Financial Technician (Police)

Description

General Statement of Duties

Performs responsible paraprofessional financial and administrative work in support of the fiscal management, expenditure oversight, purchasing administration, and financial accountability functions of the Police Department. Serves as the Department's central coordinator for invoice management, expenditure tracking, vendor billing oversight, financial documentation, and purchasing card administration. Work involves receiving, documenting, tracking, analyzing, and processing financial transactions associated with Departmental operations, contracts, and service agreements. The employee applies established financial policies and procedures to support internal controls, fiscal accountability, expenditure monitoring, and stewardship of public resources. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Police Fiscal Analyst.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

This classification is distinguished by its responsibility for supporting financial accountability and internal control processes within a complex public safety organization. The position serves as a central point of coordination for invoice receipt, documentation, routing, and expenditure tracking and is responsible for maintaining accountability for recurring operational expenditures and vendor obligations. The work requires considerable attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to identify discrepancies, monitor expenditure activity, and ensure compliance with established financial policies and procedures. The position supports financial decision-making through the maintenance of accurate records, expenditure monitoring, and analysis of vendor billing activity.

Examples of Duties

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Receives, documents, tracks, and maintains accountability for invoices, billing statements, purchase requests, and other financial records associated with Departmental operations.
• Coordinates the routing of invoices and payment documentation through established approval processes and maintains records supporting expenditure authorization.
• Reviews invoices, billing statements, and supporting documentation for completeness, accuracy, duplicate charges, pricing discrepancies, and compliance with contractual agreements.
• Monitors recurring expenditures associated with telecommunications services, software subscriptions, maintenance agreements, utilities, facility-related contracts, rental agreements, security services, and other operational obligations.
• Processes and reconciles purchasing card transactions and maintains documentation required for financial accountability and audit purposes.
• Maintains financial records and supporting documentation in accordance with City policies, records retention requirements, and accepted financial management practices.
• Assists in monitoring expenditures and preparing financial reports, budget summaries, account reconciliations, and other fiscal management documents.
• Conducts research related to vendor billing, contract expenditures, service utilization, and financial transactions to support Departmental fiscal operations.
• Identifies billing discrepancies, duplicate payments, unexplained increases in costs, and expenditures associated with inactive or unnecessary services and coordinates resolution efforts with appropriate personnel.
• Provides financial and administrative support to the Police Fiscal Analyst and Departmental management staff.
• Responds to inquiries from vendors, City Departments, and Departmental personnel regarding invoices, payments, purchasing activities, and financial records.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of financial recordkeeping practices, accounts payable processes, purchasing procedures, and expenditure tracking methods.
• Knowledge of governmental financial management principles and internal control concepts.
• Knowledge of spreadsheet applications, financial management systems, and business software used in financial administration.
• Ability to review, analyze, and interpret financial records, invoices, contracts, and supporting documentation.
• Ability to identify discrepancies and resolve issues involving financial transactions, vendor billing, and expenditure records.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare reports requiring a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to organize work, establish priorities, and manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, vendors, contractors, and representatives of other Departments.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral form.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field and three years of experience in accounting support, financial administration, accounts payable, purchasing, bookkeeping, contract administration, or related work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in municipal finance, governmental accounting, procurement administration, or public sector financial operations.

Experience administering accounts payable processes, purchasing card programs, contract payments, or expenditure monitoring activities.

Experience utilizing enterprise financial management systems, financial reporting tools, and advanced spreadsheet applications.

Experience supporting financial operations within a public safety or governmental environment.

Employee Benefits

• 401a Contribution (employee match not required)
• Bus Pass Program
• Education Assistance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Suggestion Program
• Family and Medical Leave
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Group Health Insurance
• Group Dental Insurance
• Jury Duty Leave
• Life/Accidental Death Insurance
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Military Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Promotion from Within
• Retirement/Pension Plan (State of NC)
• School Leave
• Shared Leave
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Sick Leave
• Training
• Vacation Leave
• Wellness Program

The City of Winston-Salem's employment practices are guided by federal, state, and local rules and regulations guaranteeing employment opportunities to all persons without regard to and prohibiting discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, religion, political affiliation or beliefs, national origin or handicap, unless a bonafide occupational qualification exists.