Account Clerk I, II & III

Account Clerk

Under direct or general supervision, performs routine and moderately complex clerical and accounting tasks, maintains assigned accounts in areas such as payroll, utility billing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cashiering and business licensing functions for the City of Norco.

Processes and reconciles financial transactions using various manual and automated systems. Responds effectively to requests and questions from customers and city staff. Prepares and maintains routine financial records, operating and statistical reports, schedules, logs, and correspondence for internal and external uses. Performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor. Starts and disconnects water service for customers; assists with the preparation and stuffing of water bills; coordinates new customer water turn-on and shut-off with Meter Reader(s); creates and sends past due and shut off notices and processes delinquent fees for accounts. Posts prepared journal entries to City's financial records; scans water payments received on a daily basis; counts cash drawer for daily use; processes incoming non-scan payments; processes and credits monies to correct accounts; logs prepared deposits for armored pickup. Assists customers and responds to account inquires and related services; assists customers with payment plans or extensions; logs and tracks insufficient checks from customers; assists other department clerks when indicated; prepares and distributes new customer information packets. Bills for water, sewer, trash and bin services monthly; initiates new services, monitors ongoing services, creates and processes monthly billing and mailing, tracks late accounts, closes services and pursues collection on closed accounts; gathers and prepares meter reading data for billing services; creates new service addresses for new homes; processes returned checks, adjustments and related documentation. Calculates and processes employee payroll; prepares or verifies employee pay rate, benefit deduction changes, timecards. Prepares paychecks for printing; reconciles payroll and maintains payroll records, reports and journals of wages, benefits and deductions. Prepares and reconciles required payroll tax returns and ensures compliance with payroll tax reporting requirements. Processes bills for payment within deadlines established by City Council; maintains vendor files; prepares, processes and posts City invoices for payment or cash disbursements; reconciles cash drawers for city departments; prepares deposits for assigned accounts; processes mail such as sorting by department, bundle and take to post office; performs other related duties as assigned.

All classes in this series have daily interaction with the public, vendors, customers, and City employees.

Typical Qualifications

Account Clerk I

Experience : One-year experience as Account Clerk or customer service representative.

Education : High School Diploma or equivalent education.

Knowledge : Accounts payable, account receivable, business license, payroll, or utility billing; practices and procedures related thereto; customer service methods and techniques; cash handling and reconciliation methods and techniques; computer hardware, software and peripherals.

Ability : Skill in processing financial transactions and maintaining financial records. Skill in performing accurate and routine reconciliations. Skill in oral and written communications and in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities is as follows :

Education : Obtain a High School Diploma or equivalent. Take some bookkeeping or accounting classes.

AND

Experience : One-year cashiering or customer service experience.

Account Clerk II

Knowledge of financial transaction processing in accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, utility billing or business license in a municipal government setting. Knowledge of practices, principles, methods and techniques of financial transaction processing and recordkeeping; Basic knowledge of federal, state and City laws, rules, regulations and codes related to municipal accounting; computer hardware, software and peripherals.

Skill in analyzing and reviewing account transactions and records for accuracy and compliance; performing accurate and timely accounting functions; Skill in oral and written communications and in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities is as follows :

Education : High School Diploma or Equivalent. Completion of college level courses is helpful.

AND

Experience : At least three years clerical accounting or customer service experience in a municipal government setting.

Account Clerk III

Comprehensive knowledge of financial processing and reconciliation in accounts payable, payroll, utility billing, accounts receivable, or business license in a municipal government setting practices, principles, methods and techniques of customer service; Knowledge of federal, state and City laws, rules, regulations and codes related to municipal financial processing and recordkeeping; computer hardware, software and peripherals.

Skill in analyzing, reviewing, reconciling and interpreting financial transactions and records for accuracy and compliance; Ability to prepare statutory and financial reports or schedules, in a timely and accurate manner; Skill in oral and written communications and in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities is as follows :

Education : High School Diploma or equivalent. Associate degree is preferred.

AND

Experience : At least five years' experience in clerical accounting and customer service in a municipal setting.

Account Clerk III serves as a lead person and may be assigned supervisory responsibilities in the absence of the Accounting Manager.

Work is performed in an office environment. Requires vision (which may be corrected) to read small print. Requires mobility of arms to reach and dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small objects. Requires mobility to stand, stoop, reach, and bend. Sit for long periods while typing and using a computer. Performs lifting, pushing and / or pulling and lift up to 25 pounds for the purpose of lifting supplies or equipment. Requires the ability to move from place to place within the office and to reach for items above and below desk level. While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use oral and written communications skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret situations; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new information or new skills; interact with City staff, other organizations and the public.

All City employees are required to perform assigned Emergency Service duties in the event of an emergency or disaster. Employee must complete required FEMA courses within six months of employment. Only those candidates who have the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process. Final appointments may be subject to a selection interview with the Department Director or designee and the remaining conditional steps in the hiring process. This position requires a conditional employment offer based on the successful completion of a drug and alcohol screening. The City of Norco is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability (mental and physical), sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sex orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, or military and veteran status. The City is committed to making its programs, services and activities accessible to individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation to participate in this recruitment, please contact Human Resources prior to the filing deadline. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request. All employment offers are conditional based on the successful completion of a background investigation, physical and drug and alcohol screening at city expense and conducted by a physician designated by the city. All information on the application is subject to investigation and verification. Reference checks will be conducted by the City to include at least the following : (1) verification / reference from current and past employers, (2) fingerprinting and Department of Justice criminal background check, and (3) confirmation of necessary licenses, certificates, and / or diploma / degrees. In accordance with the City's drug free workplace policy, all employment offers are conditional and based on successful completion of drug test. The City of Norco is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees in the United States.