Accounting Technician III - BU

Seattle Public Utilities’ (SPU) People, Culture, and Community Branch has multiple openings for an Accounting Technician III within Customer Accounts & Billing Services. SPU is committed to service excellence and is looking for customer service-oriented candidates with a background in accounting or bookkeeping. A successful candidate would provide an exceptional work ethic, a team-oriented mindset, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work with a diverse staff in a dynamic work environment.

Employees in this position are required to exercise judgment in leading their junior level peers, performing complex accounting records maintenance activities in the utility billing system and recommending work methods and processes. Work is performed independently except in unusual or non-routine instances. This position is represented by the PROTEC17 Administrative Support Bargaining Unit.

About Seattle Public Utilities: SPU is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU's work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about SPU, check out the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

Why Join Our Team?

We know work isn't only about what you do it's also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Hybrid work schedule opportunities
• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free Orca Pass
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

• Serve as lead worker over junior staff to coordinate assignments, resolve problems, monitor work, provide instruction on tasks and ensure proper work methods.
• Coordinate, research, prepare and process adjustments for customer accounts.
• Investigate and resolve difficult billing inquiries and account information requested by the department.
• Assist in the implementation of new procedures and methods.
• Prepare special reports, summaries, and statements.
• Trais employees in current procedures and practices. Orient new employees to the work performed by the unit.
• Monitor the accuracy and correctness of utility bills issued to wholesale/purveyor customer accounts.
• Adjust customer accounts for crossed meters and water leaks.
• Provide backup support for the Account Tech III lead as needed.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Experience: Three (3) years of previous accounting and/or bookkeeping experience or one (1) year work experience as an Accounting Technician II (or a combination of education/experience/training which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

Desired Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of utility billing software.
• Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office applications (Word and Excel are emphasized).
• Strong customer service ethic; strong attention to detail.
• Team oriented and experience in mentoring and developing staff.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully train diverse staff in business processes and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to exhibit initiative in undertaking special projects or other work as assigned by Supervisor; willingness to take direction.

This position allows for a remote work schedule. Employees may be required to come into the office for mandatory team meetings/events. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

The full salary range for this position is: $37.01 - $43.09 hourly

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: John Lee at [email protected]

Application requirements:

• Due to the fiduciary responsibilities of the position, a job offer is contingent on review of a background check including criminal history as well as information provided by the applicant as part of the application process.
• This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest record in compliance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SME 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
• In addition to fully completing the online application, please attach your cover letter and resume. Your cover letter should address why you are interested in this position and how your education, knowledge and/or experience qualify you for this position.

Please note that failure to attach both documents will result in your application not receiving further consideration.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits