Accountant 1, 2 or 3

City of Airway Heights • Airway Heights, WA

2d • $60,000 - $107,465 • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Considerable knowledge, ability and skill in the principles and practices of excellent customer service as practiced in both the private and public sectors.
• Ability to effectively meet and deal with the public;
• Ability to handle stressful situations;
• Ability to greet and respond to customers in a friendly, pleasant and professional manner using appropriate inflection, grammar and syntax;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, and the general public;
• Ability to maintain a professional, courteous, and pleasant demeanor in difficult and stressful situations;
• 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.
• Must be bondable.
• Valid Washington Driver’s License or ability to obtain one.

Nice To Haves

• Accountant 1: Entry-level, Expect high levels of supervision and teaching and training needed to complete job duties.
• Accountant 2: Mid-level, Expect mid-level of supervision and teaching and training needed to complete job duties.
• Accountant 3: Senior-level, Expect limited supervision and teaching and training needed to complete job duties.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Identifies Cost Savings: Identifies cost savings opportunities by analyzing operational efficiencies, staff utilization, reporting functions, and resource needs.
• 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.
• Performs Related Duties: Performs related duties as assigned.
• Serves as a member of various committees.
• Provides back-up to other related positions.

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)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree