Accounting Associate

Employer City of Kirkland Salary $73,546.10 - $86,524.67 Annually Location City Hall - 123 5th Ave, Kirkland, WA Job Type Full‑Time Job Number 202100801 Department Finance & Administration - Payroll Opening Date 07/13/2026 Closing Date Continuous FLSA Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit AFSCME Job Summary The Department of Finance & Administration is hiring an Accounting Associate supporting the Accounts Receivable function. The role involves providing para‑professional accounting work in support of the City‑wide finance and accounting functions across areas such as cash management, general ledger maintenance, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and cost accounting. The incumbent will interact with internal departments, vendors, the public, and other jurisdictions to address inquiries, resolve technical and non‑technical issues, and explain relevant policies and procedures under general supervision. Essential Functions Review, match, audit, and research accounting and financial data from various sources; verify accuracy and completeness of accounting documents to process, record, balance, and reconcile transactions in accordance with internal guidelines. Perform complex reconciliations of general ledger accounts and subsystems and recommend corrective actions. Classify and enter data into a computerized financial system, transferring data from other systems as required. Compile, monitor, track, and report on a variety of financial records as required by law. Prepare journal entries for review by the Supervisor or Manager. Prepare taxes in the assigned area monthly, quarterly, or as required. Provide back‑up and special reconciliation support as assigned. Support other Accounting Associate assignment areas and the broader Finance & Administration team. Foster a positive and supportive work environment and promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Accounts Receivable Track, monitor, and collect local taxes and other City revenues, including permit, gambling, business utility, and admissions taxes. Generate and issue customer invoices for miscellaneous billings not handled by automated systems. Coordinate with external agencies and third‑party processors for receivable processing and collections. Assist in month‑end and year‑end revenue reconciliation, including accruals, deferred revenue, and unearned income analysis. Prepare journal entries for returned bank items, property tax, and business license revenue. Review and import revenue, including utilities and recreation revenue. Identify and process delinquent accounts per City policy. Track and report unclaimed property, respond to claims, research, and coordinate issuance of replacement checks. Process business tax accounts receivable including receipting, tracking, and verifying amounts. Peripheral Duties Research and prepare journal entries for review by the Accounting Manager or Financial Planning Manager. Provide annual audit information and assist with audits as requested. Communicate with other departments regarding uncollected funds. Assist in preparing summaries and financial data for management decision‑making and City‑wide financial statements. Monitor work processes for improvements and participate in developing new policies, procedures, and automation. Coordinate division records by organizing off‑site storage and record destruction. Respond to public disclosure requests from the City Clerk's Office. Perform special projects to support the finance staff. Act as liaison with other City departments regarding accounting and reporting issues. Perform other duties as assigned. Perform functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of general accounting practices and fund accounting, including debits/credits and GAAP. Attention to detail and ability to perform complex para‑professional accounting duties. Understanding of automated financial management and document management systems. Proficiency in office automation software, spreadsheets, graphs, and charts. Effective verbal and written communication with the public and employees. Ability to establish and maintain effective teamwork. Analytical skills for auditing, researching, and reconciling records and calculations. Proficiency with standard office equipment. Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and adapt to changing priorities. Initiative to develop new ideas and approaches to procedures. Knowledge of laws, regulations, contracts, policies, and procedures. Confidentiality and sensitivity in handling payroll matters. Accurate processing of high volume transactions. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or GED equivalent. Two years of experience in bookkeeping, accounting, or accounts payable, with at least one year in computer data entry and proficiency with spreadsheet software. Combination of education and experience that demonstrates ability to perform the essential duties. Preferred Qualifications Associate degree. Physical Demands and Working Environment The work is predominantly performed indoors in an office environment with frequent interruptions. It requires sitting, talking, hearing, frequent use of hands and fingers, and repetitive arm, wrist, and hand movements. Occasional standing, reaching, climbing, stooping, kneeling, bending or crawling may be required. Lifting of boxes or files not to exceed 30 pounds may be required. Equal Opportunity Employer We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Background Check Final candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check, consistent with applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr