Court Clerk / Accounting Clerk - Court Accounting

Department: Court Accounting

County or State Funded: State

Exempt or Non-exempt: Non-exempt

Paygrade: S-18

Salary pay range: $17.03 hourly

Basic Function and Responsibility: 

The accounting court clerk position is responsible for performing complex accounting clerical activities, recording financial information, and record keeping in an automated case management system, in a court within the Missouri State Court System.  Work involves assisting with the maintenance and implementation of an accounting system which provides for the safeguarding of funds paid into the court registry for civil, criminal and probate cases. Work involves compliance with established accounting practices and internal controls, that includes segregating duties of clerks, sufficiently to provide internal control, compliance with supervisory reviews of accounting processes to ensure uniformity and accuracy of accounting records, and coordination of related accounting activities within the department of court accounting. Involves reconciling financial information and preparing daily, monthly, and ad hoc reports, using the state mandated case management system and reports, Excel, Word, and email.  Work involves responsibility for varied and full functioning bookkeeping and clerical work for the accurate accounting of court funds on civil, criminal and probate cases which may require the application of judgment and the application of statutes, accounting policies, and regulations.

Appointing Authority and Supervision Received: 

The court administrator is the appointing authority.  The court clerk/account clerk receives direct supervision by the manager of the department.

Supervision Exercised:

None.

Characteristic and Assigned Duties: (The following duties are representative of the position and do not include all duties which may be performed.)

• Performs accounting duties in reviewing monies on civil, criminal, and probate cases and prepares daily and monthly financial reports.
• Performs accounting clerical activities for recording financial information and record keeping, in an automated case management system, for accurately recording cash receipts, cash disbursements, unclaimed property, owner notification, and reporting of funds paid on civil, criminal, and probate cases pursuant to statutes, court order, and established accounting policies, procedures, court accounting best practices, and internal controls.
• Prepares payables, and the appropriate required supporting documentation, for garnishment payments, judgments, bond refunds, bond assignments, and other authorized disbursements for civil, criminal, and probate cases pursuant to statutes, court order, established accounting policies, procedures, court accounting best practices, and internal controls.
• Prepares disbursement checks for civil, criminal, and probate cases and verifies accuracy prior to supervisory review, adhering to established accounting policies, procedures, court accounting best practices, and internal controls.
• Assists with performing a variety of monthly and annual state and court mandated accounting reviews for the disbursement of court costs and fees paid on civil, criminal, and probate cases.
• Enters approved adjustments to financial transactions recorded on civil, criminal, and probate cases pursuant to statutes, court order, and established accounting policies, procedures, court accounting best practices, and internal controls.
• Engages directly in the most difficult tasks to ensure compliance with mandatory department accounting best practices and refers difficult matters to supervisor.
• Maintains required case accounting files for accuracy of court financial records and may participate in financial audit activities.
• May prepare deposit information for transmittal to financial institutions.
• May assist with preparing forms and procedure manuals as authorized or used by the court.
• Assist with training for new staff.
• Interacts with the public in a timely and courteous manner.
• Performs other duties as required. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Basic knowledge of accounting principles and practices and financial procedures.
• Basic knowledge of court procedures and policies, legal documents, laws and legal factors pertaining to the court beneficial.
• Basic knowledge of organization operations, functions and scope of authority of the court beneficial.
• Skills in the operation of word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures and familiarization and skill in the use of standard office equipment including automated accounting systems.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively while handling a high-volume workload in an environment subject to frequently changing priorities and high stress.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and make independent decisions in accordance with department policies and objectives.
• Ability to maintain a variety of complex records and prepare reports from an automated system.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing, in a tactful and courteous manner with diverse parties.
• Ability to work with a minimum of supervision and follow oral and written instructions.
• Requires strong time management and organization skills with the ability to be detail oriented.

Minimum Qualifications: 

High school diploma or equivalent plus one year of general office or clerical experience, inclusive of accounts payable experience.

Necessary Special Requirement: 

None.

Approved Forms:  N/A

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER