Accounting Specialist

City of Kennewick

Kennewick (WA)

On-site

USD 46,000 - 65,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

The City of Kennewick is recruiting an Accounting Specialist to join the Finance Division. The role focuses on payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable with heavy use of computer systems.

Requires at least two years of college-level coursework in Business or Accounting and 2+ years of clerical accounting or bookkeeping experience; an Associate’s degree is preferred. Schedules are full-time, with possible early/late shifts.

Qualifications

Two years of college-level coursework in Business or Accounting required or equivalent experience.
Two+ years of clerical accounting or bookkeeping experience or equivalent training.
Familiar with accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll processes.

Responsibilities

Processes invoices and creates checks for disbursements in a timely manner.
Reviews payment authorizations for accuracy and appropriateness.
Interacts with vendors to resolve discrepancies and communicates as needed.
Assists internal and external customers with questions and payments.
Performs pre-audits of invoices to confirm proper authorization and documentation.

Skills

Strong numerical aptitude

Attention to detail

Proficiency with Microsoft Excel

Effective communication

Organizational skills

Education

Two years of college-level coursework in Business or Accounting

Associate’s degree in Business Administration preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Makes travel arrangements for department personnel.

Description

First Review Date: August 20, 2026

This recruitment closes on: August 27, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

Overview

The City of Kennewick has an opening for an Accounting Specialist to join our Finance Division.

CORE VALUE STATEMENT

The City of Kennewick will provide excellent public service and ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community and one another through the empowerment of each employee. We value integrity, inclusiveness, stewardship, and communication. We are accountable to our community for innovative and collaborative efforts that anticipate needs, leverage resources, and deliver solutions.

SAFETY STATEMENT

We expect our employees to ensure compliance with all applicable safety practices and policies, including those established by OSHA/DOSH regulations and by the City’s Accident Prevention Plan. This includes but is not limited to actively identifying and correcting potential hazards that may affect employee and public safety, including those identified by co-workers; leading by example to promote a positive culture of workplace safety through everyday action; and emphasizing safe completion of work throughout all aspects of developing and carrying out work plans.

Classification Summary

Under general supervision, an Accounting Specialist performs a variety of fiscal processing duties, including the areas of payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. This is a single level classification. It is not part of a series. Incumbent interacts with the public, department supervisors/managers, and employees by providing technical assistance requiring a thorough knowledge and understanding of departmental processes and procedures. Computer usage is heavy, and the incumbent must possess considerable knowledge and experience in the application/operation of various software programs.

WORK SCHEDULE

The initial work schedule for this classification will be full-time, Monday through Friday. Early mornings, evenings and weekend work may be occasionally required. Overtime may be occasionally required. This classification is non-exempt under the FLSA.

Examples of Work Performed (Illustrative Only)

The following list reflects the essential job duties and responsibilities of this classification but is not all-inclusive. The incumbent will perform other related duties as assigned.

Accounts Payable

Processes invoices and creates checks for disbursements in a timely manner, requiring interaction with all departments.
Manages accounts payable documents from receipt to storage in records management system.
Reviews payment authorizations for accuracy and appropriateness.
Interact with vendors to resolve discrepancies, monitors vendor balances, and communicates with vendors as needed.
Research incomplete invoices with vendors and/or departments for missing information.
Assist internal and external customers with questions and payments.
Informs other staff and/or outside parties regarding procedural requirements for the purpose of processing transactions.
Review and prepare checks to be mailed and issue to vendors, maintains financial information, files and records for the purpose of ensuring the availability of documentation and compliance with established policies and regulatory guidelines.
Performs pre-audits of all invoices to confirm proper authorization, mathematical accuracy, adequate support documentation, accurate payee information and to determine if the payment has been properly assigned.
Performs fiscal year-end duties to include organization and storage preparation of previous year payments; retrieval of information for audit.
Files annual tax reports including year-end 1099’s.
Manage W-9 documentation, and review and monitor data for Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reporting
Support fiscal year-end processing to ensure transactions are recorded to the correct fiscal year.
Sorts external mail for pickup by departments.
Makes travel arrangements for department personnel.
May provide Accounting support as assigned.
May provide support to Payroll, including assisting with processing timecards, personnel actions and other payroll functions.
Serves as the Secretary for the Disability Board and other boards / commissions as assigned.
Receives and responds to inquiries, complaints, or concerns from the public by disseminating information of both a routine and confidential nature requiring discretionary judgment and extensive knowledge of departmental policies and procedures.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Employment Standards

At least two years of college-level course work in Business or Accounting is required, as well as two or more years of previous clerical accounting or bookkeeping experience, or any combination of relevant education, experience, and training sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties listed above. An Associate’s degree in Business Administration is preferred.

Must pass a criminal background investigation.
Must maintain regular attendance and punctuality.
Must maintain a level of mental and physical fitness required to perform the essential functions of this classification.

Supplemental Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

To perform the essential functions of the classification, incumbents must be able to meet the following:

Strong numerical aptitude and accuracy with the ability to perform calculations, reconcile accounts, and understand basic accounting principles related to accounts payable.
Ability to learn and apply Washington State Budgeting and Accounting Reporting System (BARS) chart of account codes.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to ensure accuracy in calculations and payments.
Strong organizational skills handling multiple tasks simultaneously and the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal and the ability to interact with employees, managers, and external parties regarding accounts payable inquiries.
Proficiency with standard office equipment and software programs such as Microsoft Excel.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to resolve issues efficiently.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, collaborating effectively with colleagues.
Must maintain regular attendance and punctuality.

Physical Requirements

Must regularly talk, hear/listen, see/observe, sit, stand and walk; must regularly demonstrate fine motor skills; must occasionally exert up to 10 pounds of force.

The benefits listed below are those currently enjoyed by full-time City of Kennewick Non-Contract employees. It is important to remember that over the course of time these benefits may change - they are not permanent. Benefits may change through City Council or administrative action or changes mandated by state and federal law.

Paid Holidays

13 per year (10 scheduled; 3 “floating”)

New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and three floating holidays selected by the employee. Active employee will accrue all three floating holidays on February 1. Employees hired after February 1 will receive a prorated floating holiday accrual for the remainder of the calendar year based on their hire date.

Paid Time Off (PTO)

The purpose of PTO is to compensate employees for absences due to injury, illness, vacation and personal business. In addition, the program is designed to provide employees with personal flexibility regarding the use of leave hours. PTO hours accrue based upon the actual number of regular hours worked.

Accrual Per Month

0-5yrs 6-9yrs 10-14yrs 15-19yrs 20-24yrs 25-29yrs 30+yrs

12 hours 15 hours 17 hours 19 hours 21 hours 23 hours 25 hours

Retirement Plan

All City employees are members of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The City and the employee both contribute toward the plan. PERS provides regular retirement and disability retirement benefits. City employees also participate in the Social Security Program. Rates effective as of 09/01/2024. (www.drs.wa.gov)

PERS Employee Contribution Rate Employer Contribution Rate

Plan II 5.38% 5.38%

Plan III Employee Choice (see booklet) 5.38%

Deferred Comp

The City contributes an equivalent of 5% of your regular monthly salary to Mission Square Retirement (previously ICMA) deferred compensation program. No employee match required, but employees may contribute towards plan if desired. (www.icmarc.org)

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

The City currently pays the entire dental and vision insurance premiums for the employee and dependents. Employee current premium share is 10% per month for medical insurance to cover themselves and dependents.

Life Insurance

1.5 x annual salary (not to exceed $250K) provided by the City of Kennewick. Employee may purchase Voluntary Term Life Insurance for employee, spouse and/or dependents through New York Life (previously Cigna).

Long Term Disability

The City pays the entire long-term disability premium for employees through New York Life (previously Cigna).

Wellness Program

The Wellness Program has been established to encourage employee health and fitness, both at work and at home. A City Wellness Committee promotes and provides opportunities for healthy lifestyles. Employee fitness center is open to all employees and their spouses.

Employee Assistance

An Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) is provided by the City to assist you and family members, providing counseling and treatment in such areas as stress, drug and alcohol abuse and family counseling.

Other Benefits Offered