DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The claims auditor is responsible for reviewing, verifying and approving claims against a school district. Duties involve interpreting detailed claims reports and various other records to determine if claims against the district are legitimate.  The incumbent enforces provisions of New York State Education Law, School Board policies and administrative regulations.  The work is performed under the direct supervision of the Board of Education with leeway given for carrying out the details of the work.  Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Ensures claims against the school district are legitimate;
• Verifies invoices clearly describe the goods and services being purchased;
• Ensures proper documentation and itemization are provided, payments are for a legal purpose, and transactions are properly authorized prior to approving voucher or invoice for payment;
• Ensures mathematical accuracy and the recalculation of discounts;
• Researches, analyzes and interprets contracts and purchase order issues;
• Compares expense reports against information received from Accounts Payable staff and reviews and verifies payments made to employees;
• Retrieves daily vendor invoices ready for review for payment;
• Monitors approval signatures for appropriateness;
• Responds to questions and concerns about specific audits and meets with appropriate staff regarding vendor invoices and payments;
• Certifies the schedule of claims and indicates that the claims have been audited and are approved for payment;
• Certifies audited amounts to the School District Treasurer for payment;
• Furnishes statistical and financial data to the Board of Education;
• May conduct and participate in audits of school departments and programs involving school funds;
• May prepare audit reports and make recommendations for the correction of errors;
• Performs a variety of related activities as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Good knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and its concepts and standards; good knowledge of auditing practices, procedures and responsibilities; good knowledge of the organizational function and financial operations of a school district; good knowledge of applicable software in the maintenance of school-based accounts; mathematical ability; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to develop clear and concise analyses, appraisals, recommendations and commentary; good judgment.