Accounting Specialist (Temporary)
ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST (TEMPORARY)
Stanwood, Washington
Position is responsible for performing a variety of detailed accounting, clerical and administrative activities in utility billing and accounts payable such as recording, processing, and summarizing financial information. Provides customer service for utility billing and prepares vouchers for invoices/claims against the City. Preferred requirements include high school diploma or its equivalent (G.E.D.), with 2 years college course work in accounting, bookkeeping and computer office applications, including 2+ years of previous accounting or bookkeeping experience; or any combination of education, training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Hourly range: $28.38 to $30.80 / DOQ. Closes: July 12, 2021 EOE
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
1. Perform a wide range of accounting and clerical functions such as administering accounts payable, utility billing, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed asset management, petty cash duties, pet licensing, verification and posting of deposits, reconciliation of accounts, and cash receipts in accordance with set guidelines.
2. Receive and verify completeness and accuracy of utility payments; set up new accounts; update system with customer changes; manage on/off requests and shutoff notices.
3. Organize and schedule meter readings, download/upload meter reading data to computer, print, review and mail utility bills.
4. Maintain utility master files including customer accounts and rate files. Setup accounts for new developments in a timely manner while optimizing meter routes.
5. Journal daily utility receipts; process collection of delinquent accounts, including preparation/mailing of late and shut off notices. Coordinate shut off activities with water crew; establish and monitor payments. Process title, escrow and HUD payoff requests.
6. Calculate and prepare billing adjustments for supervisor approval. Research unpaid accounts. Prepare collection and lien documents; generate past due report; provide payment extensions with set guidelines.
7. Prepare checks, code invoices by vendor, enter data; verify account codes; check for duplicate payments; print check and vouchers, mail checks and file vouchers.
8. Request and send out notices for W-9 forms to vendors and process 1099 forms.
9. Respond to public inquiries in a professional and courteous manner within the scope of knowledge to provide information regarding all aspects of accounts payable, accounts receivable, utility billing, general community resource information, and city policies; refer inquires to appropriate departments/personnel or other agencies as needed.
10. Work effectively and productively with other City departments.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
• General accounting and bookkeeping practices and methods
• Applicable financial information applications and software programs
• Policies on utility rates and rate structures
• Standard office practices and machines
Ability to:
• Apply City policies and procedures
• Apply practical accounting techniques
• Process large quantities of accounting data
• Perform accurate calculations
• Use a computer and applicable software proficiently
• Write and transmit numerical data neatly and legibly
• Meet deadlines
• Provide excellent customer service
• Communicate effectively orally
• Maintain confidentiality of customer information
• Understand and follow instructions
• Interact appropriately with various levels of employees, officials, and the general public
Special Requirements
LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS Requires a valid Washington State driver's license, and an acceptable driving record. Must successfully pass a credit and background check.
Miscellaneous Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT Work is primarily performed in an indoor setting with extended periods at a computer. Physical effort is needed to lift and carry office materials and supplies. Reaching, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. Exerting up to a 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Walking and standing are required only occasionally. The City of Stanwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce