Account Clerk Specialist - DPW

Grand Traverse County Michigan•Lexington, MA

20d•Onsite

About The Position

The Account Clerk Specialist provides customer assistance and performs complex, varied financial and accounting functions related to customer accounts within a department. The role works with outside agencies and companies to reconcile accounts, establish financial responsibilities, process billing and collections, and enforce County rules and procedures. The employee has no formal supervisory role but may train, guide, or lead others in the work unit, and contributes to the team’s objectives. The position involves evaluating and applying guidelines that may be flexible or open to interpretation, researching and resolving account issues, and handling more complex and varied financial functions than an Account Clerk. It requires knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping principles and specialized department or program activities. Work is performed in an office environment. Employees must meet job requirements and perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation. A background check may be required as a condition of appointment or continued employment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED supplemented by advanced college coursework in accounting or a related field.
One to two years of directly related experience; an associate degree in a related field may substitute for the experience requirement.
Proficiency in English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and basic mathematical functions, including percentages and ratios.
Knowledge of generally accepted accounting and bookkeeping principles.
Specialized knowledge related to the department or function.
Skill in operating modern office equipment, including computers, fax machines, copiers, and telephones.
Skill using personal computer software, including spreadsheets and word processing.
Interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships with customers, coworkers, and representatives of other agencies.
Skill in researching and resolving problems to ensure compliance.
Ability to comprehend, process, and apply verbal and written information appropriate to the job.
Ability to explain complex policies and processes in understandable terms.
Ability to organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files accurately.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Ability to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
A satisfactory background check may be required; it may include identity, criminal record, education or credential verification, motor vehicle records, fingerprinting, and drug or alcohol testing where allowed by law.

Responsibilities

Processes, researches, compiles, and analyzes information; prepares and verifies statements, reports, and billings related to customer accounts.
Provides accurate, prompt, and courteous customer service about complex policies, guidelines, and practices to internal and external customers verbally and in writing.
Reviews, evaluates, and processes financial transactions, receipts, and disbursements within established guidelines.
Conducts specialized account research and audits, and resolves discrepancies or erroneous data to ensure compliance with rules, court orders, policies, and laws.
Collaborates with County employees and government entities to research and resolve issues.
Reviews technical and legal documents and takes appropriate action within established guidelines.
Enters, verifies, and reconciles account information and customer data; may develop spreadsheets, databases, or reports.
Establishes, monitors, maintains, and closes customer accounts as necessary.
Performs mathematical calculations to balance, reconcile, and maintain records.
Sorts, files, and maintains paper, computer, or imaging materials and filing systems; retrieves materials and records file movement.
Performs routine clerical activities in support of the assigned department.
Uses office equipment including printers, computers, fax machines, postage machines, adding machines, scanners, and copiers.
May train, guide, or lead employees in the designated work unit.

Benefits

Medical coverage through a high-deductible Priority Health plan, with an annual County Health Savings Account contribution of up to $2,000.
No-cost employee vision plan and an optional enhanced plan through EyeMed.
Dental coverage through Delta Dental, with no cost or premium for diagnostic and cleaning services.
Wellness incentives and programs.
Employee awards and recognition throughout the year and on employment anniversaries.
Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 annually for courses at an accredited college, university, or trade school.
Vacation days for benefitted employees.
Twelve annual holidays plus additional floating holidays.
Up to 72 hours of annual personal leave, depending on contract; payment for up to 40 unused hours annually.
Up to six months of parental leave beginning at the birth or adoption of a child.
Defined-contribution retirement plan through MERS, with a match that fully vests after six years of employment.
Optional 457(b) deferred compensation and Roth retirement plans, with matching contributions up to an approved amount based on applicable contract provisions.
Life insurance for benefitted employees.
Short-term disability plan paying two thirds of salary or wages for up to 182 days.
Long-term disability plan paying 60 percent of salary or wages for up to 24 months.