Department: Finance

Salary Range: $52,344 to $72,936/year, plus excellent benefits

Closes: Open Until Filled - First Review: Monday, December 20, 2021

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under direct supervision (Accounting Technician I) or general supervision (Accounting Technician II), performs a variety of detailed accounting, clerical and administrative activities in utility billing and accounts receivable such as recording, processing, and summarizing financial information. The position provides customer service for utility billing. Work is subject to outside audit.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Accounting Technician I - This is the entry level in the Accounting Technician class series. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the Accounting Technician II position but are not expected to function at the same skill level, and typically exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail. Since this class is often used as a training classification, employees may have only limited, or no directly related work experience.

Accounting Technician II - This is the full journey level in the Accounting Technician class series. This position is distinguished from the Accounting Technician I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are completely knowledgeable of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions at the Accounting Technician II level are typically filled by advancement from the Accounting Technician I level, with three years of experience, successful performance reviews and cross training in one additional accounting area. When filled from the outside, candidates are required to possess prior related experience which allows the employee to meet the qualifications standards at the Accounting Technician II level.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Reports directly to the Finance Manager

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Accounting Technician I - None

Accounting Technician II - May exercise technical and functional supervision over lower-level staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Perform a wide range of accounting and clerical functions such as administering accounts payable, utility billing, accounts receivable, 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 bank deposits; enter data accurately into financial information systems; file documents; prepare or post receipts; prepare bank deposits; generate routine and special reports.

3. 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.

4. Prepare checks, code invoices by vendor, enter data; verify account codes; check for duplicate payments; print check and vouchers, mail checks and file vouchers.

5. Accept and process passport applications in accordance with Federal rules and regulations.

6. Perform purchasing duties for equipment, materials, supplies and/or services; obtains, and when assigned, evaluates bids; recommends the award of bids, selects appropriate vendors and suppliers; and prepares requisitions and purchase orders.

7. Submit information technology (IT) work order requests to assigned IT support personnel related to the operation of the information technology (IT) function of the City to include problems experienced with office automation software and other programs supported by contract through Snohomish County.

8. 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 inquiries to appropriate departments/personnel or other agencies as needed.

9. Work effectively and productively with other City departments.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

• Provide back up to other support staff positions, provides administrative support and performs a variety of other duties as assigned by the Finance Director or Finance Manager.

• Attend professional development workshops and conferences to keep abreast of accounting trends and developments.

• Other duties as assigned.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Accounting Technician I

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED.

• One (1) year of general clerical experience involving public contact, including some financial record keeping.

• Any equivalent combination of related education and experience necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Ability to:

• Knowledge of standard office procedures, methods and computer equipment

• Knowledge of principles and procedures of fiscal record keeping.

• Knowledge of basic mathematical principles.

• Knowledge of principles and techniques used in dealing with the public.

• Skilled at the operating modern office equipment, including computer

equipment.

• Skilled at typing and entering data at a speed necessary for successful job performance.

• Ability to learn the procedures and functions of assigned position,

• Ability to learn and apply pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations, including administrative and departmental policies and procedures.

• Ability to learn to accurately tabulate, record and balance assigned transactions.

• Ability to work under supervision within a well-defined framework of standard policies and procedures.

• Ability to understand the organization and operation of the assigned department and the City necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.

• Ability to perform general clerical accounting work, including maintaining appropriate files and compiling information for reports.

• Ability to respond to questions from the public and City personnel regarding policies and procedures for assigned area.

• Ability to perform mathematical computations quickly and accurately.

• Ability to plan and organize work to meet schedules and timelines.

• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to establish, maintain and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Ability to follow rules provided by the City's Code of Conduct and Personnel Policy.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

May require possession of, or ability to obtain:

• Washington State Driver's License or ability to obtain one within 30 days and a good driving record is required

• Washington State Notary Public Certification

• Passport Acceptance Agent

• Bondable

Accounting Technician II

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED.

• Two (2) years college course work in accounting, bookkeeping, and computer office applications.

• Three (3) to Five (5) years of general clerical experience involving public contact and financial record keeping.

• Any equivalent combination of related education and experience necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Ability to:

• Perform accounting and mathematic computations with a high degree of

accuracy.

• Process large quantities of accounting data accurately.

• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing with customers in person, on the phone, via e-mail, the internet, and through informational documents.

• Maintain excellent public relations through communications with public, other departments, and agencies.

• Handle stressful situations, maintaining composure while under pressure.

• Produce a quality work product in a timely and efficient manner.

• Manage multiple tasks at one time and follow through on commitments.

• Use good judgment in making decisions.

• Operate copy machine, folding machine and 10-key adding machine.

• Operate standard office equipment including personal computers and word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.

• Learn and implement City of Stanwood specialty software systems and procedures.

• Prepare reports and spreadsheets as required.

• Apply City of Stanwood policies and procedures.

• Provide innovative solutions to difficult problems, taking initiative to take on assignments without being asked.

• Ability to work as a member of and support a team, treating others fairly and consistently and exhibiting a positive attitude.

• Ability to exercise good judgment and care to maintain professionalism, build interest and encourage citizen participation.

• Ability to follow rules provided by the City's Code of Conduct and Personnel Policy.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

May require possession of, or ability to obtain:

• Washington State Driver's License or ability to obtain one within 30 days and a good driving record is required

• Washington State Notary Public Certification

• Passport Acceptance Agent

• Bondable

• Experience with electronic data processing of utility billing and accounts payable utilizing BARS Integrated Accounting System, municipal budgeting and utility billing system; knowledge of accounting principles and practices.

The City of Stanwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer

and values diversity at all levels of its workforce