Accounting Assistant

the South Dakota State Government•Pierre, SD

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Social Services is hiring a full-time Accounting Assistant in Pierre, South Dakota. The position follows established charts of accounts to support accurate bill payments and recordkeeping under supervisory direction. It assigns accounting codes for services and goods charged to internal divisions and other departments, processes claims, documents payment errors and corrections, reconciles vendor statements, and responds to vendor payment inquiries. Additional work includes replacing stale-dated warrants, maintaining vendor files, requesting and entering W-9 forms in state accounting system files, maintaining utility data in the EnergyCap Utility Manager System, reviewing local checking accounts, assisting with contract administration, and performing backup duties and other assigned projects. The ideal candidate is motivated to serve the public, dependable, organized, compassionate, and committed to working cooperatively with others. They will be able to follow directions, communicate about assigned work, learn applicable accounting software, prioritize work and meet deadlines, recognize discrepancies, maintain effective relationships with vendors, department officials, and the public, and interact with compassion, respect, courtesy, and tact. The Department describes its culture as family-focused and person-centered, with a mission to strengthen and support individuals and families and connect them with resources. Employees work in a team emphasizing dependable, committed, and compassionate service, collaborative communication, teamwork, partnerships, and trust. The position offers opportunities for creativity, making a difference for South Dakotans, and professional development through training.

Requirements

Knowledge of bookkeeping practices sufficient to record debits and credits.
Knowledge of basic accounting and financial principles.
Knowledge of invoices, requisitions, and similar purchasing forms and documentation.
Arithmetic skills sufficient to calculate percentages.
Computer program application and database management skills, specifically Excel, Word, and Access.
Ability to follow directions.
Ability to communicate sufficiently to answer questions and provide information about assigned work.
Ability to learn applicable accounting software.
Ability to prioritize and complete work by established deadlines.
Ability to compare information and recognize discrepancies.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with vendors, department officials, and the public.
Ability to demonstrate compassion, respect, courtesy, and tact when interacting with others.

Responsibilities

Follow established charts of accounts to ensure bills are paid and records are maintained in compliance with supervisory direction.
Assign appropriate codes to charge internal divisions and other departments for services and goods.
Process claims to ensure prompt payment according to guidelines.
Document payment and processing errors and corrections.
Reconcile vendor statements and respond to vendor calls or inquiries regarding payments.
Replace stale-dated warrants.
Maintain vendor files.
Request and enter W-9 forms into state accounting system files.
Maintain utility data in the EnergyCap Utility Manager System.
Review local checking accounts.
Assist with contract administration.
Perform backup duties, projects as necessary, and other duties as assigned.