Accountant

FIRST REVIEW DATE OF APPLICATIONS

Hiring classification wage is based on qualifications and typically no higher than a step 3.

The salary listed is steps 1 through 6 and are the classification for Deputy City Clerk. This includes the maximum earnings for the classifications with longevity. Per Washington State Pay Transparency Act.   

Step Range (1-6) - $69,300 - $89,544 Annually

Longevity Range (1-6) up to 25+ years of service - $69,300 - $94,020 Annually

Your job in the department is to . . .
Under general supervision, the Accountant performs professional accounting and payroll work. Accumulates and manages financial data from source documents and verifies for accuracy. Prepares and maintains financial data for posting to reflect accurate accounting and distribution of income and expenses to appropriate accounts. Prepares financial analyses and a variety of financial reports as required.

Your job also involves . . .
Reconciling accounts and adjusting irregularities, as well as making recommendations for improvement of accounting systems, methods, internal controls, and techniques.

Tasks listed are intended to be descriptive and not restrictive.  An employee in this classification may perform any of the tasks listed; however, these examples do not include all the tasks which an employee may be expected to perform.

Indicate the frequency each function is performed (D=Daily, W=Weekly, M=Monthly, Q=Quarterly, AN=As Needed). 

Estimate the distribution of total working time on an annual basis using percentages of not less than 5%. Total percentage of time must add up to 100%.

Number of Job Functions: 3

JOB FUNCTIONS	FREQUENCY	ANNUAL % OF TIME
Accounting Responsible for maintaining and/or verifying a variety of accounting, financial, and statistical records, ledgers, logs and files; gathers, assembles, tabulates, enters, checks, verifies, balances, adjusts, records and files financial data; codes data according to prescribed accounting procedures; reviews information to ensure accurate reporting; resolves discrepancies; establishes and maintains various files and records.  Performs various account and/or bank reconciliations and prepares, processes, and files internal and external fund journal entries as appropriate.  Gathers and organizes data to assist staff in the preparation of reports and recommendations. Prepares and reconciles various statements and accounts; analyzes accounts to determine accuracy of records; research, compiles, and prepares reports as requested.  Reconciles and reviews reimbursement requests. Reviews and processes payroll benefit invoices. Prepares, reviews, and submits check requests. Reconciles discrepancies. Researches, organizes, and prepares special or periodic reports required by other organizations, including the state auditor, federal, state and county agencies, and financial institutions. Assists in preparing reports, presentations and conducting various financial analyses. Coordinates the year-end payroll and accounts payable reporting functions. Assists with the audits as needed. Maintains a solid working knowledge of the City’s integrated accounting and payroll systems and the multiple applications and serves as the super user for the payroll system.  Evaluates accounting system and/or payroll requirements and makes recommendations regarding system needs, internal control structure improvements and enhancements. Assists with the budgetary process as directed by the Finance Director.	D	25%
Customer Service & Interdepartmental Collaboration Provides customer service to internal and external customers at the counter and on the phone, including explanation of utility rates and billings; responds in person or by phone to inquiries and complaints from utility customers, vendors, and the public; resolves complaints in an efficient and timely manner.  Works with other departments as needed.  Supports the city through entering work orders that are received by phone, in-person, or email.	AN	5%
Payroll Prepares the City payroll; partners with HR; collects, verifies, and corrects, if necessary, time data for payroll; runs payroll reports and verifies reports for accuracy; prepares and reconciles payroll reports. Prepares and supports processes for benefits payroll for payment of employee deductions to various agencies; reconciles benefit and related billings; investigates discrepancies with benefit agencies and coordinates with HR as appropriate. Prepares and reconciles payroll reports for mandatory/required local, state and federal agencies; reviews and assists in the distribution of W-2 forms.	W	50%
Accounts Receivable Performs a full range of duties in support of the accounts receivable function; prepares and maintains customer accounts and prepares miscellaneous invoices for City services; reconciles customer accounts as payments are received. Prepares deposits and refund check requests as appropriate.	D	10%
Finance Department Support Supports the department in developing processes and procedures for the Finance department.  Ensures proper documentation in compliance with the SAO and accounting principles. Assists with compiling and assembling data and background materials for a variety of reports; researches records for various information. Provides support to office staff by means of cross-training in different areas to back up other office positions. Assists with opening and closing utility customer accounts, updating and making changes to customer utility accounts and files including name and address changes, phone numbers, and service codes. May be required to perform supplemental support for utility billing, and accounts payable functions as needed.  May provide support during emergency events.	AN	10%

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

1 - Little or no supervisor responsibility for work of others

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Indicate the MINIMUM educational level required and the number of years of relevant experience required to perform the duties of the position.

Minimum Education Level 

2 - Associates and/or Professional Certification (if specific fields, list below)

Specifics: Equivalent to an Associates degree in accounting or related field.

Minimum Experience Level

Two- Three years (if in specific skills/fields, list below)

Specifics: Two or more years of progressively responsible accounting experience involving the preparation of financial statements and reports and the interpretation and application of Generally Accepted Accounting.

Substitution Note: A combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of this position.

Certifications

Other (list below)

Specifics: Ability to successfully complete various required training classes and obtain certificates necessary for functional skills performance, maintenance and improvement.

Driver’s License

Other vehicle credential required (list specifics below)

Specifics: Washington state driver’s license

Other Licenses

Other License required (list below)

Specifics: BARS training and certification obtained within 6 months of hire. 

Desirable Qualifications: Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and knowledge of payroll complexities highly desired. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND/OR ABILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The required knowledge, skills and/or abilities are listed below:

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and techniques of governmental fund accounting and State BARS requirements which affect municipal accounting, bookkeeping and financial reporting practices. 
• Handling, maintaining, and preserving sensitive and confidential material and information.
• Methods and techniques of researching, compiling, interpreting, and presenting statistics and data. 
• Principles and practices of record keeping. 
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations.

Skill or ability to:

• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public and representatives of other agencies in providing information about departmental policies and procedures. 
• Perform a variety of accounting, fiscal and statistical record keeping duties including maintaining and reconciling a variety of records and files. 
• Review financial records, reports and related documents, identify discrepancies and resolve problems related to assigned area of responsibility. 
• Exercise tact and judgment in responding to inquiries and resolving complaints and problems.
• Accurately organize and compile financial reports and research reports relying on financial data. 
• Analyze, draw and present logical conclusions from available data. 
• Maintain high standards for accuracy, completeness and efficiency in accounting files, records, and reports. 
• Understand, interpret and apply general and specific administrative and departmental policies and procedures. 
• Understand and apply pertinent laws, codes and regulations as well as organization and unit rules, policies, and procedures with good judgment.
• Maintain integrity of custody of City funds. 
• Work independently and be self-motivated to meet required deadlines, while simultaneously completing other tasks.
• Convey information, ideas, and facts both orally and in writing to supervisors, colleagues, and individuals, inside and outside the City, using language and a format the audience will best understand.   
• Remain calm in stressful situations, and relate to various personality styles in a calm, professional manner. 
• Provide a high level of customer service to the City employees and the general public. 
• Utilize computers and other technology to communicate in written and verbal forms (i.e. word processing, texts, emails, spreadsheets, department-specific software).
• Effectively relate well with others, including supervisors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the City.  Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others and work to maintain constructive working relationships.  
• Take personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work.  Show up to work on time, follow instructions, policies, and procedures.  Meet productivity standards, deadlines, and work schedules.