03645

(Competitive)

ASSISTANT SYSTEMS CONSULTANT (FINANCIAL SERVICES) 0

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

 

The work involves responsibility for assisting in establishing procedures for effective utilization of computerized financial record keeping systems through intercommunications between the Regional Computer Center and member schools. This position assists the Systems Consultant in facilitating the various aspects of financial management in the school's administrative and business offices. The incumbent acts in a liaison capacity to provide training in the use of existing services, to investigate and evaluate potential use of application features and to identify and assist in the resolution of problems relating to the use of system data.

The major emphasis of the position is in the use and function of the specific data applications of the system and how these can be utilized to meet the current and potential needs of the user. General supervision is received from the Systems Consultant (Financial Services) or from an administrative superior, with work being reviewed through conferences and consultation specific problems. Supervision is not a critical function of the position but may be exercised over the work of staff involved in managing data and reports. Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

 

Provides user phone support of computerized financial management software packages. Phone support consists of listening to problems encountered by users, analyzing, researching and providing solutions by educating users.


 

Provides one-on-one or classroom training to users of financial management software packages. Preparation for training includes creating user documentation. Frequently involves planning and creating customized user documentation to meet specific district needs.


 

Tests software upgrades and releases for new functionality and compatibility with user needs. Documents changes and creates documentation for users. Provides training, if necessary.


 

Works with vendor and computer center technical personnel to resolve software and hardware problems encountered with financial management software packages and also printers.

 

Provides software demonstrations of financial management software packages to potential users.


 

Converts district data from numerous sources to meet requirements of new financial management software package being implemented in a district. This includes analysis of data and handling of data to meet requirements.

 

Retrieves district data and develops import/export procedures for customized district needs. Also copies/restores production databases into test environments.

 

Sets-up and maintains user permissions in databases for numerous financial management software packages.

 

Provides technical guidance and assistance to subordinates.

 

Trains new department employees in use of financial management software packages and department procedures.

 

Creates and transmits district files to various agencies for direct deposits, check reconciliations, ERS, TRS, and NYS-45.


 

 

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of basic trends and current developments in the field of accounting as it relates to education in New York State, including general ledger, budget, purchasing, accounts payable and accounts receivable.

 

Thorough knowledge of payroll principles and procedures.

 

Good knowledge of accounting impact within financial management software packages.

 

Good knowledge of current office software products, including MS Word and Excel.

 

Ability to train user personnel in the operation and application of financial management software packages.

 

Ability to gather, research and analyze information to draw logical conclusions.

 

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school district personnel and department members.

 

Ability to work in a team environment.

 

 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

Promotion:

  1. One (1) year of permanent competitive class status in the title of Information Systems Coordinator; or,

  2. Two (2) years of permanent competitive class status in the title of Systems Training Assistant.

 

 

Open Competitive:

  1. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Baccalaureate degree in Accounting, Business or Computer Science or a closely related field and one (1) year of full-time paraprofessional or professional level work experience or its part-time equivalent in accounting, business or fiscal environment, or a closely related field, which must have included responsibility for the use and function of computerized financial record keeping systems; or,

  2. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant with an Associate degree in Accounting, Business or Computer Science or a closely related field and three (3) years of full-time paraprofessional or professional level work experience or its part-time equivalent in accounting, business or fiscal environment, or a closely related field, which must have included responsibility for the use and function of computerized financial record keeping systems; or,

  3. Five (5) years of full-time paraprofessional or professional level work experience or its part-time equivalent in an accounting, business or fiscal environment, or a closely related field, which must have included responsibility for the use and function of computerized record keeping systems.

 

SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENT: Possession of a valid New York State driver’s license at time of appointment.

 

 

Date of Original Composition: 6/2014