Senior Accounting Clerk

City of Vancouver

7d•$5,481 - $7,006•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Accounting Clerk evaluates, designs, and implements accounting solutions to meet the City of Vancouver’s business needs. The role administers invoicing and monthly billings and supports accounts receivable, customer account maintenance, account reconciliation, transaction verification, billing and payment issue resolution, financial reporting, and collections. It helps ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data while improving accounting processes, maintaining internal controls, and providing reliable financial support. This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt union position covered by an agreement between the City and OPEIU. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The position is eligible for telework or a hybrid schedule, though employees may be required to work in the office based on business needs. Employees must reside in Oregon or Washington, and telework arrangements may change. Salary is subject to a collective bargaining agreement with negotiated step increases based on seniority; candidates meeting minimum qualifications start at Step 1, with qualifying experience and credentials considered for step credit up to Step 4 unless the agreement stipulates otherwise. The City of Vancouver describes its work as guided by livability, sustainability and resiliency, innovation, and equity and inclusion. It emphasizes collaboration, innovation, compassion, empowerment, safety, and an inclusive workplace.

Requirements

Two years of experience in an accounting environment, with emphasis on billings and collections, disbursement of transactions, review of record-keeping procedures, and development of reports.
At least one year of experience using financial software.
Associate’s degree in Accounting or a related field; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Knowledge of financial-record maintenance, record-keeping procedures, and report development.
Knowledge of advanced clerical accounting and bookkeeping principles and techniques.
Knowledge of regulatory standards and compliance requirements.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws relating to collections and standard accounting practices, including invoicing.
Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment, and ability to use personal computers and basic software.
Ability to apply City finance practices and procedures, fiscal record keeping, and reporting.
Ability to use Excel spreadsheets and formulas and apply standard accounting practices.
Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate business procedures, rules, and regulations, and to develop reports summarizing and detailing financial transactions.
Ability to provide a high level of customer service, communicate professionally, and maintain collaborative, respectful working relationships.
Ability to work as a team player, provide quality service, and maintain regular and dependable attendance.
Commitment to valuing differences, inclusion, safety, and compliance with safety and health policies and procedures.
Successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, basic criminal background check, and credit check.

Nice To Haves

Experience with automated financial systems such as Workday.
Knowledge of Washington State software systems.

Responsibilities

Create customer accounts; generate monthly, quarterly, and annual invoices or statements; and process credit memos and adjustments while meeting deadlines.
Handle program billings for Police/Alarms, Fire/Fire Inspections, Code Violations, Loans, Airport, Leases, and Parking.
Use Washington State’s Business Licensing Service processes and software to review applications, renewal records, and payments for accuracy and compliance with City business-license requirements.
Conduct collection activities, including sending follow-up statements, negotiating with past-due accounts, monitoring and applying payments, researching and resolving discrepancies, and referring accounts to collection agencies.
Research state license and revenue records and other business resources to identify businesses operating in the City without a City license, and distribute license materials as needed.
Monitor state revenue records and audit business records as needed to ensure licensed businesses comply with license fee surcharge requirements.
Anticipate, identify, and resolve accounting-operation problems; research technical data and respond to internal and external customer questions about regulations, policies, and procedures.
Review departmental invoicing requests for compliance with GAAP.
Provide technical information and instruction about procedures and methods; interpret and explain rules and regulations; research customer inquiries and complaints; and communicate findings.
Compile, monitor, and research data for reports, including reports on revenues, expenses, payments, service status, contracts, grants, fee receipts, entitlement and reimbursement programs, accounts receivable, and trust and retainage accounts.
Reconcile accounts to the general ledger and statements; maintain subsidiary ledgers, registers, and journals; and make general-ledger adjustments by journal entry.
Verify that interfaces and integrations are posted to Workday or subsidiary systems; identify missing transactions and work with IT to ensure missing transactions or batches are posted.
Prepare and execute legally enforceable contracts; research tax and title records to determine property ownership; manage appointments; provide payoff quotes and payment histories; and prepare reconveyance documents.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.