Account Clerk I/II

City of Porterville•Porterville, CA

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs routine technical and specialized clerical accounting work involving the preparation, review and maintenance of financial and statistical records. This role may be assigned to various divisions such as Utility Billing, Accounts Receivable, Purchasing, Business Licensing, and Accounts Payable. The Account Clerk I is an entry-level position performing simpler, more routine tasks, while the Account Clerk II is a journey-level position handling more complex accounting, bookkeeping, or document preparation tasks.

Requirements

Account Clerk I - One year of general office clerical experience or any combination of training and experience that provides the desired knowledge and abilities.
Account Clerk II - One year of clerical accounting experience including review and maintenance of financial records and fiscal/account transactions or any combination of training and experience that provides the desired knowledge and abilities.
Perform arithmetical calculations.
Manage a high volume of transactions efficiently and accurately.
Balance cash receipts.
Operate cash register and office equipment.
Detect errors in coding.
Deal effectively and courteously with the public.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, peers and the general public.
Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
Type at a rate sufficient to perform assigned duties and 10-key proficient.
Maintain financial and statistical records.
Perform clerical record keeping work.
Understand and apply specific record keeping procedures.
Detect errors in coding, arithmetic and record processing.
Make arithmetical calculations.
Understand the principles and procedures of fiscal record keeping and accounting functions.
Reconcile differences in the record keeping system.
Understand the relationship among accounting records and documents.
Prepare financial reports.
Knowledge of cashiering and financial record keeping practices, office procedures, and machine operations; basic arithmetic.
Knowledge of clerical accounting practices, record keeping and automated accounting applications; modern office practices and machine operation; municipal accounting system procedures.
Possession of a valid California Drivers’ License.

Responsibilities

Compiles, calculates, and reviews accounting records for accuracy and conformance with established procedures; enters data into manual and automated systems.
Balances, resolves, or reconciles discrepancies between payments, receipts, accounts and/or source documents; posts transactions in accounts, journals, and ledgers.
Prepares financial, statistical, and narrative reports or statements relating to assigned segments of the accounting system.
Responds to inquiries regarding assigned areas of the accounting system.
Receives the public and provides general information relating to City services; explains rate billing procedures; refers to other departments as necessary.
Acts as cashier; processes financial transaction documents; receives, sorts, and stamps documents such as bills, invoices, vouchers, applications and permits.
Coordinates with collection agencies to assist in the recovery of outstanding debts.
May be assigned to lead the work of clerical employees engaged in accounting activity or assist in more complex operations.
Receives, reviews, and processes new business license and renewal applications; issues business licenses; maintains and updates business license records.
Ensures businesses are in compliance with local ordinances and regulations; provides information and assistance to business owners regarding the licensing process, requirements, and fees.
Coordinates with code enforcement as necessary to address and resolve violations or compliance issues with unlicensed businesses.
Works closely with other city departments to ensure all businesses meet necessary operational requirements.
Accepts and processes payments for utility billing, accounts receivable, business licenses, and various municipal services.
Establishes new utility accounts; prepares work orders for service connections, disconnects, and meter problems or meter re-reads.
Communicates with customers to address overdue accounts; negotiates payment plans; resolves customer complaints and inquiries.
Verifies and balances deposits; prepares bank deposits.
Identifies and resolves discrepancies.
Generates, verifies, and sends invoices to customers according to the billing schedule.
Reconciles accounts receivable ledgers to verify that payments are correctly applied and outstanding balances are accurate.
Monitors and follows up on overdue accounts; resolves discrepancies or billing issues.
Prepares regular accounts receivable reports, including aging summaries and outstanding balances.
Posts fiscal year end receivable accrual entries.
Assembles bid packages, calendars bid opening, records bids, prepares approval for purchases lists.
Creates, reviews, and issues purchase orders ensuring accuracy in item descriptions, quantities and pricing.
Matches invoices with purchase orders; enters pertinent account information and forwards for payment.
Initiates orders for replenishment as needed; maintains accurate and organized records of purchase orders, contracts, and supplier information.
Ensures all purchasing activities comply with policies, budgetary constraints, and legal regulations.
Reviews and verifies accuracy of invoices, purchase orders, and receiving documents before processing.
Checks documents for proper authorizations and budget codes.
Enters invoices and payment information into accounting software, processes and posts all payables.
Reviews checks for accuracy; reconciles monthly vendor statements and maintains vendor records.
Researches outstanding invoices and resolves issues related to accounts payable payments.
Responds to vendor and department inquiries regarding account status.
Prepares and posts fiscal year end accounts payable accrual entries.
Collects and verifies W-9 forms from vendors and contractors; prepares and files Form 1099s for applicable vendors.