Staff Accountant

City of Sunnyside; Sunnyside (WA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Sunnyside is seeking a Staff Accountant to perform complex accounting and clerical functions in the Finance Department. Responsibilities include accounts receivable, cash management, budgeting support, and maintaining city records.

The role supports Utility Billing, Payroll Distribution, and related training, with daily bank deposits and financial reporting duties. Background check required; FLSA non-exempt, full-time position.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of accounting practices, procedures, and governmental accounting methods.
• Basic clerical functions including records management and document prep.
• Understanding of customer service and interpersonal communication standards.
• Cash-handling practices and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Process complex accounting tasks using the city’s finance system.
• Assist in training Utility Billing and related staff.
• Train or assist in audits and general ledger controls.
• Manage grants, debt activity, and cash balances; prepare debt service schedules.

Skills

Accounting practices

Clerical functions

Customer service

Cash-handling controls

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under supervision from the Administrative Services Director and the Finance Supervisor, the Staff Accountant performs complex technical accounting functions and associated clerical functions for the City of Sunnyside. Staff Accountant is responsible for regular processing of Accounts Receivable, cash management, budgeting assistance, maintaining city records, and assisting in training and performing backup duties of the Utility Billing, Utility Accounts Specialist, and Payroll Distribution, and is often called upon to assist in the training and audit of other Finance department staff. Performs intermediate professional.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Responsible for the accurate, efficient, and timely processing of complex accounting tasks using a computer-based system finance and accounting system in accordance with the State Auditor’s Office, Budgeting, Accounting, and Reporting
• Assists in training Utility Billing, Utility Accounts Specialist, and Accounts Payable in the regular functions of the Finance Department
• Identifies proper procedures, account coding, internal controls, and transaction standards in accordance with established department procedures and instructions, and is available to assist other staff members in the Finance department Department with any of these functions for training or troubleshooting issues that may arise
• Account for grants, local improvement district creation and activity, and other long-term debt issuance. Monitor revenues and expenses of related activity. Analysis of available cash balances, computation of total cost, and related request for reimbursement. Preparation of annual debt service schedules and related bond calls or debt payments
• Performs general ledger audits, reconciliation of investment accounts, reconciliation of receivables, and adheres to document control standards set forth by the Washington State Archives Office
• Processes accounts receivable invoices for services, assessed taxes, fees, penalties, and reimbursements due to the City for services provided in compliance with the Sunnyside Municipal Code and the Revised Code of Washington, ensuring The receipt of compensation for public services, approved taxes, and assessments
• Complete special projects and provide support to finance staff or management, upon assignment
• Performs limited cashiering functions as needed, and assists with balancing and depositing cash received by the City on a daily basis, including daily bank deposit preparation and verification
• Assists the public and other City staff by answering general and specific questions related to the City’s finance and accounting processes. Research discrepancies and provide documentation as requested
• Perform organizational and clerical duties, including filing, record management, preparing documents, reports, and correspondence, and maintaining supplies in an organized manner
• Performs other related duties as assigned

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of accounting practices, principles, procedures, and methods and techniques of governmental accounting practices.
• Knowledge of basic clerical functions, including records management, document preparation, and organizational standards.
• Understanding of excellent customer service and interpersonal communication standards.
• Cash-handling practices and internal controls.

The minimum amount of knowledge, skill, and ability necessary to competently perform the essential functions of the

Applicant must successfully pass a background check.

Salary $32.18 - $39.11/hour + BenefitsFLSA Non-Exempt/Full Time/ Teamsters Clerical Union