Financial Services Specialist



Financial Services Specialist

Salary

$3,343.60 - $3,993.60 Monthly

Location

City Hall: 129 N. 2nd St. Yakima, WA

Job Type

Full-time

Department

Finance

Division

Financial Services

Opening Date

10/07/2021

Closing Date

10/25/2021 4:00 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

AFSCME - Municipal

Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the  application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate's qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position.  For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of 173.33 hours per month.  Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.  

Overview and Minimum Class Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
A high school diploma or equivalent and eighteen (18) months of business financial recordkeeping, bookkeeping, and/or accounting experience.  Completion of Technical/Vocational, Associate's or Bachelor's degree in accounting, business, or related may substitute for the work experience.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES:  

Obtain/possess and maintain valid WA State Driver’s License.


Job Summary

Under general supervision, performs responsible, moderately complex financial recordkeeping and related clerical tasks; operates one or more types of office or specialized equipment; exercises independent judgment in decision-making in resolving unusual problems, and interpreting moderately complex guidelines and regulations; may ensure work is performed in a timely manner and in accordance with established federal, state and local guidelines; performs related work as required.

Essential Functions

Greets the public by phone or in person; provides a variety of information regarding the purpose and functions of the work unit; routes calls and visitors, resolves standard requests or issues; takes messages and complaints.
 
Maintains and establishes computerized and manual records and maintains records in accordance with retention policies; compiles and prepares documents and reports requiring knowledge of work unit functions, necessary support data and related resource materials; prepares reports, letters, fiscal documents; proofreads and corrects errors.
 
Receives, reviews, sorts and processes mail, invoices, receipts, purchase orders, disbursement requests, statements, travel authorizations and/or other documents; verifies receipt of merchandise, audits and verifies computation totals and entries for accuracy including credits, taxes, freight charges and appropriate discounts; matches vendors and invoices to purchase orders; charges expenditures to proper Budget Account Number. Contacts vendors and departments verbally and/or by correspondence to reconcile or resolve discrepancies.  Prepares requisitions for departments as necessary. Issues accounts payable warrants/checks with explanation of items paid.  
 
Maintains time, attendance and related payroll records; verifies time usage and accruals. 

Monitors status of bank accounts ensuring sufficient operating balances. With authorization, deposits additional funds to maintain sufficient balance. Receives cash transmittals from other departments, balances, receipts, records and posts to appropriate accounts. Assists in identifying and correcting transmittal discrepancies.  Receives, processes, enters, audits and tracks documents, transmittals and information. Balances daily cash received, processes bank deposits and maintains appropriate records. Makes appropriate reports including spreadsheets as necessary.
 
Maintains contact with staff of other departments to share information and solve problems. Provides technical assistance and support to departments. Provides information to auditors as needed.
 
Receives, verifies costs are properly receipted and have required signatures, then processes and files travel authorizations. Receives, verifies and processes telephone, gas, electric, outside utility, cellular phone, scanner 911 and other utility bills.
 
Balances money received by departments and balances daily cash by cashier and by revenue type; issues receipts; posts totals to appropriate account either on ledgers or computer terminal.  Processes bank deposits; maintains ledgers on daily bank deposits. Reconciles accounts and prepares appropriate reports.
 
Issues electronic fund transfers as needed and authorized; issues refund checks for various collected revenue; reconciles warrant register books for warrants issued and redeemed.  May be authorized to sign on City of Yakima Bank Accounts.
 
Administers Local Improvement District assessments; prepares publication notices, establishes LID accounts, provides account balances for property owners and closing agents. Notifies property owners of delinquent accounts and payment alternatives.
 
Maintains various billing accounts; issues statements, calculates amounts due, interests, penalties, late charges or replacement costs.  Posts payments to ledgers, verifies posted entries, totals or computations for accuracy; maintains related records and files.  Explains policies and procedures to the public, taxpayers, vendors, other departments, auditors, as a witness, or in other venues.
 
May train new employees; monitors work performed; ensures accurate and timely completion of tasks; and makes corrections as needed.

Operates varied office or specialized equipment in conjunction with work such as a computer, calculator, copy machine, cash register, fax machine, scanner and others.
 
Requires regular and reliable attendance.
 
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Major Worker Characteristics

Knowledge of and proficiency in   modern office practices and procedures; moderately complex business arithmetic; standard clerical, accounting and bookkeeping principles and practices,  State of Washington BARS accounting system, and records retention policies and procedures. Thorough knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws, and City policies and procedures.
 
Knowledge of techniques and strategies for dissemination of moderately complex and/or technical written and verbal information to a wide range of individuals, including but not limited to City Staff, other governmental agencies, and members of the public.
 
Working knowledge of: computer spreadsheets; databases; industry applications; Microsoft Office Suite Outlook, Word, and Excel; and office equipment; and computerized municipal financial management practices.
 
Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, with employees, members of the public representing diverse educational levels and backgrounds, and with officials at all levels of government utilizing well developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of business English, and plain English, including but not limited to correct grammar, vocabulary, letter composition, editing, spelling, and punctuation.
 
Ability to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to: computer, fax machine, copy machine, telephone etc.  Must be able to enter information into a computer system within speed and accuracy.

Ability to: perform and understand a variety of mathematical computations; maintain financial records; understand and apply moderately complex guidelines to varied operational situations  and resolve issues using initiative and independent judgement.
 
Ability to work independently with self-direction under general instruction and broad work expectations; perform multiple tasks with changing priorities within strict timelines and under stressful conditions; and maintain sustained attention to detail and work under timeline pressures.  Excellent analytical and organizational skills are essential.
 
Ability to consistently and continually provide excellent customer service and to establish, facilitate and maintain effective and courteous working relationships with employees and the public representing widely diverse opinions, beliefs, ethnic, economic  and social backgrounds; communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; and recognize and treat information and data in a sensitive and confidential manner and within City and state guidelines on disclosure..  Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer terminal for extended periods of time or while standing for a period of time.  Occasionally needs to move inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Continual use of both hands in reaching/handling/grasping/fingering while performing duties operating on computers and calculators. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs and ladders while maintaining balance. Continuous use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and while communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Occasionally work includes lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory. May work in a noisy work area.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.


UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS:  

May come in contact with irate, upset, or disturbed customers.


The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The City of Yakima is a premier employer in the Yakima Valley with extensive opportunities for training and growth. The City offers a competitive benefit package including:

  • Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
  • FREE healthcare clinic!
  • WA State PERS pension plan
  • 1% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan
  • Generous accruals for vacation and sick leave
  • Up to 5% bilingual/biliterate English/Spanish special pay
  • Much more!
This position is covered by the AFSCME Municipal collective bargaing unit.  Click here to view the union contract and benefits.

01
Did you clearly document your work history in the Work Experience section of your application including dates, titles and duties for each position/classification held?
  • Yes
  • No
02
What is your highest level of education?
  • High School diploma/GED
  • Some College
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters Degree
  • Technical/Trade Certification
  • None of the above
03
Select the follow secondary education you have obtained:
  • Technical/Vocational certification in accounting/business
  • Associate's Degree in accounting/business
  • Bachelor's Degree in accounting/business
  • I have not obtained any of the above
04
How much experience do you possess of business financial recordkeeping, bookkeeping, and/or accounting practices?
  • None
  • Less than 18 months
  • At least 18 months and less than 3 years
  • At least 3 years
05
If you have the experience above, enter here the name(s) of the employer(s) and your job title(s). (Be sure application clearly outlines your job duties and lists both the months and years of experience in each position.)
06
Briefly detail your experience utilizing financial and/or billing software and programs. Include the name of the software/program, your responsibility and authority using it, and your level of expertise (Beginner, Intermediate, Proficient, Expert).
07
Please describe particular skills, experience or training which you believe BEST qualifies you for this position.

Required Question

Agency
City of Yakima
Address
129 N. 2nd Street

Yakima, Washington, 98901
Phone
(509) 575-6090