Accounting Assistant II

Pays $34.07 to $39.51 per hour.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. HRA VEBA account may also be provided. Retirement benefits include a choice between PERS 2 or 3 and optional Deferred Compensation. The City recognizes 11 paid holidays and provides up to 2 personal holidays annually. Vacation leave is accrued at 0.0385 hours per straight time hour paid in the first 2 years of employment, with increases thereafter. Employees earn 0.0462 hours of sick leave per regular straight-time hour paid. More benefit details are available by clicking on the "Benefits" tab of this job posting.

Major Function and Purpose

The Accounting Assistant II provides detailed and accurate accounting of City finance transactions as well as customer service through email, telephone, and over the counter to the general public and various City departments. May be assigned a primary focus of AP/AR, utility billing, payroll, cashiering/receipting, or various special projects and functions.

General Function

The Accounting Assistant II performs a range of accounting duties in the utility billing function, billing processes and maintenance of customer accounts, license and permit processing, report preparation, data processing, accounts payable and accounts receivable; provides customer service regarding all aspects of City operations; and address inquiries regarding water/sewer and storm drainage utility activities and policies.

Supervision Responsibilities

This is a non-supervisory position.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

This job description reflects general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including working in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to otherwise balance the workload. Accordingly, individuals occupying this position will be required to follow any job-related instructions, tasks, or other duties as assigned by the Director or designee, and must be able to proficiently perform all assigned duties.

• Prepare, maintain, and verify a variety of accounting, financial, and statistical records, ledgers, logs, spreadsheets, charts, schedules, graphs, and files; gather, assemble, tabulate, and enter checks; verify, balance, adjust, record, and file financial data (e.g. franchise taxes and all City properties with assessments)
• Prepare journal entries, post, balance, and run reports
• Code and verify recorded data according to prescribed accounting procedures 
• Balance, reconcile (e.g. checks, tickets) and audit accounts (e.g. building permits, sales tax)
• Assist with preparation of annual report and any other financial records, reports, and statements
• Complete forms for remittance to State and County for local sales or use tax, leasehold excise tax, court collections, weapon permit, gun dealers and building code fees
• Prepare general accounting records for capital assets, inventory, grants, etc.
• Assist with producing, formatting, tracing, and distributing the City’s budget, including charts and schedules
• Respond to inquiries and collection of special assessments, including foreclosures
• Provide customer service including handling questions and inquiries in person, via telephone, or by correspondence
• Input utility rate changes based on ordinances passed by the City Council
• Download and record handheld Public Works devices utilized in recording bi-monthly water readings 
• Process and verify work orders and record new water/sewer and storm accounts
• Process additions and corrections for final billing cycles
• Process utility billings including adjustments for leak credit, delinquency notices, final billings, turn off notices, bankruptcies and liens
• Process billings for hydrant meters and maintain records of water hydrant rentals
• Process City business license applications and maintain records and comparison of business list with sales tax remittance
• Process, receipt, and disburse a wide range of City payments through multiple payment options including cash, check, credit card transactions, and other electronic payments; and prepare the daily bank deposit
• Process NSF payments and delinquent accounts
• Assist with cash handling (e.g. receipting, balancing, deposits, petty cash) and revenue collection, including remote parking payments
• Maintain check register
• Process licenses and permits; prepare reports; process data; manage utility billing, accounts payable, and accounts receivable
• Assist in preparing accounts receivable billings, including gambling, franchise and admissions taxes, and reconciliation
• Process accounts payable, including 1099s and spreadsheets on contract compliance
• Participate in reconciling invoices and related documentation and preparing accounts payable for payment
• Prepare payroll including auditing, processing, timekeeping, reports, taxes, leave records and posting of payroll for department employees
• Maintain confidentiality regarding personal employment, salary, and benefit information
• Assist in compiling, formatting, proofing, and distributing Finance Committee meeting agenda, packets, and minutes
• Accomplish data entry, account research, analysis, and reports using a computer system and multiple software application programs, including governmental accounting, word processing and spreadsheets
• Provide support for department public records requests in accordance with the State’s Public Records Act and City policies; and maintain department records to ensure compliance with the State’s prescribed records retention schedule
• Reliable and regular attendance is required
• Other duties as assigned

Contacts and Relationships

In the normal course of business, the Accounting Assistant II has job-related contact either by telephone, in person or through written communication with the City’s elected officials, coworkers, outside auditors and consultants, vendors, and other business-related individuals or agencies as required. In addition, the Accounting Assistant II will have extensive contact with the public and must be professional and courteous with all contacts.

Working Conditions

Work is performed indoors in an office environment utilizing computers and other routine office equipment. Work involves regular interruptions and pressure to meet strict deadlines. Telecommuting within Washington state is permitted at the supervisor’s discretion in accordance with City policy.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of municipal accounting procedures and the Budgeting, Accounting, and Reporting Systems (BARS); general office practices and equipment and internet applications.

Ability to operate personal computers with multiple software applications; create and maintain complex data and accounting spreadsheets; display tact and diplomacy; plan, coordinate, and produce accurate work; follow stated oral and written instruction; function as independent self-starter with little supervision; establish and maintain effective communications, both orally and in writing, with staff, departments and the general public in a professional manner; coordinate and compile fiscal, statistical, and other information and data; compose a variety of memorandums or letters, expressing ideas clearly and concisely with only general instructions; and perform mathematical calculations with speed and accuracy.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to sit for prolonged periods and alternate between sitting and standing to greet customers and obtain files. Must discern and conduct voice conversation, in person or via telephone. Continuous repetitive arm, hand, and finger movement and hand-eye coordination is essential to the performance of this job for operating computers and other office equipment. May be required to lift and carry up to twenty (20) pounds.

Minimum Requirements

High School Diploma or GED is required. Three (3) years of experience with customer service, accounting, cash handling, payroll, AP, AR and/or other accounting functions is required. Must be bondable. 

The City may consider any combination of experience and training that provides the desired skills, knowledge and abilities.

Requirements outlined in this job description may be subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified for employment in this position. However, some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.



This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Employer and employee and is subject to change as the needs of the Employer and requirements of the job change.

The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.