Accounting Assistant

Accounting Assistant

The Finance Department is looking for a motivated and team-oriented Accounting Assistant to support our utility billing operations. This is a great opportunity to bring your accounting knowledge and customer service skills to a fast-paced, community-forward environment.

We're seeking someone with a positive, can-do attitude who's ready to handle a variety of responsibilities including utility billing, customer service, cash receipting, and general financial support. If you're detail-oriented, self-motivated, and eager to collaborate with a supportive team, we'd love to hear from you!

Come be part of a stable, flexible, and welcoming workplace where your contributions make a real impact.

This is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, and responsibilities required of the job. Other duties may be assigned and/or performed. The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to:

Accounts Payable & Receivable

• Process invoices, purchase orders, and vendor payments according to City policies and timelines.
• Verify accuracy of charges, coding, and supporting documentation.
• Record incoming payments and assist with account reconciliations.

Utility & Customer Billing

• Assist with utility billing operations, including data entry, payment processing, and account updates.
• Respond to customer inquiries regarding billing, payments, and service changes.
• Generate, review, and mail routine billing statements.
• Provide a high level of professional written and verbal communication support.

Cash Receipting & Financial Transactions

• Receive, record, and balance daily cash, check and credit card receipts from multiple departments accurately while adhering to internal controls.

Clerical & Administrative Support

• Maintain accurate financial and filing records in accordance with retention policies.
• Assist with scanning, copying, and data entry tasks.

Team & Departmental Support

• Assist with month-end and year-end closing processes as directed.
• Provide backup coverage for other accounting or clerical staff.
• Participate in training to develop knowledge of municipal accounting procedures.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of basic accounting principles and financial recordkeeping.
• Skill in data entry, reconciliation, and cash handling.
• Ability to maintain accuracy while managing multiple priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Commitment to confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism.

Minimum Qualifications

Special Requirements:

• Valid Washington State Driver License and acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in municipal or public-sector accounting.
• Knowledge of accounting systems, spreadsheets, and office software.
• Customer service experience handling cash or public inquiries.

Decision Rights & Problem Solving

• Work is performed under general supervision following established procedures.
• Exercises limited independent judgment in completing tasks within defined guidelines.
• Refers policy or procedural questions to the Accounting Supervisor.

Supervision Received / Exercised

• Received:
  Direct supervision from the Accounting Supervisor.
• Exercised:
  None.

Key Relationships

• Internal:
  Finance staff, other City departments, and utility billing staff.
• External:
  Vendors, customers, and residents.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

Work is performed primarily in an office or administrative environment. Duties may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and repetitive hand or wrist movements associated with computer use. The position may require occasional bending, reaching, or light to moderate lifting of office materials or equipment.

Work may include attendance at meetings, site visits, or public events, which may require travel to various locations. Some assignments may involve interacting with the public in stressful or contentious situations or working under deadlines and competing priorities.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for…