Position Summary:
The Accounts Payable Clerk is primarily responsible for the independent processing of the City’s accounts payable and all associated activities. This position requires the ability to accurately handle the receipt, balancing, and entry of large quantities of money and data.
Normal assignments are performed without further action or request. Special assignments are made in general detail with special requirements and due dates. Problems which require resolution by higher authority or which may involve policy are referred to the Deputy Finance Director. Work may be reviewed in general for compliance with directives, accuracy, suitability, and timely execution. The position is responsible for providing coverage for the Utility Clerk position should the need arise.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Serves under the direction of the Deputy Finance Director.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
None
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Depending upon assignment, the incumbent may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties, which are a representative sample of the level of work appropriate to this class.
Employees of the City of College Place are expected to model and foster the City’s core values: Open and Honest, Cooperation, Respect, Service, & Diversity.
- Process City’s accounts payable and all associated activities, including verifying invoices, ensuring proper approval for purchases, and monitoring purchase orders.
- Assist Accounting Clerk II with utility billing problems and questions.
- Answer multiple phone line system and disperse calls to the proper department, or provide general information as needed.
- As part of being cross trained with the Accountant II, may be responsible for day end audit, posting, and balancing of all utility receipts.
- May be responsible for daily A/R receipt deposit preparation.
- Assist with the bank reconciliation process including posting entries necessary for reconciling.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Accounting Clerk I
High School diploma, two years of college level business coursework in accounting and/or office procedures, and two years’ experience in a business office environment. Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the person with the knowledge and abilities required to perform the job may substitute for the above, at the discretion of the City.
Accounting Clerk II
Associate’s degree and four years’ experience in a business office environment. Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the person with the knowledge and abilities required to perform the job may substitute for the above, at the discretion of the City.
Accounting Clerk III
Bachelor’s degree and six years’ experience in a business office environment. Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the person with the knowledge and abilities required to perform the job may substitute for the above, at the discretion of the City.
KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:
1. A thorough knowledge of accounting systems and procedures and a thorough understanding of accounting principles and applications.
2. Experience working with public sector accounting practices and procedures highly desirable.
3. Customer service best practices using tact and diplomacy in dealing with business associates, other employees, and the general public.
4. Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED
1. Work independently with little direction.
2. Effective oral and written communication skills.
3. Extensive computer experience is required, with emphasis on having working knowledge of common software programs, such as Excel, Word, Windows, etc.
4. Accurate and proficient use of a 10-key calculator/adding machine is mandatory.
5. Fax and other office machine skills are required.
6. Must be able to perform mathematical calculations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
7. Communication skills necessary to deal with co-workers and the public in a highly professional manner are essential.
8. Must possess the ability to read and interpret documents, to write routine reports and correspondence, and the ability to read and write the English language in a clear and concise manner.
9. Must possess the ability to handle large quantities of money accurately, and on a daily basis.
10. Versatility to enable the performance of a variety of tasks.
11. Confidentiality is required in handling certain aspects of this position.
12. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with city officials, officials of other agencies, city employees and the general public.
13. Physical ability to perform the essential job functions.
14. Ability to meet timelines and schedules.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Environment
The work is generally performed within an office environment, which may include an open cubicle office setting. Will require occasional trips to other city offices and other agency offices for business purposes, and in inclement weather. Lighting and temperatures are typically adequate, and there are is little to no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies/procedures.
Physical Demands
Generally sedentary in nature, but may require standing and walking, and the ability to intermittently kneel down, stoop, bend at the waist, twist at the waist and reach, or sit for long periods of time. Operate a motor vehicle to visit various City and meeting sites. Must be able to read, write, and communicate clearly. Ability to lift, push, carry or pull materials and objects weighing up to 20 lbs. on occasion using proper lifting techniques. Operate standard equipment for assigned tasks. Good vision to read print and a computer screen. Ability to hear and speak to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to include repetitive keyboarding, grasping and reaching.
LICENSE & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Valid State of Washington driver’s license and driving record acceptable to our insurance provider.
Classification History
Created: 12/27/2017
Updated: 01/01/2025
FLSA: Non-Exempt, Union
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $4,257.00 - $5,862.00 per month
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person