Account Clerk III - Clerk of Courts

County of Chester•Justice Center - West Chester, PA

About The Position

The Account Clerk III provides advanced fiscal support to the Clerk of Courts Department, performing accounting functions that require in-depth knowledge of county financial systems. The position works under minimal supervision and supports the efficient delivery of county programs. Duties include processing transactions across multiple bank accounts, producing financial and bail reports, processing payments and refunds, preparing deposits, reconciling accounts, completing month-end processing, and responding to audit requests. The role also provides clerical and receptionist support and interacts professionally with clients, attorneys, judges, court officers, other departments, and the public. The position requires professionalism, integrity, and strict confidentiality when handling money, checks, and sensitive information.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Six months to one year of job-related experience and/or training.
Ability to coordinate and direct work assignments.
Excellent customer service skills and strong interpersonal skills.
Intermediate skill using a personal computer and various software packages.
Strong mathematical and accounting skills; accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to use standard office machines, including fax, copier, and calculator.
Integrity, honesty, and ability to maintain confidentiality and handle confidential information.
Ability to maintain a positive public image for the department and county.
Intermediate Word and Excel skills; intermediate Access skills; basic PowerPoint, Outlook (email and calendar), and Internet skills.
PeopleSoft Financial skills or ability to learn PeopleSoft, and basic knowledge and skill with accounting software.
Ability to work with money and checks, including receiving and disbursing them.
Professionalism and ability to communicate effectively in challenging situations.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting or a related field.
At least three years of bookkeeping and accounting experience and/or training.
Intermediate to advanced accounting or bookkeeping skills.
Previous work experience in government finance.
At least two years of general office experience, including typing, clerical work, filing, and copying.
Ability to work with minimal supervision, strong organizational skills, and ability to multitask and work as part of a team.
General knowledge of County of Chester policies and procedures.
Knowledge of the CPCMS database.

Responsibilities

Obtain financial data and maintain accounting records; prepare vouchers, invoices, checks, refunds, account statements, reports, and related records.
Verify and post financial transactions, including funds received and disbursed.
Prepare monthly production and billing reports; audit invoices against purchase orders and research discrepancies.
Produce, maintain, distribute, and reconcile reports and records; enter data into PeopleSoft according to procedures; assist with financial statements and reconcile bank statements.
Process transactions in multiple bank accounts and run daily CPCMS financial and bail reports for statistical purposes.
Provide backup for the secondary Accounting Clerk and training support staff.
Communicate with clients by phone and in person, and interact professionally with attorneys, judges, court officers, and the public.
Prepare for and participate in county and state audits and work with the County Controller’s office; respond to audit requests.
Process bail returns; answer phone calls and respond to bail, fine, and costs inquiries; conduct window transactions.
Process Summary Appeal and Pre-Trial filings and accept and process payments for fines, costs, and restitution.
Prepare authorized checks, send paperwork for payment plans, and prepare deposits from prior-day Epay bail cashier sessions.
Send bail-related notifications and bill Summary Appeal cases with escrow.
Complete month-end processing, reconcile bank accounts, process Department of Revenue checks, and prepare bail pieces.
Process escheat and NSF checks and reconcile the unreimbursed escrow report for three accounts.
Track bail forfeitures and maintain the Approved Bondsman List.
Provide clerical support such as typing, filing, and copying; perform receptionist duties, serve as a liaison to other departments, and complete other duties and special projects as needed.