Accounting Specialist IIThe ideal candidate for the Accounting Specialist II position will be capable of performing a wide range of routine to complex administrative, accounting, and clerical duties in support of the City of Bonney Lake and the Finance team. Supervision Reports To: Finance Operations Manager and/or Chief Financial Officer Supervises: None Note: duties listed in the job description are in addition to the Accounting Specialist I job description.Essential FunctionsCoordinates with Leads and/or Division Managers/Supervisors and brainstorms potential solutions to issues or challenges.Communicates information and/or processes with internal and external customers.Reviews data entry audit reports and approves for future posting. Maintains current knowledge of and performs research on the "Red Flag" requirements and its affect on City operations. Assists in the implementation of changes or new initiatives to the law.Remains well versed in City, County, and/or State licensing policies and procedures in order to process applications for applicable licenses.Provides comprehensive training to staff regarding the division to which the incumbent is assigned.Creates a variety of reports for review and consideration.Assists in implementation of new initiatives and the writing and updates of Standard Operating Procedures for assigned function(s).Assists in the promotion of problem solving initiatives and training with other City departments.Assists in developing procedures and reporting formats to establish or improve specific accounting processes; may provide lead direction to other support positions and assist in coordinating workflow.Reviews transaction journal, control reports and other system reports to ensure data integrity.UtilitiesReviews and edits customer accounts to ensure applicable data (i.e. meter size, billing rates, etc) is appropriate.Calculates back charges and/or overpayments and submits worksheets to supervisor or applicable requesting agency.Processes leak adjustments requests and notifies the appropriate person as to the findings.Reviews, audits, and/or edits third party transactions and/or reports to specific utility account payments.Recommends and coordinates communication to Utility Billing Contractor.Initiates communication with PW Operations Supervisors to troubleshoot potential issues and provides guidance to facilitate solutions.Accounts Payable/ReceivableReconciles all A/R accounts and reviews aging reports to ensure payments were received and properly accounted for.Provides detailed reports and recommendations regarding collection actions and works with collections agencies in order to remit accounts and resolve discrepancies.Reviews, codes, and ensures timely payment of monies owed by the City.Researches and remains knowledgeable of local and/or national laws/regulations regarding AP/AR provisions and provides recommendations or revisions in order to remain current with requirements.Peripheral DutiesMay serve as a member of various committees as assigned.Provides clerical support to other department staff as required.Composes, inputs, and edits a variety of correspondence, reports, memoranda, and other material requiring judgment as to content, accuracy and completeness.May serve as a back-up to related accounting specialist positions.Performs related duties as assigned.Assists in a variety of areas during absences or peak times.Education, Experience and License Requirements/Competency RequirementsHigh school graduate or equivalency; and at least one (1) year of continuing education from an accredited institution or professional organization in accounting, finance, bookkeeping or a related discipline; andSix (6) years of increasingly responsible related work experience including accounting, bookkeeping or a closely related field; orTwo (2) years of increasingly responsible work experience including accounting, bookkeeping or a closely related field AND four (4) years of successful experience within the City's position of Accounting Specialist I; orAny equivalent combination of education and experience.Additional education or credits towards a related degree may substitute for up to two (2) years of experience (i.e. 20 credits may substitute for one (1) year of experience).Competency RequirementsAttention to detail.Communicate effectively.Practice customer service focus.Maintain positive interactions with all individuals.Build collaborative relationships.Critical thinkingAnticipate problems and develop contingency plans.Take initiative within job scope.Remain flexible to changing priorities.Determine priorities and take prompt action.Commitment to racial, social and economic equity issues and working effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.Meet deadlines and responds to individuals in a timely manner.Cognizant to the attitudes, feelings or circumstances of others and have an awareness of how one's behaviors may impact others.Work effectively with others to achieve common goals.Practice Social awareness.Ability to problem solve challenging matters in a timely manner.Resolves and works through conflict with grace, dignity, tact and respect.Ability to perform accounting and mathematic computations with a high degree of accuracy.Moderately proficient in one or more areas of accounting and bookkeeping (e.g. AP, AR, PR, Cashiering, etc.)Knowledge of Bookkeeping and accounting practices and principles.Basic state and/or local regulations affecting the assigned accounting function.Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP) and governmental accounting.Extensive knowledge with the Washington State Budgeting Accounting and Reporting System (BARS).Applicable local and/or county regulations that may affect City internal financial functionsExcel, Word, Financial Systems SoftwarePhysical DemandsMoving throughout City facilities and buildings.Operate a computer and other office equipment.Communicate with City employees and residents.Occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.Lift or move items weighing up to 30 pounds on occasion.Work EnvironmentWork is performed in an office environment.Noise level in the office is moderately quiet.Work evening and/or weekend hours as needed.Supplemental InformationCore Values The City is a team of dedicated professionals who respect and serve the community and each another and has highlighted six core values:Professionalism: Being ambassadors of the City by providing expert service delivery.Service: Giving helpful assistance or advice to our customers.Accountability: Performing the duties of my position in a responsible way.Respect: Fairly considering the rights, opinions and ideas of others.Integrity: Acting in harmony with the laws and values of the City.Teamwork: Working together to best serve the community.Medical: Choice of Kaiser Permanente 200 or Regence Health First 250 administered by the Association of Washington Cities Employee Benefit Trust. Employee pays 5% for themselves and 15% per month toward the premium for all enrolled on the plan OR there is also a provision to participate in the premium cost savings program if they elect to not add themselves and/or dependents to the plan. The City also offers a High Deductible Health Plan with a Health Savings Account and that plan does not currently require any employee contributions.Dental and Vision: Available through Washington State Council of County and City Employees (WSCCCE). City pays the full cost towards the premium for employee and dependents for WSCCCE Plan Ten (X) Dental Plan and the WSCCCE Vision Plan, which is currently administered through