ability and willingness to provide excellent customer service
+ Ability to think critically
+ Attention to detail
+ Organization and self-management skills
+ Independence and self-motivation
Work Modality
This position is subject to a hybrid work schedule.
Job Duties
The Accountant Aide (Accountant Aide 1/Trainee) in the Payroll, Tax, & Cash Unit is responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties:
+ Member and employer loan payment application, verification, and deposit
+ Daily bank deposit
+ Depository bank processes and functions
+ Tracking and reconciling incoming and outgoing cash
+ Maintaining petty cash
+ Answering telephone inquiries from members/retirees related to lost checks, direct deposit, mailing addresses, etc.
+ Examining current processes and procedures for efficiencies and improvements to controls and services provided to internal and external customers
+ Daily reconciliation of NYSTRS cash position to the custodian bank daily ending balance
+ Transmitting bank files for timely disbursements
+ Enter and verify all loan checks in the JPM lock box
+ Monitor checks held in decision manager
+ Process school loan payments
+ Assist in processing manual payments that may need to be processed as soon as possible
+ Handle and sort internal and external mail that is delivered to the Finance department
+ Off Cycle Processing
+ Daily reclaim process
+ FIN-149 processing
+ Back-up for other Payroll and Cash Control functions
+ Other appropriate duties as assigned
The Accountant Aide (Accountant Aide 1/Trainee) in the Accounting Operations unit is responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties:
+ Daily processing bank reclaims related to overpayment of retirement benefits
+ Review deduction exceeds earnings, paper checks and any manual adjustments
+ Daily application of payments received in the accounts receivable module
+ Daily interaction with the Cash Control Unit on payments received
+ Including stop check support for CC as it relates to AR
+ Ingest Rejected reclaims into ECM
+ Create customers for goal recoveries in PSFS
+ Answer reclaim phone line
+ Follow up on reclaim memo-s needed by RD
+ Follow up on collection items.
+ Update active reclaim spreadsheet with conversation information
+ Timely referral of accounts receivable balances to third-party collections.
+ This includes; gathering collection documentation, sending to collection agencies, updating ECM, monitoring accounts and reconciling system reports to agency reports
+ Attend AR related meetings to take notes, document decisions and update any procedures as directed by Senior Accountant.
+ Support primary contact with Internal Audit on fraud, waste, and abuse cases
+ Regular verbal and written communication with internal customers, members and their families, participating employers, and other third-parties related to accounts receivables
+ Assist in completing assigned balance sheet account reconciliations monthly/quarterly by the established deadlines until they reach journey level - grade 13
+ Problem-solve and elevate to Senior Accountant as necessary
+ Respond timely to requests for information from financial statement and regulatory auditors
Work Environment, Travel, and Physical Demands
The Accountant Aide (Accountant Aide 1/Trainee) will work in a comfortable indoor office environment with limited physical demands. Occasional local travel may be required in addition to optional occasional overnight travel for training events.
Salary Grade
This position is a Grade 9, 11, 13
Salary Range
Salary Grade 9 - $44,722 - $58,352
Salary Grade 11 - $50,076 - $65,339
Salary Grade 13 - $56,187 - $73,311
Job Type
CSEA
EEO STATEMENT
At NYSTRS, diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to our mission of providing our members with a secure pension and exceptional customer service. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable culture where all diversity is valued and recognized as a source of strength and enrichment across all operations.
NYSTRS is proud to provide equal opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender expression or identity, national origin, age, ability and disability status, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy status, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other legally protected class. We are committed to being a workplace that attracts, supports, and retains talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences while championing equal opportunity across recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
All applications to NYSTRS should be done via our website (https://nystrs.hrmdirect.com/employment/job-openings.php?search=true&dept=-1&city=-1&state=-1) . NYSTRS will never ask you to submit private information via email or direct you to submit private information to another site as part of our recruitment process.
Department: Finance
Location: Albany, NY
Apply by: All Applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm on Sunday, November 24th. Applications received after 5:00 pm will not be considered.
_*Transcripts must be provided during the application process._
Position Summary
Under the direction of a unit or team supervisor, the Accountant Aide (Accountant Aide Trainee 1/2) performs paraprofessional accounting tasks to support financial management operations.
NY HELPS Program Information
+ This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).
+ For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications, and any specialized requirements, of the title for which they apply.
+ At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination.
Minimum Qualifications
EITHER 1) Reachable on the Civil Service eligible list; OR 2) Eligible for reassignment by virtue of having permanent competitive service as an Accountant Aide 1 (SG-13); OR 3) Eligible for transfer under the provisions of the Civil Service Law by virtue of having one year of permanent competitive service in an appropriate title.
To be appointed via the NY HELPS program, you must meet the following requirements:
Accountant Aide Trainee 1 (Grade 9) - Six credit hours in accounting, auditing, or taxation courses and either one year of experience gathering, preparing and updating financial data, financial reports, and records; or reconciling accounts and data, reviewing accounting and auditing reports, and verifying accuracy of calculations, balances, and supporting documentation; or assisting accountants or auditors conducting financial and program audits by counting, verifying, and reconciling inventory and cash on hand, determining and verifying the accuracy and propriety of transactions, records, reports, and statements.
Accountant Aide Trainee 2 (Grade 11) - Nine credit hours in accounting, auditing, or taxation courses and either 18 months of experience gathering, preparing and updating financial data, financial reports, and records; or reconciling accounts and data, reviewing accounting and auditing reports, and verifying accuracy of calculations, balances, and supporting documentation; or assisting accountants or auditors conducting financial and program audits by counting, verifying, and reconciling inventory and cash on hand, determining and verifying the accuracy and propriety of transactions, records, reports, and statements.
Accountant Aide (Grade 13) - Twelve semester credit hours of accounting, auditing, or taxation courses and either two years of gathering, preparing, and updating financial data, financial reports, and records; or reconciling data, reviewing accounting and auditing reports, and verifying accuracy of calculations, balances, and supporting documentation; or assisting accountants or auditors conducting financial and program audits by counting, verifying, and reconciling inventory and cash on hand, determining and verifying the accuracy and propriety of transactions, records, reports, and statements.
_*Transcripts must be provided during the application process._
Preferred Qualifications
+ Experience performing similar duties in a financial institution
+ Understanding of accounting, finance, and banking functions
+ Experience working on and across teams
+ Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities at once
+ Comfortable interacting with members and coworkers verbally and in writing
+ Excellent verbal and written communication skills
+ Ability to successfully collaborate with other Finance units and NYSTRS- departments to achieve positive outcomes
+ Ability and willingness to provide excellent customer service
+ Ability to think critically
+ Attention to detail
+ Organization and self-management skills
+ Independence and self-motivation
Work Modality
This position is subject to a hybrid work schedule.
Job Duties
The Accountant Aide (Accountant Aide 1/Trainee) in the Payroll, Tax, & Cash Unit is responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties:
+ Member and employer loan payment application, verification, and deposit
+ Daily bank deposit
+ Depository bank processes and functions
+ Tracking and reconciling incoming and outgoing cash
+ Maintaining petty cash
+ Answering telephone inquiries from members/retirees related to lost checks, direct deposit, mailing addresses, etc.
+ Examining current processes and procedures for efficiencies and improvements to controls and services provided to internal and external customers
+ Daily reconciliation of NYSTRS cash position to the custodian bank daily ending balance
+ Transmitting bank files for timely disbursements
+ Enter and verify all loan checks in the JPM lock box
+ Monitor checks held in decision manager
+ Process school loan payments
+ Assist in processing manual payments that may need to be processed as soon as possible
+ Handle and sort internal and external mail that is delivered to the Finance department
+ Off Cycle Processing
+ Daily reclaim process
+ FIN-149 processing
+ Back-up for other Payroll and Cash Control functions
+ Other appropriate duties as assigned
The Accountant Aide (Accountant Aide 1/Trainee) in the Accounting Operations unit is responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties:
+ Daily processing bank reclaims related to overpayment of retirement benefits
+ Review deduction exceeds earnings, paper checks and any manual adjustments
+ Daily application of payments received in the accounts receivable module
+ Daily interaction with the Cash Control Unit on payments received
+ Including stop check support for CC as it relates to AR
+ Ingest Rejected reclaims into ECM
+ Create customers for goal recoveries in PSFS
+ Answer reclaim phone line
+ Follow up on reclaim memo-s needed by RD
+ Follow up on collection items.
+ Update active reclaim spreadsheet with conversation information
+ Timely referral of accounts receivable balances to third-party collections.
+ This includes; gathering collection documentation, sending to collection agencies, updating ECM, monitoring accounts and reconciling system reports to agency reports
+ Attend AR related meetings to take notes, document decisions and update any procedures as directed by Senior Accountant.
+ Support primary contact with Internal Audit on fraud, waste, and abuse cases
+ Regular verbal and written communication with internal customers, members and their families, participating employers, and other third-parties related to accounts receivables
+ Assist in completing assigned balance sheet account reconciliations monthly/quarterly by the established deadlines until they reach journey level - grade 13
+ Problem-solve and elevate to Senior Accountant as necessary
+ Respond timely to requests for information from financial statement and regulatory auditors
Work Environment, Travel, and Physical Demands
The Accountant Aide (Accountant Aide 1/Trainee) will work in a comfortable indoor office environment with limited physical demands. Occasional local travel may be required in addition to optional occasional overnight travel for training events.
Salary Grade
This position is a Grade 9, 11, 13
Salary Range
Salary Grade 9 - $44,722 - $58,352
Salary Grade 11 - $50,076 - $65,339
Salary Grade 13 - $56,187 - $73,311
Job Type
CSEA
EEO STATEMENT
At NYSTRS, diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to our mission of providing our members with a secure pension and exceptional customer service. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable culture where all diversity is valued and recognized as a source of strength and enrichment across all operations.
NYSTRS is proud to provide equal opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender expression or identity, national origin, age, ability and disability status, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy status, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other legally protected class. We are committed to being a workplace that attracts, supports, and retains talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences while championing equal opportunity across recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
All applications to NYSTRS should be done via our website (https://nystrs.hrmdirect.com/employment/job-openings.php?search=true&dept=-1&city=-1&state=-1) . NYSTRS will never ask you to submit private information via email or direct you to submit private information to another site as part of our recruitment process.
Source : NYSTRS
