Job Description

Posting number: 27-00152

Department: 444 Judicial

Job classification: GENERIC CLASS SPEC

Posting type: Open

Categories: Accounting and Finance, Legal, Office and Administrative Support

The Iowa Judicial Branch, in Scott County, seeks applicants for an Accounting Specialist to perform entry-level accounting, customer service, and administrative support and to assist with case processing and docket management to ensure efficient court operations.

The Accounting Specialist will communicate a wide variety of information to the public and various government agencies via phone and face-to-face interaction, to include, but not limited to, court schedules and fines or amounts owed on cases. The position will process payments at the cashier counter and set up and pay down financial obligations from parties as needed. The Accounting Specialist opens new cases, transfers cases, dockets case and party information and issues notification to counsel and interested parties, and dockets judgments on court files, updating screens as necessary. The review and approval of bonds and setting up financial obligations through research of court orders and the summarization of additional fees are also the responsibility of this position. The Accounting Specialist will verify and approve surety companies for bonds and calculate, accept, and account for bails, judgments, court fines and fees, restitutions, and costs, and will be open to and responsible for other duties and assigned by the District Court Administrator.

The successful candidate will have exceptional verbal and written communication skills, be highly organized, and detail oriented. The successful candidate will be able to operate and navigate court-related computer programs and technology.

What’s in it for you:

• Collaborative, positive professional work environment
• Opportunities to make a widespread difference in the Iowa communities
• Excellent benefits package
• Paid Holidays/Vacation/Sick Leave
• Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) plan
• Employee discount program
• Employment with the Iowa Judicial Branch may qualify for the federal student loan repayment program.

The pay range for this position is $20.74 - $32.78per hour. This is a contract-covered, FLSA non-exempt position. The starting salary for new state employees is expected to be at the base of the pay range. Adjustments may be made if the successful candidate has relevant experience.

Position classification is determined as the ‘best fit’ of the duties assigned to and performed by a position. This position is classified as an Accounting Specialist as summarized below.

Perform cashier and bookkeeping work, record accounts receivable and/or accounts payable transactions, and maintain accurate general ledger activity.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Record financial transactions and reconcile accounts.
• Perform disbursement transactions and record disbursement activities.
• Prepare regular, accurate financial records and reports.
• Review daily bank entries and general ledger activity.
• Ensure the integrity of accounting ledgers by practicing control procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of accounting and finance principles, GAAP, laws, and best practices.
• Understanding of the Iowa Judicial Branch’s various court processes and procedures.
• Ability to secure confidential information.
• Ability to use financial software and tools.
• Ability to use 10-key calculator.
• Effective listening and communication skills.
• Bookkeeping skills.
• Cash handling skills.
• Customer service skills.
• Attention to detail.

The Iowa Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity employer. Applicants may review the Equal Employment Opportunity Utilization Report from the Iowa Judicial Branch website as part of our commitment to transparency and compliance with federal and state regulations. Please go to www.iowacourts.gov and click on the Careers page.

Candidates need to complete the NEOGOV application and attach a cover letter and resume. Final applicants are subjected to a criminal background check. The Iowa Judicial Branch is an E-Verify employer.

This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Iowa Council 61, AFL-CIO (AFSCME).

This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Judicial Branch. Candidates must follow the instructions in the “To Apply” section.

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

The incumbent must meet the minimum requirements to qualify for the position.

1. High school diploma (or high school equivalency diploma)
2. One (1) year of full-time equivalent experience in accounting, finance, bookkeeping, or auditing.

Experience may be substituted with related education on the basis that successful completion of 30 semester hours or academic equivalent equals one (1) year of experience.

Supplemental information

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced education in a relevant field like accounting, finance, or business administration.
• Experience with court or the legal process or terminology.
• Experience with Microsoft 365 and online meeting programs.
• Experience securing confidential and sensitive information.
• Experience in evaluating information and compliance with standards.