Fire Accounting Assistant

Fire Accounting Assistant

Join the Bellingham Fire Department team as a Fire Accounting Assistant and play a key role in managing the billing process for emergency transport services! This exciting opportunity involves ensuring accurate, timely billing, coordinating with various departments, and supporting audits and patient inquiries, all while upholding HIPAA confidentiality. If you're detail-oriented and ready to make a meaningful impact, we want you on our team!

This position performs various skilled and complex bookkeeping tasks for the Bellingham Fire Department according to established bookkeeping and accounting principles and procedures. Assists in providing statistical and financial support to City staff, contracted services and State agencies. Prepares or assists in the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports as required by the City, granting agencies and the Finance Department.

Responsible for all bookkeeping and accounting tasks for the contracted ambulance transport billing program, including billing, revenue, refunds, transport rates, revalidations, audits and data surveys. May be required to research applicable laws governing the administration and payment of contractual obligations. Monitors and maintains department budget and revenue collection. Performs back-up receptionist duties including providing general clerical support, answering phones and interacting with the public.

Joining the City of Bellingham means becoming a part of a team that believes our greatest impact comes from working together with purpose, humility and a shared commitment to our community. Every employee contributes to delivering meaningful results for the people who live, work and visit here. We value people who approach challenges with curiosity, respect and collaboration. If you are motivated by building a career in public service, we encourage you to apply.

This position will start at Step 1 ($29.90/hour). Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy. The full hourly range for this position is $29.90 - $39.01. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures. This position is classified as an Accounting Assistant III.

• 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
• 8 hours sick leave accrued monthly
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

Closing Date/Time:
Friday, 09/25/26 4:30 PM Pacific Time

• One year of college or vocational training in bookkeeping, accounting, business, or related area.
• Two years of accounting support or bookkeeping experience required, preferably in municipal government.

OR

• Three years of accounting support or bookkeeping experience required, preferably in municipal government.

AND

• Experience with computerized accounting systems required.
• Ability to type at 45 WPM NET.
• Accounting experience in a municipal or public sector environment, including experience utilizing Budget Accounting and Reporting System (BARS), preferred.
• One year of experience with record-keeping and compliance monitoring for grant-funded contracts preferred.
• Advanced utilization of computer software applications, including spreadsheets, databases, and word processors preferred.

• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal background check (see Fair Hiring Practices below).
• Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.

You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along

Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided. Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and supplemental questions). Application materials should comprehensively document your experience and…