Finance Technician II

City of Arlington, Washington•Arlington, WA

16h

About The Position

The Finance Technician II independently performs complex and responsible accounting, budget, and fiscal-record duties with minimum supervision. The position is assigned to a particular function, such as accounts payable or accounts receivable, but may be expected to work in any function as assigned by a supervisor. The role requires sound judgment to help prevent errors that could significantly affect the City’s financial position, bond rating, or public image. Advancement requires the technical skills, proficiency, qualifications, and job knowledge for the classification to be satisfied and reflected in the employee’s annual performance appraisal. The position performs work in an indoor office environment and uses computers and peripherals, software, a copy machine, facsimile machine, calculator, cash drawer, postage meter, and telephones. Occasional use of a City vehicle may be required for errands between locations, such as other departments, a bank, or the post office. The role includes processing financial transactions in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, audit guidance, and City policy; maintaining accounts and records; preparing reports; and supporting utility billing and collections. The technician provides account and budget information to City staff, assists with special research and reporting projects, and provides telephone and reception-counter assistance. The position also performs utility billing tasks, including service changes, payment arrangements, delinquency follow-up, refunds and adjustments, shutoff coordination, and support for utility billing policies and procedures.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Two years of experience in an accounts payable and/or accounts receivable work situation.
Customer service experience.
Must be a U.S. citizen or legally eligible to work in the United States.
Valid Washington State Driver’s License and a driving record acceptable to the City.
Successfully pass a background check.
Typing speed of 40 words per minute.
Ability to perform standard arithmetic, use decimals and percentages, and reconcile numbers.
Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and independently perform assignments with infrequent supervision.
Ability to work accurately and efficiently under pressure, frequent interruptions, competing requests, and strict guidelines and deadlines.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with variables in standard situations and situations with limited standardization.
Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with coworkers, supervisors, City employees, citizen groups, elected officials, and the public.
Visual and manual dexterity sufficient to operate computers and standard office equipment.
Physical ability to sit for prolonged periods and occasionally lift approximately 20 pounds, bend, and reach.

Nice To Haves

Accounts payable and/or accounts receivable experience in municipal government is preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform the job functions of a Finance Technician I.
Process transactions in accordance with current State, Federal, and local laws; Washington State Auditor and Internal Revenue Service requirements; Department of Labor & Industries requirements; and City policy.
Receive, verify, and analyze data; obtain signatures and budget coding; maintain accounts; post data into a computerized system; and prepare reports.
Develop spreadsheets for specific accounts to reconcile invoices and statements.
Provide budget or account information to Department Managers and other staff as needed.
Provide primary telephone and reception-counter assistance.
Assist with special reports or projects that require research, interpretation, or analysis of statistical data.
Develop spreadsheets, as required, to track receipts and expenditures related to donations, drug seizure funds, or other special revenue items.
Track and verify calculations for monthly, quarterly, and annual gambling and utility tax payments and other fees.
Follow up on delinquent accounts as required.
Perform monthly utility billing for water, sewer, and stormwater accounts.
Receive and process requests to establish or end utility services.
Process and monitor utility payment arrangements and discounted utility-rate applications.
Prepare meter-reading reports by downloading information from handheld instruments, creating route reports, and providing them to the public works department.
Prepare and maintain monthly billing reports and serve as backup for other technicians performing billing functions.
Initiate the utility shutoff process and coordinate with the public works department.
Review delinquent account balances, send late notices, and follow City collection policy.
Process refunds, account adjustments, and write-offs in accordance with City policy.
Assist with developing and updating City utility billing policies, procedures, rates, and programs.
Prepare, mail, and track payments for miscellaneous billings.
Keep current with new or changing guidelines and implement them as necessary.