Senior Accounting Clerk

Senior Accounting Clerk

As one of the fastest growing cities in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver is building a city of the future through innovation, sustainable development, great leadership and working with an engaged community. Our growth is guided by our core values of livability, sustainability and resiliency, innovation, and equity and inclusion, and we accomplish our work through collaboration, innovation, compassion and empowerment. If who we are speaks to you, and if you're the type of person who is interested in joining a team invested in planning for the future of Vancouver services then the City of Vancouver may be for you.

We're currently recruiting for a Senior Accounting Clerk. Responsible for all aspects of utility billing, cash management, daily reconciling of utility account transactions and the handling and processing of collections for delinquent accounts to ensure highest collection rate possible. Anticipate, identify, and resolve problems in the Utility accounting operations, assist others with questions that involve researching and providing data to explain policies, procedures, and regulations. Maintain programs that are critical to daily operations of the Utilities Department. Research and process complicated account related records and compare statistical data. Detail potential issues and provide resolutions. Monitor and support the operations dispatch and emergency lines.

This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt union position. This position is covered under the provisions of an agreement between the City and the OPIEU union. The schedule for this position is M-F, 7am to 4:30pm or 8am to 5pm.

Union Pay StrategySalary for this position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement with negotiated step increases based on seniority. Candidates meeting the minimum requirements for the position will be at the beginning of the listed range, equal to Step 1. Directly related experience, certifications and relevant credentials exceeding minimum requirements will be considered for step credit at hire, with such credit not to exceed Step 4, the approximate midpoint of the listed range, unless otherwise stipulated in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Essential Functions:

• Establish and maintain all utility accounts for the city. Research Clark County Property Information and business license to determine correct property ownership, parcel identification, utilities provided, and permits issued for all new utility accounts and ensure proper fees have been collected.
• Schedule, upload/download and audit files from outside vendors and internal departments. Reconcile all discrepancies and exceptions prior to generating billing statements for water, sewer and storm drain services and all applicable fees
• Initialize, review and upload files from outside vendors. Reconcile all discrepancies & exceptions prior to generating billing statements.
• Process, research, post and reconcile all internal and external utility payments. Accurately tabulate, record, and balance assigned transactions
• Assist customer service personnel as needed with utility related requests, resolve customer complaints, and provide support answering incoming operations calls. Screen, schedule, and delegate to responsible departments requests received from citizens and emergency personnel regarding concerns and safety hazards.
• Research and compile detailed account information regarding status of service, outstanding balances, processes, procedures and applicable laws and regulations at the request of internal departments, customer and outside agencies via phone and written correspondence.
• Collect on outstanding utility accounts through standard collection practices; including cold calling, invoicing, determining legal liability to process liens, researching property ownership, and utilizing skip tracing and processing bankruptcy filings, dismissals, and discharges.
• Establish and maintain specialized programs offered by utilities, such as H2O and Senior Low Income, and coordinate services with outside agencies to maintain status of qualified H2O recipients.
• Review for accuracy and process all utility account adjustments, refunds, and fiscal and statistical information from internal and external interfaces. Reconcile accounts to the general ledger and reports while maintaining subsidiary ledgers, registers, and journals.
• Maintain a variety of financial records and files
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

Experience and Education

• Two (2) years of related experience in an accounting environment with emphasis on billings and collections, disbursement of transactions, review of record-keeping procedures, and development of reports. Minimum of one (1) year experience using a financial software.

Education:

• Equivalent to an Associate's Degree related to accounting, bookkeeping, or business operations or related field.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills:

• Intermediate data entry skills with automated database systems, including 10-key by touch; experience with customer information systems and asset management systems preferred.
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet.

Knowledge:

• Principles and practices of accounting relating to account management and procurement
• Principles of accounting fundamentals relating to debits/credits and their relationship to the general ledger
• Purchasing and researching methods, procedures, and techniques
• Principles and procedures of cash handling
• Record keeping, cashiering, and balancing procedures
• Principles and procedures of file management and record keeping
• English usage, grammar, and punctuation
• Business letter writing and report preparation
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws that pertain to: Utilities and Collections (e.g., RCW, VMC, and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act)
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment
• Use of personal computers and basic software

Abilities:

• Perform varied accounting clerical work
• Maintain a variety of financial records and files
• Apply knowledge of customer service and general office practices
• Learn and correctly interpret and apply department policies and procedures
• Exercise judgment and maintain a high degree of confidentiality
• Work independently without the need for detailed oversight and review
• Analyze data, make judgements, and develop reports and documents
• Operate a personal computer and appropriate software
• Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees
• Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work
• Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver's Operating Principles
• Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others
• Consistently provide quality service
• Maintain regular and dependable attendance
• Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive
• Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player
• Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
• Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.

This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, a basic criminal background check and a credit check

The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope you'll consider joining us on the journey!

Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.

Veterans' Preference: Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans' preference when applying for City of Vancouver