Accountant 1, 2 or 3

Job Title: Accountant 1 (entry), Accountant 2 (mid), or Accountant 3 (senior)


Department: Finance

Reports To: Finance Director

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt


Location: City Hall

Salary: 2026 Annual Salary Schedule

Accountant 1 (entry) $60,000 - $71,643

Accountant 2 (mid) $75,000 - $89,554

Accountant 3 (senior) $90,000 - $107,465

GENERAL PURPOSE


Responsible for all accounting related activities, including high-level accounting, managerial accounting, cost accounting, payroll and finance activities of the city. Performs technical and administrative accounting work in maintaining the fiscal records and systems of the city.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Assists with Budget Preparation: Supports the preparation of operating budgets and budget document worksheets. Assists with financial information summaries for department directors.
• Cost Control and Budget Monitoring: Assures that assigned areas of responsibility are performed within budget, performs cost control activities, monitors revenues and expenditures, and supports annual budget requests and preparation.

1. Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Prepares Financial Reports: Prepares a variety of studies, reports, and related financial information for decision-making purposes. Prepares annual financial reports, closes year-end general ledger, and prepares notes to the financial statements.
• Financial Reconciliation: Makes journal entries to balance and close books in general ledger, revenue, and expense accounts. Reconciles general ledger and subsidiary accounts. Prepares and posts adjusting journal entries and reconciles bank accounts and appropriate tax reports.
• Periodic and Comparative Reporting: Prepares periodic reports and reports with budget-to-actual information. Performs periodic financial studies and analysis.

1. Internal Controls and Compliance

• Oversees Internal Controls: Oversees the implementation of internal controls, ensures report compliance, and manages transaction reporting processes.
• Audit Liaison: Acts as a liaison with external audit staff, assists in implementing reporting changes, and communicates audit outcomes to upper management or the council.

1. Financial Systems and Procedures

• Maintain Financial Systems: Maintains BARS chart of account codes for the accounting system and posts documents with correct BARS account numbers.
• Supports and Standardizes Procedures: Supports and prepares work procedures, expedites workflow, and studies and standardizes procedures to improve operational efficiency.
• Processes Payroll and Payroll-Related Taxes: Manages payroll processing, including calculating wages, deducting taxes, and ensuring compliance with payroll regulations and tax requirements.
• Processes Accounts Payable Invoices: Manages the A/P process from invoice entry to vendor payment.
• Utility Billing: Manages the utility billing process, reviews usage data for accuracy, works with public works department to ensure timely payment or shut-off notices for delinquent payments.
• Process Accounts Receivable Invoices: Manages the A/R process for transaction reconciliations to requests for reimbursements; specific to capital projects and grants and contracts.

1. Cost Savings and Efficiency

• Identifies Cost Savings: Identifies cost savings opportunities by analyzing operational efficiencies, staff utilization, reporting functions, and resource needs.

1. Communication and Public Relations

• Makes Presentations: Delivers presentations to boards, commissions, civic groups, and the general public.
• Interacts with Customers: Receipts utility payments, answers customer questions, and supports public records requests.

1. Miscellaneous Duties

• Performs Related Duties: Performs related duties as assigned.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

• Serves as a member of various committees.

• Provides back-up to other related positions.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Accountant 1: Entry-level

• Graduation from an accredited two-year college or university with an associate's degree in accounting, business, finance or a closely related field, and/or

• 0-5 years of accounting experience;

• Expect high levels of supervision and teaching and training needed to complete job duties.

Accountant 2: Mid-level

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in accounting, business, finance or a closely related field, and/or

• 5-10 years of accounting experience;

• Expect mid-level of supervision and teaching and training needed to complete job duties.

Accountant 3: Senior-level

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in accounting, business, finance or a closely related field, a master's degree will count towards 2 years of experience, and/or

• Over 10 years of accounting experience;

• Expect limited supervision and teaching and training needed to complete job duties.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Traits:

• Thorough knowledge of double entry accounting theory, principles, and practices, auditing theory and practices; internal control procedures, and bookkeeping and accounting procedures and systems, including computer applications;

• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information. Ability to analyze program details to identify and apply significant data in preparing financial recommendations and reports, including graphics. Ability to manage multiple priorities. Ability to maintain effective accounting procedures, ability to carry out assigned projects to their completion; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public.

• A key value of the city is customer service. This position requires considerable knowledge, ability and skill in the principles and practices of excellent customer service as practiced in both the private and public sectors. It requires the ability to effectively meet and deal with the public; the ability to handle stressful situations; the ability to greet and respond to customers in a friendly, pleasant and professional manner using appropriate inflection, grammar and syntax; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, and the general public; the ability to maintain a professional, courteous, and pleasant demeanor in difficult and stressful situations; and the ability to diplomatically deal with difficult people. A willingness to expend extra effort to help the public find answers or information relative to their inquiry or complaint is expected.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be bondable. Valid Washington Driver's License or ability to obtain one.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.


SELECTION GUIDELINES


Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.

BENEFITS

• Medical, Dental, Vision with City contribution towards premium
• Retirement through WA State Department of Retirement (DRS)
• HRA VEBA Contribution
• Group Life Insurance
• PTO including vacation and sick time accrual, paid holidays (13), and personal holidays (4)