accounting-assistant/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — accounting assistant

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 43-3021.00 (Billing and Posting Clerks).

Task statements

• [Core] Post stop-payment notices to prevent payment of protested checks.
• [Core] Verify accuracy of billing data and revise any errors.
• [Core] Verify signatures and required information on checks.
• [Core] Prepare itemized statements, bills, or invoices and record amounts due for items purchased or services rendered.
• [Core] Perform bookkeeping work, including posting data or keeping other records concerning costs of goods or services or the shipment of goods.
• [Core] Operate typing, adding, calculating, or billing machines.
• [Core] Resolve discrepancies in accounting records.
• [Core] Contact customers to obtain or relay account information.
• [Core] Keep records of invoices and support documents.
• [Core] Route statements for mailing or over-the-counter delivery to customers.
• [Core] Monitor equipment to ensure proper operation.
• [Core] Fix minor problems, such as equipment jams, and notify repair personnel of major equipment problems.
• [Supplemental] Review documents, such as purchase orders, sales tickets, charge slips, or hospital records, to compute fees or charges due.
• [Supplemental] Weigh envelopes containing statements to determine correct postage and affix postage, using stamps or metering equipment.
• [Supplemental] Compare previously prepared bank statements with canceled checks and reconcile discrepancies.
• [Supplemental] Take orders for imprinted checks.
• [Supplemental] Encode and cancel checks, using bank machines.
• [Supplemental] Consult sources, such as rate books, manuals, or insurance company representatives, to determine specific charges or information such as rules, regulations, or government tax and tariff information.
• [Supplemental] Track accumulated hours and dollar amounts charged to each client job to calculate client fees for professional services, such as legal or accounting services.
• [Supplemental] Update manuals when rates, rules, or regulations are amended.
• [Supplemental] Compute credit terms, discounts, shipment charges, or rates for goods or services to complete billing documents.
• [Supplemental] Load machines with statements, cancelled checks, or envelopes to prepare statements for distribution to customers or stuff envelopes by hand.
• [Supplemental] Review compiled data on operating costs and revenues to set rates.
• [nan] Answer inquiries regarding rates, routing, or procedures.
• [nan] Compile reports of cost factors, such as labor, production, storage, and equipment.
• [nan] Create billing documents, shipping labels, credit memorandums, or credit forms.
• [nan] Perform general administrative tasks, such as answering telephones, scheduling appointments, and ordering supplies or equipment.
• [nan] Return checks to customers or retrieve checks returned to customers in error, adjusting accounts and answering inquiries about errors as necessary.

Detailed work activities

• Analyze financial information.
• Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information.
• Calculate costs of goods or services.
• Calculate financial data.
• Calculate shipping costs.
• Discuss account status or activity with customers or patrons.
• Execute sales or other financial transactions.
• Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
• Maintain financial or account records.
• Maintain office equipment in proper operating condition.
• Maintain operational records.
• Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
• Operate office equipment.
• Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
• Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
• Prepare financial documents, reports, or budgets.
• Prepare financial documents.
• Prepare informational or reference materials.
• Provide information to coworkers.
• Reconcile records of sales or other financial transactions.
• Report maintenance or equipment problems to appropriate personnel.
• Respond to customer problems or complaints.
• Route mail to correct destinations.
• Schedule appointments.
• Search files, databases or reference materials to obtain needed information.
• Verify accuracy of financial or transactional data.
• Weigh parcels to determine shipping costs.