Accountant

Performs the full range of professional accounting tasks; processes a variety of financial transactions, analyzes and reconciles accounting information, and prepares financial records and reports.This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

• Provides responsible professional accounting expertise and assistance for various City departments and functions. Responds to requests for information and resolves issues within the scope of authority; refers matters requiring policy formation or interpretation to supervisor for resolution.
• Maintains fiscal accountability and ensures compliance with rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures. Evaluates transactions routed for approval in the financial system.
• Performs routine audits of financial records and transactions, identifies and researches discrepancies, and resolves or makes recommendations for corrective actions.
• Provides budget coding and system transaction advice and expertise. Guides, trains, and reviews work of subordinate staff, and approves minor process updates or adjustments to facilitate daily work.
• Reconciles general ledger and subsidiary accounts related to revenues and expenses, and assets and liabilities, including postings from payroll, accounts payable, cash receipts, and accounts receivable.
• Prepares periodic financial statements, including monthly revenue and expenditure reports for departments; prepares monthly financial reports and periodic checks of budgets, encumbrances, carryover, etc.
• Analyzes, calculates, and compiles financial data and statistics, manipulating large amounts of data, some of which may be from multiple systems; prepares reports for historical records and business decision-making by senior staff and management. Provides support to the development of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).
• Reviews, analyzes, and administers contract terms, ensuring compliance with purchasing and legal policy and procedures. Verifies and ensures availability of funds.
• Monitors and tracks financial status of projects and programs. Applies procedures and controls for receipt and disbursal of special funds and grants.
• Participates in grants accounting and administration; reviews funding agreements, sets up tracking spreadsheets, compiles supporting documentation, and prepares periodic billings for grants; posts payments or drawdowns of accounts; updates financial information for periodic grant reports.
• Conducts and monitors financial audits of agencies receiving money through the City to determine compliance with fiscal requirements; interprets and evaluates financial reporting requirements.
• Performs preliminary budget development or assists in the preparation of annual budgets.
• Tracks financial resources and details, including balancing cash and debt, reviewing bank accounts, reconciling payments and receipts, and monitoring investments or obligations. Prepares, allocates, and submits tax payments.
• Performs accounting for assets, which may include preparation of general ledger transactions; identifies and records capital assets such as equipment, vehicles, and structures; determines assets to be capitalized or expensed; ensures physical descriptions match records, and compiles supporting documentation. Conducts inventory counts and assists with maintaining inventory records.
• Maintains records and files; coordinates with other jurisdictions and auditors on the submission of data and reports as required.
• Performs related work as required.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
• Equivalency: We may accept different combinations of education and experience. We welcome job seekers with relevant backgrounds to apply. 

Applicants must first meet the minimum qualifications to be invited to take the examination. Those who pass the examination will then go on the hiring list.

The examination will consist of multiple-choice questions.
 
Possible subjects covered in the examination:

• Accounting
• Attention to Detail
• Budget
• Computer Skills
• Mathematical Reasoning

This is an online examination that will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided. Computer reservations can also be made through your local public library. 

Examination instructions and links will be emailed to qualified applicants on July 29th, 2026. The testing window is July 30th - August 3rd.

Please note: The email will come from City of Spokane ([email protected]).

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website.

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory, or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status, or disability status. As a Fair Chance Employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.