Accounting Specialist

Summary

Under general supervision, processes technical accounting transactions in compliance with applicable policies, rules, regulations, and procedures; maintains general ledger and provides oversight and training to lower lever accounting positions.

Essential Functions

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs a variety of complex, technical accounting duties and assists in the training and cross-training of Department staff.
• Maintains general ledger, posts journal entries, account adjustments, and intergovernmental transfers; posts receipts, and performs month-end and year-end closing procedures.
• Provides advanced level guidance over the utility billing system and financial management processes.
• Trains, monitors, and reviews work; reviews and verifies the accuracy of records prepared by lower-level technicians.
• Scans, verifies, and processes accounts payable invoices, transactions, and vendor payments.
• Works with fire department personnel or others in the city that handle electronic patient reporting, ambulance transport billing and accounts receivable to help ensure proper billing for the city and contracted agencies (governmental, public, commercial, private, etc.) for this service.
• Receives and responds to complaints and questions from the general public and staff; review problems and recommend corrective actions, prepare summary reports as required.
• Handles a variety of routine and difficult communications by telephone, in person, and by mail. Handles confidential materials and legal documents and exercises discretion in protecting and releasing confidential information.
• Initiates correspondence and reports on a multiplicity of matters requiring an in-depth understanding of organizational program structure, organization policies and procedures, State and Federal rules and regulations in regard to ambulance transport billing and compliancy.
• Will be responsible for ensuring that PHI that they are privileged to is kept secure and assist other city departments with patient billing and related public records requests.
• Assists in providing guidance on HIPAA and medical privacy compliance to city officials.
• Helps with updates and maintenance of the utility billing database system.
• Maintains and verifies various accounting documents and records.
• Attend necessary trainings to understand the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Ambulance Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS).
• Answers phone calls and emails; provides general customer service; assists walk-in customers; responds to customer questions, complaints, and inquiries.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines

Associates degree AND two (2) years of accounting related experience, preferably in the public sector; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• General office policies, procedures, and equipment.
• International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Ambulance Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS)
• Customer service principles, practices, and etiquette.
• Records maintenance and retention policies and procedures.
• Accounting principles and practices.
• Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS); State Budgeting Accounting and Reporting System (BARS).
• General ledger reconciliation standards.

Skill in:

• Maintaining accurate records and filing systems.
• Interacting tactfully and professionally with City staff, outside agencies, and the public.
• Organizing and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.
• Leading the work of assigned staff.
• Completing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Typing and entering data with speed and accuracy.
• Performing accurate mathematic calculations.
• Preparing clear and concise communications, reports, and technical documents.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

• Medical. Dental and vision Insurances
• Life Insurance Policy
• Employee Assistant Program
• Department of Retirement Systems Retirement Plan.
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick leave.
• Gym Membership reimbursement
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume with their application. Applications must be received no later than Sunday, August 9, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

For additional information, or a complete job description, please contact Human Resources at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mtvernonwa/classspecs

The City of Mount Vernon provides and enforces a drug free workplace and maintains a smoke free work environment.

The City of Mount Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurances
• Life Insurance policy
• Employee Assistance Program
• Department of Retirement Systems Retirement Plan
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick leave.
• Gym Membership reimbursement.
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)