Anthony J. Pokora started work as Pittsburgh's assistant finance director yesterday, taking responsibility for recording tax receipts, handling pension fund transactions and communicating with the controller's office he once ran.

Mr. Pokora, 51, of Banksville, was a 23-year employee of the controller's office including two years running that department in an acting capacity. He lost last year's Democratic primary for controller to Michael Lamb, who took office last month.

Finance Director Scott Kunka said Mr. Pokora "brings a wealth of experience and knowledge" from his time in the controller's office.

Mr. Pokora said he'll be doing "the same type of work [as he did in the controller's office], just a different side of it."

Mr. Pokora was hired a week after his new post was vacated by Margaret Lanier, who became city treasurer.

Mr. Kunka said three candidates were interviewed for the job. He said Mr. Pokora was picked despite the fact that the posting for the job lists under "requirements" a bachelor's degree in finance or a related field, which he lacks, because his work experience makes up for it.

Mr. Pokora will be the administration's liaison with his old office on production of the city's annual audit, which is among the controller's main duties.

"It's certainly not problematic," said Mr. Lamb.

The assistant finance director's post pays $76,837, which is a pay cut for Mr. Pokora. Last year, he was paid $86,630 as deputy city controller, plus $19,700 by the Pittsburgh Public Schools as the district's controller.

Under ordinary circumstances, the controller gets from the city about $25,000 less than the deputy controller, but ends up making slightly more as a result of the school stipend.