Accounting Assistant

Job Description:

Accounting Assistant

Description

Position Information

This recruitment is to fill 1 vacancy in the Finance Department. A written examination will take place as part of this recruitment.

The ideal candidate would have customer service and accounting experience but are not required. This position will be positioned at the front counter and have face-to-face contact with community members. This is an in-office position, therefore, remote work is not an option.

Under immediate supervision, performs routine accounting support and administrative work in the preparation, maintenance, and processing of daily accounting records and financial transactions, including accounts payable, purchasing, and accounts receivable; maintains manual and computerized accounting and financial records; accepts payments, processes licenses, performs mail and duplicating services, reception, and telephone support; and performs related duties as assigned.

Receives immediate supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

This is the entry level classification in the Accounting Assistant series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine accounting and administrative support duties. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. This class is distinguished from the Senior Accounting Assistant in that the later performs more complex work assigned to the series such as having independent responsibility for a comprehensive administrative function such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, utility billing, or business licensing.

Job Description

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Performs a variety of clerical accounting and customer service duties related to accounts receivable, accounts payable, utility billing, business licensing, and/or department-specific technical account duties, including posting, balancing, adjusting, and maintaining manual and computerized account and financial records according to established policies and procedures.
• Verifies, posts, and records a variety of financial transactions; prepares and maintains databases and records; generates reports and summaries from the automated fiscal management system.
• Enters and retrieves information and data using standard word processing and spreadsheet software, as well as accounting, financial, and other related electronic information systems specific to the functional area to which assigned.
• Performs general office support duties such as opening and routing mail and deliveries; prepares correspondence; distributes various written materials; orders and keeps inventory of office supplies.
• Assists customers, departments, and employees in person, by phone, or via voice or email, by providing answers and information regarding specific account information, discrepancies, general accounting procedures, and/or department specific issues and problems including business, animal, and bicycle licenses, parking citations, fire invoice payments, and cardroom permits; researches issues regarding specific transactions; updates related files and departments on action items.
• Receives and enters cash, credit card, or check payments at the front counter or via mail into the City’s finance software or licensing programs; collects and verifies deposits from other departments that collect payments; balances cash drawer and moneys taken in at end of day.
• Receives and processes applications for licenses; facilitates review and enters information into the correct computer system for approval.
• Files, scans, and sorts invoices, deposits, appeals, citations, and various batches; allocates wire transfer payments to appropriate fund codes.
• Processes and completes parking citation reconciliations and TurboData invoices.
• Prepares and processes bills, checks, and invoices; assists with preparation of payroll.
• Prepares and maintains financial records; types, indexes, and files financial information, statistical reports, letters, and memoranda; processes and inputs purchase orders; posts information to records; balances municipal accounts and inputs journal entries.
• Coordinates and performs duplicating services for all departments.
• Provides back-up assistance to Senior Accounting Assistants.
• Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Basic methods, practices, and terminology used in financial and account document processing including, but not limited to, accounts receivable, accounts payable, purchasing, utility billing, and business licensing.
• Methods and techniques of preparing and maintaining records of financial transactions.
• Methods and techniques of researching and resolving processing transactional discrepancies.
• City policies and procedures with respect to receiving and/or processing monetary transactions.
• City utility billing processes and procedures.
• Methods and techniques of generating transaction reports in assigned fiscal area.
• California Vehicle codes and City municipal codes regarding parking.
• City municipal codes regarding business licenses and animal licenses.
• Standard operating procedures, including cash handling, licensing software, finance software, and internet searches.
• Business arithmetic and basic financial techniques.
• Recordkeeping principles and procedures.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Perform routine clerical and accounting work.
• Operate calculating, duplicating, and automated accounting equipment including ten key operations by touch.
• Perform detailed account and financial office support work accurately and in a timely manner.
• Respond to and effectively prioritize multiple phone calls and other requests for service.
• Understand and comply with City financial transaction standards, policies, and procedures.
• Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations.
• Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform assigned work.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, recordkeeping, and tracking systems.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education :

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12 th ) grade supplemented by specific accounting training.

Experience:

• None required.

Licenses and Certifications:

• None.

Additional Information

Physical Demands

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

Environmental Conditions

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

The City of Chico offers a wide range of employee benefits. Benefits are subject to negotiations with employee organizations and may vary with individual bargaining units. For a summary of benefits, please visit the City of Chico website at: City of Chico - Employee Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 2/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$41,704.00 - $55,868.80 Annually