Financial Services Specialist

Job Title

The City of Yakima Finance Division is seeking an energetic and motivated team player with a strong bookkeeping/accounting background to join the team! If you possess efficient organizational and multi-tasking skills and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, apply today!

Job Summary

Under general supervision, performs responsible, moderately complex financial recordkeeping and related clerical tasks; operates one or more types of office or specialized equipment; exercises independent judgment in decision-making in resolving unusual problems, and interpreting moderately complex guidelines and regulations; may ensure work is performed in a timely manner and in accordance with established federal, state and local guidelines; performs related work as required.

Essential Functions

Greets the public by phone or in person; provides a variety of information regarding the purpose and functions of the work unit; routes calls and visitors, resolves standard requests or issues; takes messages and complaints. Maintains and establishes computerized and manual records and maintains records in accordance with retention policies; compiles and prepares documents and reports requiring knowledge of work unit functions, necessary support data and related resource materials; prepares reports, letters, fiscal documents; proofreads and corrects errors. Receives, reviews, sorts and processes mail, invoices, receipts, purchase orders, disbursement requests, statements, travel authorizations and/or other documents; verifies receipt of merchandise, audits and verifies computation totals and entries for accuracy including credits, taxes, freight charges and appropriate discounts; matches vendors and invoices to purchase orders; charges expenditures to proper Budget Account Number. Contacts vendors and departments verbally and/or by correspondence to reconcile or resolve discrepancies. Prepares requisitions for departments as necessary. Issues accounts payable warrants/checks with explanation of items paid. Maintains time, attendance and related payroll records; verifies time usage and accruals. Monitors status of bank accounts ensuring sufficient operating balances. With authorization, deposits additional funds to maintain sufficient balance. Receives cash transmittals from other departments, balances, receipts, records and posts to appropriate accounts. Assists in identifying and correcting transmittal discrepancies. Receives, processes, enters, audits and tracks documents, transmittals and information. Balances daily cash received, processes bank deposits and maintains appropriate records. Makes appropriate reports including spreadsheets as necessary. Maintains contact with staff of other departments to share information and solve problems. Provides technical assistance and support to departments. Provides information to auditors as needed. Receives, verifies costs are properly receipted and have required signatures, then processes and files travel authorizations. Receives, verifies and processes telephone, gas, electric, outside utility, cellular phone, scanner 911 and other utility bills. Balances money received by departments and balances daily cash by cashier and by revenue type; issues receipts; posts totals to appropriate account either on ledgers or computer terminal. Processes bank deposits; maintains ledgers on daily bank deposits. Reconciles accounts and prepares appropriate reports. Issues electronic fund transfers as needed and authorized; issues refund checks for various collected revenue; reconciles warrant register books for warrants issued and redeemed. May be authorized to sign on City of Yakima Bank Accounts. Administers Local Improvement District assessments; prepares publication notices, establishes LID accounts, provides account balances for property owners and closing agents. Notifies property owners of delinquent accounts and payment alternatives. Maintains various billing accounts; issues statements, calculates amounts due, interests, penalties, late charges or replacement costs. Posts payments to ledgers, verifies posted entries, totals or computations for accuracy; maintains related records and files. Explains policies and procedures to the public, taxpayers, vendors, other departments, auditors, as a witness, or in other venues. May train new employees; monitors work performed; ensures accurate and timely completion of tasks; and makes corrections as needed. Operates varied office or specialized equipment in conjunction with work such as a computer, calculator, copy machine, cash register, fax machine, scanner and others. Requires regular, reliable and punctual attendance. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Major Worker Characteristics

Knowledge of and proficiency in modern office practices and procedures; moderately complex business arithmetic; standard clerical, accounting and bookkeeping principles and practices, State of Washington BARS accounting system, and records retention policies and procedures. Thorough knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws, and City policies and procedures. Knowledge of techniques and strategies for dissemination of moderately complex and/or technical written and verbal information to a wide range of individuals, including but not limited to City Staff, other governmental agencies, and members of the public. Working knowledge of: computer spreadsheets; databases; industry applications; Microsoft Office Suite Outlook, Word, and Excel; and office equipment; and computerized municipal financial management practices. Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, with employees, members of the public representing diverse educational levels and backgrounds, and with officials at all levels of government utilizing well developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of business English, and plain English, including but not limited to correct grammar, vocabulary, letter composition, editing, spelling, and punctuation. Ability to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to: computer, fax machine, copy machine, telephone etc. Must be able to enter information into a computer system within speed and accuracy. Ability to: perform and understand a variety of mathematical computations; maintain financial records; understand and apply moderately complex guidelines to varied operational situations and resolve issues using initiative and independent judgement. Ability to work independently with self-direction under general instruction and broad work expectations; perform multiple tasks with changing priorities within strict timelines and under stressful conditions; and maintain sustained attention to detail and work under timeline pressures. Excellent analytical and organizational skills are essential. Ability to consistently and continually provide excellent customer service and to establish, facilitate and maintain effective and courteous working relationships with employees and the public representing widely diverse opinions, beliefs, ethnic, economic and social backgrounds; communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; and recognize and treat information and data in a sensitive and confidential manner and within City and state guidelines on disclosure. Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential.

Physical Demands

Work is performed primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer terminal for extended periods of time or while standing for a period of time. Occasionally needs to move inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Continual use of both hands in reaching/handling/grasping/fingering while performing duties operating on computers and calculators. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs and ladders while maintaining balance. Continuous use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and while communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Occasionally work includes lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory. May work in a noisy work area. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Unusual Working Conditions

May come in contact with irate, upset, or disturbed customers.

The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.