Accounting Assistant III

The salary indicated above reflects 2024 rates and includes longevity (1% earned after five years and increases to a maximum of 4% after 20 years).

Under general supervision, employees exercise increasing level of judgment and discretion in the completion of a variety of skilled bookkeeping tasks according to established bookkeeping and accounting principles and procedures. Maintains accounts and prepares financial reports for the city payroll, accounts payable, utility billings, construction projects, bonds, and/or other city functions.

Responsible for the initial customer service contact for a department

(Note – this list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position.)

Maintains accounts by coding, processing and posting payables and receivables. Identifies discrepancies in account numbers based on knowledge of the BARS accounting system.  Assigns and processes accounts based on documentation, invoices and/or statements.  Reviews financial records for accuracy, and posts and reconciles journals, ledgers and logs on a daily or periodic basis.

 

Accumulates and classifies data from varied sources to make summary reports as required; analyzes by determining variances and similarities. Verifies completed summaries against source documents which may involve statistical tabulations and calculations in accordance with established formulas, equations and technical data.

 

Identifies inventory items from vouchers and invoices, processes inventory forms, edits and reconciles inventory reports on a monthly basis.   Establishes, maintains and revises the filing system, determines the appropriate file category, and logs and files all records.

 

Types and edits correspondence, reports and statistical information. Responds to a variety of departmental and public requests for information when authorized or refers such requests to an appropriate individual for response.

 

Assists in developing procedures and reporting formats to establish or improve specific accounting processes.

 

Directs and assists customers in person, email and on the telephone.

 

Interfaces with city’s general ledger system.

 

Assists with department development of City policies and procedures regarding revenue collection.

 

Processes refunds, Non-Sufficient Funds checks and Automatic Clearing House rejects by preparing and gathering documentation and information to forward to the Treasurer to enable them to issue refund checks and determine payback time and charging of fees on checks.

 

Coordinates the collection and posting revenue information and deposits.   

 

May be required to perform the functions of the lower level classes in this series.

 

Maintains confidentiality of work-related issues, client records, and City information. 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE POSITION WITHIN UTILITY BILLING:

 

In addition to the duties listed in this section, incumbent may be assigned the duties listed above. 

 

Verifies accuracy of meter reads following specific criteria and initiates further investigation if warranted.

 

Prints various reports for troubleshooting and resolving meter inventory database problems.

 

Processes and maintains Automatic Clearing House payments by preparing and gathering documentation and information for the Billing system. 

 

Performs various tasks necessary for the smooth and accurate operation and maintenance of the utility customer billing system with an emphasis to attention to detail.

 

Receipts Utility Billing payments and assists customers with changes to or explanation of their accounts. Makes arrangements to pay bills in a timely manner suggesting holds, promissory notes and assistance from social agencies, and processes all changes in conjunction with the arrangements.

 

Receives a variety of revenues and inputs into the city’s computerized receipting system. Consolidates all receipting stations. Prepares reports, and daily bank deposit. Balances daily cash against receipts.

 

Other Duties 

• Regular attendance is an essential requirement
• Performs related work as assigned and/or required

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES (Minimum Requirements)

 

Knowledge of:  

• Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures and Washington State prescribed chart of accounts (BARS).  
• Computer Programs such as MS Word, MS Excel, Access.  
• Standard Office Procedures. 
• Basic knowledge of the written English language

 

Skill in:

• Application of bookkeeping and fundamental accounting principles to the keeping of account records and the preparation of financial reports.
• Interpersonal communications and human relations.

 

Ability to:

• Cash Handling and Computerized receipting systems.
• Operate standard office equipment and MS Office programs.
• Make arithmetic calculations rapidly and accurately.
• Exercise independent judgment in identifying and responding to related issues.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, citizens, and other agencies. 
• Develop recommendations to improve routines and procedures in area of assignment.
• The ability to get along with others and an effective team member.
• The ability to be detail-oriented in a fast-paced environment.

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a High school diploma or G.E.D. and one (1) year in college or technical school courses in accounting/bookkeeping or business AND two (2) years of bookkeeping experience and computer applications.  Two years of general ledger experience in a municipal accounting position can substitute for college or technical school courses in accounting/bookkeeping or business courses.

A valid Washington State Driver’s license is required.

An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above must be demonstrated by the applicant.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Kneeling. Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
• Crouching. Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
• Reaching. Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Walking. Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
• Fingering. Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
• Grasping. Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
• Feeling. Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
• Talking. Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Hearing. Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discriminations in sound.
• Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts at distances close to the eyes.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in typical office or administrative work). Work is performed in an office environment with frequent interruptions. While performing the duties of the job, the employee may be exposed to individuals who are irate or hostile.  Employee may be exposed to noise from basic office equipment operation, from outside sources, and neighboring offices.  Some travel will be required.

The City of Bremerton is committed to integrating diverse perspectives into our workplace culture and encourages our employees to bring their whole, authentic selves to work. We strive to create a diverse team that allows us to effectively connect to the community we serve.
 
Applicants can apply on-line at http://www.BremertonWA.gov/169/Current-Jobs, or application packets may be obtained from the Human Resources Department, Cobweb, or by calling (360) 473-5348.
 
Required Application Materials: City application and personal résumé are required. Incomplete application packets will not be considered. Required application materials must be returned to the Human Resources Office by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. The City of Bremerton is NOT responsible for errors of any kind with faxed or e-mailed application packets. Original signature is required on paper application forms. It is the responsibility of the applicant to carefully list all pertinent experience and training.

Please answer each of the supplemental questions below (last page) in narrative form, using detailed examples to support your answers. If your examples pertain to previous work or volunteer experience, include information on the position where the experience was gained. This information will be used in the appraisal of your experience and training as part of the evaluation process. Please do not respond to the questions with "see application" or "see resume".  You may use additional pages for your answers if needed. 

Important Application Note: Please do not attach copies of certifications to your application unless they are listed as a requirement for the position. You are welcome to mention relevant certifications on your resume. 
 
Appraisal of Experience and Education/Training: At this initial review, application packets may be evaluated entirely on the basis of information you provided in the completed City application form. Applicants should include all relevant information on the City application. Applicant’s education, training, and experience will be assessed. The passing score is 70%. The top qualifying candidates will be invited to participate further in the examination process. Meeting or exceeding qualifications does not guarantee the applicant will be invited to participate in the oral examination process.
 
Oral Examination: A panel will evaluate the applicant’s training, experience, and ability to perform the job. Placement on the eligibility list is determined by weighted examination scores as follows:
 
Appraisal of application packet regarding Experience and Education/Training - Passing Score 70% - Weight 10% 
Customer Service Skills (online testing)  - Passing Score 70% - Weight 10%
Excel 2016 Beginner (online testing) - Passing Score 70% - Weight 10%
Data Entry Alpha (online testing) - Passing Score 70% - Weight 10%
Oral Examination - Passing Score 70% - Weight 60%

Applicants must achieve a score of 70% or better on each portion of the exam in order to be placed on the hiring list.
 
Employee Preference: Regular City employees applying for and passing an Open Examination will have seven point five (7.5) percent of their PASSING score added to establish their final score.
 
Veteran's Preference: Veterans, who have passed an examination, shall be entitled to preference pursuant to Chapter 41.04 RCW.
 
NOTE TO APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES: Applicants with disabilities who will need special accommodation for examination must advise Human Resources no later than one (1) week prior to the scheduled examination so that appropriate arrangements can be made. (360) 473-5348.
 
LEGAL and REGULATORY EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

Fair Labor Standards Act: The classification is non-exempt under the laws of Fair Labor Standards Act minimum wage and overtime provisions.

Representation: The classification is included in the bargaining unit pursuant to the Recognition Article of the current labor agreement between the City of Bremerton and the Teamsters Local 589.

Civil Service: The classification is excluded from the City's Civil Service System.

Appointment and Removal Authority: The position is filled by appointment by the Department Head. Removal is by action of the Department Head in conformance with Human Resources Policies. 

This classification specification does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and employee.  It is subject to change by the City, with the approval of Human Resources, as the needs of the City and requirements change.

Salary : $27 - $33