Accounting Assistant I

City of Tumwater; Tumwater (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Tumwater is seeking an Accounting Assistant to support utility billing operations and core finance functions. You will process invoices, manage data entry, and assist with customer inquiries, payments, and postings in a municipal setting.

The role requires attention to detail, strong customer service, and the ability to work collaboratively with finance staff and other departments. This position supports month-end activities and ensures accurate financial records.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 1+ year clerical or accounting experience, or college coursework in accounting, or equivalent combination.
• Valid Washington State Driver License.
• Municipal/public-sector accounting experience preferred.
• Knowledge of accounting systems, spreadsheets, and office software.
• Customer service experience handling cash or inquiries.

Responsibilities

• Process invoices, purchase orders, and vendor payments in line with policies.
• Handle data entry, payments processing, and account updates for utility billing.
• Receive, balance, and deposit daily cash, checks, and card payments.
• Maintain accurate financial records and assist month-end/year-end close as directed.
• Provide backup coverage for accounting/clerical staff and participate in training.

Skills

Data entry

Reconciliation

Cash handling

Customer service

Team collaboration

Confidentiality

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Accounting coursework / college-level

Equivalency of education/experience

Tools

Accounting software

Spreadsheets

Office software

Job description

Why Tumwater?

Tumwater is more than just a city, it’s a vibrant community rooted in history and filled with opportunity. Located at the southern gateway to the Seattle-Tacoma metro area, Tumwater offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-picture vision.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Puget Sound, prairie landscapes, rivers, and evergreen forests, we’re just over an hour from ocean beaches, the Olympic Peninsula, and Mount Rainier. Whether you’re into hiking, kayaking, brewery-hopping, or live music, you’ll find easy access to it all.

Here in Tumwater, we’re building a future that’s highly livable, connected, and inclusive. With safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a deep sense of civic pride, it’s not just a great place to live, it’s a great place to grow your career.

The Opportunity

The Finance Department is looking for a motivated and team-oriented Accounting Assistant to support our utility billing operations. This is a great opportunity to bring your accounting knowledge and customer service skills to a fast-paced, community-forward environment.

We’re seeking someone with a positive, can-do attitude who’s ready to handle a variety of responsibilities including utility billing, customer service, cash receipting, and general financial support. If you're detail-oriented, self-motivated, and eager to collaborate with a supportive team, we’d love to hear from you!

Come be part of a stable, flexible, and welcoming workplace where your contributions make a real impact.

This is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, and responsibilities required of the job. Other duties may be assigned and/or performed. The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to:

Accounts Payable & Receivable

• Process invoices, purchase orders, and vendor payments according to City policies and timelines.
• Verify accuracy of charges, coding, and supporting documentation.
• Record incoming payments and assist with account reconciliations.

Utility & Customer Billing

• Assist with utility billing operations, including data entry, payment processing, and account updates.
• Respond to customer inquiries regarding billing, payments, and service changes.
• Generate, review, and mail routine billing statements.
• Provide a high level of professional written and verbal communication support.

Cash Receipting & Financial Transactions

• Receive, record, and balance daily cash, check and credit card receipts from multiple departments accurately while adhering to internal controls.

Clerical & Administrative Support

• Maintain accurate financial and filing records in accordance with retention policies.
• Assist with scanning, copying, and data entry tasks.

Team & Departmental Support

• Assist with month-end and year-end closing processes as directed.
• Provide backup coverage for other accounting or clerical staff.
• Participate in training to develop knowledge of municipal accounting procedures.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of basic accounting principles and financial recordkeeping.
• Skill in data entry, reconciliation, and cash handling.
• Ability to maintain accuracy while managing multiple priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Commitment to confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism.

Minimum Qualifications

1. High school diploma or GED and at least one (1) year of clerical or accounting experience; or
2. Completion of college-level coursework or vocational training in accounting, business, or finance; or
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions.

Special Requirements

• Valid Washington State Driver License and acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in municipal or public-sector accounting.
• Knowledge of accounting systems, spreadsheets, and office software.
• Customer service experience handling cash or public inquiries.

Decision Rights & Problem Solving

• Work is performed under general supervision following established procedures.
• Exercises limited independent judgment in completing tasks within defined guidelines.
• Refers policy or procedural questions to the Accounting Supervisor.

Supervision Received / Exercised

• Received: Direct supervision from the Accounting Supervisor.
• Exercised: None.

Key Relationships

• Internal: Finance staff, other City departments, and utility billing staff.
• External: Vendors, customers, and residents.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

Work is performed primarily in an office or administrative environment. Duties may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and repetitive hand or wrist movements associated with computer use. The position may require occasional bending, reaching, or light to moderate lifting of office materials or equipment.

Work may include attendance at meetings, site visits, or public events, which may require travel to various locations. Some assignments may involve interacting with the public in stressful or contentious situations or working under deadlines and competing priorities.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals in accordance with applicable laws.

Commitment to Equity, Safety, and Ethics

Employees are expected to perform their duties in a manner that supports equity, safety, integrity, and professionalism. This includes following all safety policies and procedures, treating coworkers and the public with respect, and conducting work ethically and responsibly.

Employees are expected to uphold public trust through fair, transparent, and lawful conduct and to contribute to a safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment.

The City of Tumwater is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

The City of Tumwater is committed to wellness, safety, the environment and racial equity.