Account Clerk

Account Clerk

The City of Alameda is looking to fill one (1) full-time Account Clerk to support the Rent Program. The Account Clerk position supporting the Rent Program will work a 40-hour workweek, Monday-Friday.

The City of Alameda Rent Program was created to implement the City's Rent Ordinance through education, community engagement and collaboration to promote equity and stability in the rental market. A division of the City Attorney's Office, the program implements and enforces the City's Rent Ordinance by regulating rent increases for covered units, administering just-cause eviction protections, overseeing rental unit registration and annual program fees, and ensuring compliance with local and state housing laws.

The Rent Program serves as a trusted resource for tenants, landlords, and property managers by providing education, guidance, dispute resolution, and access to information that promotes compliance and housing stability. Through community outreach, public workshops, and responsive customer service, the program helps residents navigate complex housing regulations while supporting fair and transparent rental practices. As housing laws continue to evolve, the Rent Program remains committed to delivering high-quality public service, fostering positive landlord-tenant relationships, and protecting the long-term health of Alameda's rental housing community.

The City of Alameda is seeking a detail-oriented and customer-focused Account Clerk to support the Alameda Rent Program. This position plays a key role in administering the City's annual rental housing program fees by processing payments, maintaining accurate financial records, and supporting landlord registration, fee exemptions, refunds, and compliance activities. During the annual fee collection cycle, the workload is fast-paced and requires exceptional accuracy, organization, and timeliness. As a primary point of contact for landlords, tenants, and the public, the Account Clerk provides courteous customer service by phone, email and at the public counter while performing a variety of administrative and financial support functions. The ideal candidate is comfortable working with the public, enjoys balancing customer service with detailed clerical work, and is proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

Under general supervision performs a variety of routine clerical accounting work and performs other related work as required.

Benefits of Employment

• CalPERS Retirement
• Medical
• Vacation: Starting with 80 hours annually and increasing with years of service.
• Holidays: 11 City Holidays
• Floating Holidays: 6 days
• Sick Leave: 96 hours annually; unused sick leave is converted to service credit at retirement.

Distinguishing Features

Positions assigned to this class perform clerical accounting work of average difficulty. Work in the class is characterized by the independent application of computerized accounting and financial management systems, methods and procedures, and by the independent performance of duties and decision making with guidance available for unusual or special circumstances. Work is distinguished from that of higher classes by the routine nature of the work performed and by the limited level of independent responsibility. Initially supervision and training are given in detail and as the incumbent becomes more capable, works with a higher degree of independence. Work in the class is distinguished from that of lower classes by the more advanced level and scope of duties involved. Work performed will vary according to position assignment, which may include work in one or more, of the following: accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll time keeping, general ledger, budget, purchasing, auditing or revenue collections.

Examples of Duties

1. Performs a variety of routine clerical accounting duties involved in the preparation, maintenance and processing of accounting records and financial transactions.
2. Reviews various documents including forms, applications, invoices, deposit slips, and other records for arithmetical accuracy and consistency applying established coding and record keeping practices.
3. Assembles, sorts, tabulates, codes, and files fiscal and statistical data; makes arithmetical calculations and verifies totals and extensions; performs computer data entry and/or maintains manual records to post, adjust, and balance accounts; allocates funds to correct accounts according to established procedures; balances and reconciles accounts.
4. Maintains various ledgers, registers, journals, spreadsheets, payroll time records, inventories and other financial records according to established practices.
5. Collects and accounts for money; issues vouchers and receipts; maintains petty cash, operates a cash register, and prepares deposits as assigned.
6. May confer with the general public relative to the issuance of business licenses and other applicable ordinances, codes and regulations; reviews applications and computes fees; follows up with appropriate applications and records changes; sends out and processes renewal notices; collects delinquent payments and performs various audits as needed.
7. Prepares and processes various bills and invoices; prepares entries, tabulations, forms, and routine documents according to established guidelines; maintains files; operates data terminals, calculators, and other standard office equipment as required.
8. Provides information, routes inquiries, resolves complaints and interprets and explains policies and procedures.
9. Prepares reports, statistics, and summaries and may assist with various projects or activities as assigned.
10. May perform a variety of general office support duties such as opening, distributing and processing mail, ordering supplies, filing, answering telephones, greeting the public, and performing general document production.

Employment Standards

Education/Experience Any combination equivalent to education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Education Graduation from High School. Experience Two years of bookkeeping or statistical record keeping experience including maintenance and review of financial records and collecting and accounting for funds. Knowledge Knowledge of the principles and practices of general accounting, bookkeeping and financial record keeping and reporting; automated accounting systems; basic mathematical principles; modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and designated supporting applications such as spreadsheets. Ability Ability to perform routine clerical accounting work and perform arithmetic calculations and operations with speed and accuracy; effectively operate a variety of modern office equipment including computers and designated related software; utilize automated data processing and computerized accounting and financial management systems; interpret, apply and explain established policies; procedures and codes; compile and review information; prepare records and reports; work effectively under pressure and with frequent interruptions; use initiative and exercise independent judgment; establish and maintain accurate records; communicate effectively, establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public. Keyboard Skill Ability to type from clear printed copy at a speed of 35 net words per minute. 10-Key Skill Ability to operate a 10-key calculator by touch. Other Requirements Selected positions may require possession of a valid California Driver's License and satisfactory driving record as a condition of initial and continued employment.

Selection Process: The examination process may include an application and supplemental questionnaire evaluation, a written exam, a performance exam, and/or an oral interview. The examination process may test for, but is not limited to, the essential knowledge and abilities listed in the job specification and announcement and will be designed to provide a comprehensive review of each candidate's technical knowledge and overall suitability for the position. Qualified applicants will be notified of the exact date, time, and location of examinations approximately two weeks in advance. Candidates passing all components of the examination process will be placed on an Eligible List. A list of names is certified to the department(s) having vacancies based on the type of examination conducted pursuant to the provision of the City's Civil Service Rules. Final selection will be made from the Eligible List by the Department Head subject to approval by the City Manager. The Department Head may utilize additional selection procedures to make a final hiring decision. Placement on an Eligible List does not guarantee employment. Prior to appointment, a thorough reference check will be conducted which may include a credit check and background. The selection process may be evaluated and revised based on the number of qualified applicants. Federal law requires that prior to employment, you must furnish proof of your identity and eligibility for employment in the United States, as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. E-Verify: The City of Alameda utilizes the Federal government's E-Verify program and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization, which includes showing a valid United States Social Security card at the time of hire (photocopies not accepted). Veteran's Preference Credit : A job applicant qualifies as a veteran if honorably discharged from active military, reservist, or National Guard duty of at least 18 consecutive months within the past five (5) years of the date of application. In case of discharge attributable to service-connected injuries or illnesses, the 18 months active-duty requirement need not be fulfilled. An applicant claiming veteran's preference credit must attach to their application, a legible copy of their DD-214 verifying the type of discharge and date(s) of active service. NO OTHER DOCUMENTATION WILL BE ACCEPTED. An Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Alameda encourages minorities, women and the disabled to apply. It is the City's policy that all aspects of employment and promotion shall be without regard to sex, marital status or disability (except where dictated by requirements of the position), race, sexual orientation, political affiliation, religious creed, color, national origin or age. Qualified disabled persons must be able to