Account Clerk I/II

Salary: $22.60 - $31.84 Hourly
Location : Tenth Street Place - 1010 10th Street Modesto, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 04717
Department: Finance
Division: Utilities and Collections
Opening Date: 08/19/2026
Closing Date: 9/2/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: MCEA


The Position
The City of Modesto is hiring Account Clerk team members who love numbers, enjoy helping people, and are ready to keep our financial operations running smoothly. From payroll to utility billing to business licenses, you'll play a key role in supporting customers and departments across the city. If you're detail-driven, customer-focused, and eager to grow, we'd love to meet you.

Salary Incentives:

2.5% Education Incentive (bachelor's degree)

5% Education Incentive (master's degree)

The Account Clerk is responsible to perform a variety of accounting and customer service program duties involving financial record keeping and transactions including, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, utility billing, cashiering, , business licensing, and revenue recovery and citations; and to perform a wide variety of general clerical activities and work in support of both internal and external customers.
*Current vacancies within Finance are both full time and part time.

Application Process

Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Due to the volume of applications received, resumes will not be screened for the purpose of determining who is the most qualified to compete in the testing process. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Do not substitute any part of the application with the words "SEE RESUME."

Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City.
Tentative Testing Schedule

In-person Exam

Salida Library

September 10, 2026
The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of equity and inclusion. A City application is required, including Supplemental Questionnaire. The City of Modesto does not sponsor H-1B Visas. Salary offered depends on candidate's experience.

Essential and Marginal Function Statements
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions :

All Assignments:
Post data to various ledgers, registers, journals, and logs according to established account classifications and procedures; check and tabulate statistical and financial data.

Assist customers, departments, and employees by providing information, supporting documentation requests, providing reports, explaining procedures, and answering questions over the telephone and in person.

Enter, process, and verify for accuracy a variety of documents in the City's financial management and/or payroll systems, such as journals, cash receipt documents, and time sheets.

Request, sort, and distribute to departments monthly and quarterly budgetary and accounting reports from the financial management system; prepares a variety of financial statements and reports; compiles information from various sources for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).


Operate a personal computer for a variety of applications, depending on assignment; enter data into various automated systems.


Perform a variety of general clerical duties including data entry, typing, and auditing and maintaining files and records; order office supplies and forms.

Prepare daily/monthly reconciliations and banking data.


Research and address inquiries regarding account status, proper coding of transactions, and other related items to determine the requirements of journal requests and any other corrections.


Collect and receipt revenues; post and assign account numbers; count drawer; balance cash, checks, credit cards, and debit payments; prepare bank deposits.

Process incoming mail; write deposit receipts and record in files; verify account numbers and amount paid; process returned mail and improperly written checks.

Run a variety of reports; research and resolve discrepancies related to transaction and customer accounts.

Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.

Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.

When Assigned to Accounts Payable: Distribution of invoices via email to corresponding city departments for payment processing.


Process and match payment vouchers and invoices, assist with weekly payment register processing.


Works with vendors by email and over the phone, monitoring past due invoices, and sending follow-up notices to departments

When assigned to Accounts Receivable:
Monitors and analyzes customer accounts, issues statements, creates invoices, process adjustments and customer refunds when appropriate.

Leads auctions for City vehicles and other general assets deemed surplus property by departments.


Actively pursue delinquent accounts in all facets of the collection process.

When Assigned to Accounting:
Manages the uploads to OnBase of Staff Reports for Council Meetings and Committee Meetings.
When Assigned to Payroll (Confidential):
Assists with biweekly payroll process by performing various audits alongside other payroll staff.
When assigned to Cashiering:
Operate machinery to open and sort utility payments; process and match vouchers; verify cash, checks, and various documents necessary to balance City registers.

Process online payments, including downloading files, printing reports, and verifying totals.

Prepare daily banking documents and materials reconcile to ensure accurate deposits and research any discrepancies.

Process seized asset deposit from the Police Department; verify amounts and process the deposit.


When assigned to Business Licensing:
Review, code and enter business license applications ensuring completeness; calculate mill and license taxes due and process payments and issue business license certificate upon approval.

Review closure of business account, request supporting documentation and generate final balance notices.

Coordinate with other City departments to ensure compliance with the municipal code.

Batch, balance and process large volumes of tax returns and payments.

Monitors and analyzes business accounts, issue renewal and balance due notices, process adjustments when appropriate; actively pursue delinquent accounts in all facets of the collection process.

Print business licenses; generate listing of new business licenses; review County Clerk Recorder records; identify and contact businesses that have not applied for a business license.

When assigned to Utility Billing:
Process returned Automatic Clearing House payments and returned checks.

Receive and monitor 48-hour notices from the water division; monitor accounts for new customer sign-up.

Review and record written correspondence from customers.

Review, grant, or deny requests for payment extension.

Sign up new residents for utility services; transfer utility services from one property owner to another; cancel utility services; generate final disconnect notices.

Work with customers to develop payment plans; monitor payment plans to ensure receipt of payment; actively pursue delinquent accounts in all facets of the collection process.

When assigned to Revenue Recovery and Citations:
Establish and maintain payment plans for citations; send default letters and place vehicle liens through DMV as required.

Accept and determine if Requests for Informal Review are applicable; post and mail appeal result to citizens and maintain records of decisions.

Access a variety of databases to research registered owner information and registration status.

Download citations from handheld system, merge, print, and audit report.

Schedule, attend and record formal hearing procedures.


Act as liaison with City parking enforcement division.


Manage citation processing application software.

Manage FTB and DMV collections processes.


Marginal Functions:
May provide training to other staff on various items such as posting journals and ensuring accounts are balanced.


Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of: Basic clerical accounting, financial record keeping, and mathematical principles, practices, and procedures.

Basic principles and practices of customer service.

Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to: Maintain and balance a variety of financial records, files, and accounts.

Perform varied accounting clerical work.

Understand, interpret, and explain department policies and procedures; explain operations and problems solve office issues for the public and with staff.

Type at a speed necessary for successful job performance.

Perform procedures in an organized and accurate manner.

Accurately count, record, and balance assigned transactions, accurately spell.

Post data to various ledgers, registers, journals, and logs according to established procedures.

Work with sensitive and confidential customer information; provide excellent customer service.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

Experience and Training Guidelines: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience :

One year of work experience performing duties such as record keeping, accounting or bookkeeping, cashiering, customer service, or conducting research and analysis related to fiscal or call center activities.

Training :

High School diploma or GED equivalency.

License or Certificate: Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.

Account Clerk II
In addition to the qualifications for the Account Clerk I:
Knowledge of:
Basic principles and practices pertaining to government bookkeeping and accounting.
Practices pertaining to the reconciliation of various accounts.
Accounts payable, receivable, and collection techniques and procedures.
Financial record keeping practices and procedures.
Basic generally accepted accounting principles and processes.
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations.
Ability to:
Identify and resolve inconsistencies in financial records.
Research credit balances or overpayments.
Work with vendors and customers to resolve billing/invoicing issues.
Maintain and balance a variety of ledgers and accounts.
Effectively switch between a variety of computer systems and work with a variety of interruptions while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
Experience and Training Guidelines:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
One year of responsible experience equivalent to Account Clerk I with the City of Modesto.
Training:
High School diploma or GED equivalent.

Physical and Mental Requirements
Mobility : frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting : frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision : constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. Dexterity : frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking : frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological : frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental : frequent exposure to noise.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and environment. Some positions may be assigned to remote locations. Positions may require occasional overtime or weekend work and travel is rare.
Modesto City Employee Association (MCEA)

Employee benefits are subject to change and are not guaranteed. For a detailed explanation of benefits currently in effect please see the Memoranda of Understanding.

PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM: CalPERS enrollment in either the 2% @ 60 or the 2% @ 62 formula is dependent on eligibility, as per AB 340. Employee pays the full member contribution. Retirement benefit is based on the employees three year final compensation average. The City does not participate in Social Security except for the required 1.45% Medicare contribution by both the City and the employee (applies to employees hired after 4-1-86).

HOLIDAYS: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours of holiday credit.

VACATION: Accrual normally begins at a rate of two weeks per year, with incremental increases to five weeks at 21 years of service. Employees may accumulate up to twice their annual accrual.

SICK LEAVE: Accumulated at 8 hours per month, 96 hours per year. Employees may accumulate up to 2,100 hours.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: Health, dental and vision coverage is provided. The City's monthly contribution to health, dental and vision benefits is based on a three-tier system as follows:
$ 2,110.00 Employee + Family
$ 1,494.00 Employee + 1 Dependent
$ 748.00 Employee Only
$ 450.00 Opt Out
The employee pays the balance. An employee who opts out of health coverage receives the amount noted above minus dental and vision premium on their paycheck and treated as taxable income. Dental and vision coverage continuation is available upon retirement.

LIFE INSURANCE: Coverage in the amount of $20,000 is provided by the City. Supplemental coverage is available at employee cost.

DISABILITY INSURANCE: coverage is provided by the City, at City cost. This benefit pays 66 2/3% of the first $12,000 per month in salary.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: With a matching contribution by the employee, the City will contribute 1% of salary, (increasing to 2% after 15 years of service) to a voluntary 457 Plan.

RETIREE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (RHS): $2,880 initial deposit provided upon completion of a two (2) year vesting period. After initial contribution, the City shall contribute $130 per month.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Available to employees and dependents. Plan provides up to 3 counseling visits per incident, at City expense.

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE: Bachelor's degree pays in the amount of 2.5% of salary and Master's degree pays in the amount of 5% of salary.


BILINGUAL INCENTIVE LEAVE: Employees who pass a review panel and are needed in this capacity by the department, will receive 3 hours of Bilingual Leave Time per pay period into their Compensatory Time Off (CTO) balance.

UNIFORM AND UNIFORM ALLOWANCE PROGRAM: is provided for some positions.

ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAM is provided for some positions.

LONGEVITY PAY: 2.5% of salary at 10 years of service.

SECTION 125 PLAN: Providing for pre-tax deductions for employee-paid health premium and dependent care costs.
01


I understand that in order for my application to receive every consideration in the selection process, I must complete the following Supplemental Questions. I understand these responses must match the information I provide in the Work Experience and Education sections of my application. I certify that all information provided on this application and the Supplemental Questions is true to the best of my knowledge.

• Yes

02


This classification is eligible for Veteran's Preference. Do you wish to claim Veteran's Preference? To qualify you must submit the and DD214 by 5:00 pm on the final filing date. These documents can be submitted to the Human Resources Department by e-mail to View email address on click.appcast.io, by fax to View phone number on click.appcast.io, or by mail to P.O. Box 642, Modesto, CA 95353 (must be received by final filing date.)

• Yes
• No

03


Please indicate the areas in which you have at least one year of experience. Check all that apply.

• Accounts payable
• Accounts receivable/billing
• Cash handling
• Cash balancing
• Customer service (in person)
• Customer service (via telephone)
• Decision making under pressure
• Payroll
• Posting
• Reconciling discrepancies
• Researching customer service issues
• Utilizing a computerized accounting system
• I do not possess one year of work experience in any of the above categories

04


Please rate your level of expertise in Microsoft Word:

• None
• Basic
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• Expert

05


Please provide example(s) of tasks you perform using Microsoft Word and the frequency of this task.
06


Please rate your level of expertise in Microsoft Excel:

• None
• Basic
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• Expert

07


Please provide an example of tasks you perform using Microsoft Excel, including formulas and features, and the frequency of this task.
08


Indicate your approximate typing speed.

• Less than 30 WPM
• 30 - 45 WPM
• 45 - 65 WPM
• More than 65 WPM

Required Question