Finance Specialist I (NY HELPS)

LOCATION : Central Administration – 900 Watervliet-Shaker Road

BASIC FUNCTION :

The incumbent in this position performs work under the general direction of the Finance Specialist III for Management Services to assist with workflow related to financial record keeping and financial transactions of the BOCES. Work assignments are received by a superior with major emphasis on tracking and maintaining various financial records and transactions of the BOCES. Does related work as required.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

Processes financial data on a variety of accounts pertinent to the BOCES financial records, including but not limited to payroll records, purchase orders and accounts payable / receivable.

Assists in preparation of various financial reports, including but not limited to payroll reports, budget data, federal and state tax filings and purchase orders.

Assists in gathering financial data in support of annual budget preparation and maintenance of fiscal controls.

Enters financial information into computerized system.

Reviews and checks account keeping records and reports for arithmetical and clerical accuracy, completeness and proper extension.

Maintains databases and spreadsheets, performs word processing.

Handles various issues and complaints regarding financial matters.

Assists in maintenance of a variety of financial records relating to retirement, social security, state and federal withholding taxes.

Performs related duties as necessary.

Good knowledge of modern methods used in maintaining financial accounts and records.

Good knowledge on the use of the computer and software associated with spreadsheets, word processing and account keeping programs.

Good knowledge of budget, purchasing and payroll procedures.

Good knowledge of office terminology, procedures and equipment.

Good knowledge of Business English.

Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions.

Ability to make arithmetic computations rapidly and accurately.

Clerical aptitude, mental alertness, a high degree of accuracy.

Neatness, integrity, tact and courtesy.

Job Qualifications

Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with at least a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance and one (1) year of paid experience maintaining complex financial accounts and records, including the use of financially or fiscally related types of computer software programs; OR

Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor’s degree in any field with a minimum of twenty-one (21) credit hours in Accounting and / or Finance and one (1) year of paid experience maintaining complex financial accounts and records, including the use of financially or fiscally related types of computer software programs; OR

Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate’s degree in Accounting or Finance and three (3) years of paid experience maintaining complex financial accounts and records, including the use of financially or fiscally related types of computer software programs; OR,

Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and five (5) years of paid experience maintaining complex financial accounts and records, including the use of financially or fiscally related types of computer software programs.

PROMOTIONAL : Twelve (12) months of permanent competitive class status as a Senior Account Clerk.

NOTE : Individuals with permanent competitive status as Finance Specialist I Trainee (BOCES) mature to Finance Specialist I (BOCES) following a traineeship of up to one (1) year without further examination, pending successful completion of probation.

The selected applicant will be subject to a fingerprint supported criminal history background check in accordance with SAVE Legislation effective July 1, 2001.

Candidates will not have to take an exam for this title . This is a NY HELPS (Hiring Emergency Limited Placement) Program designated title. NY HELPS is a temporary program designed to help local government employers address current staffing issues. Traditionally, the titles filled under the NY HELPS Program required job candidates to compete in a competitive exam to be considered for employment. For the duration of the program, this title will be classified as non-competitive and categorized as a HELPS Program position. At the close of the program, this position will revert to competitive class status. Employees occupying positions filled through the HELPS Program will be granted competitive class status without the need to participate in a competitive exam.

Civil Service Title : Finance Specialist I

Job Number : 2026-6