Account Technician - Sales Tax

Position descriptions/specifications are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties, tasks, and responsibilities associated with a specified position. Therefore, descriptions/specifications may not include all duties performed by the individual. 

In addition, descriptions/specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the position/class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position/class.

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION: Perform variety of simple accounting duties involving processing sales/use tax; involves a high level of customer contact in collecting revenues (sales tax); keep accurate financial records by following standard procedures which are prescribed by City policy or departmental accounting regulations.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Under general supervisor of the Finance Director, the Account Technician operates within the City of Sterling’s policies/procedures and quality standards while performing the following essential functions and responsibilities:  (Essential functions are those functions that the individual who holds the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation.)

1. Prepares and maintains routine accounting/financial records via data entry and balances transactions to department spreadsheets and computerized records. Organizes and files source documents including sales tax returns according to accepted practices;
2. Collects and processes sales and use tax returns; issue new licenses, revenue allocation, assessments, revocations, and reports;
3. Maintains computerized financial record-keeping systems; reviews, verifies, and processes accounting data;
4. Operates a computer utilizing such software programs as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases;
5. Works in enclosed environment with multi- stations requiring close communication with co-workers and limited privacy;
6. Prepares a variety of internal financial, budget, and miscellaneous reports.
7. Deals with the public in a cordial, tactful and professional manner which serves to maintain and develop effective working relationships with clientele. Maintain customer service expectations of the department  when dealing with customers or fellow employees either in person or on phone;
8. Follows all applicable safety rules and regulations.
9. Maintains confidentiality of data and information;
10. Performs other related functions as otherwise assigned, delegated or required by the Finance Director.

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS:  Has no responsibility for supervision.

The degree of knowledge, ability and physical requirements as outlined under this section is that which is necessary to satisfactory perform the essential functions of this position. Employees should be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential physical functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities and possess the necessary physical requirements, with or without the aid of mechanical devices, to perform safely the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge of: 

• Variety of accounting principles and practices sufficient to be able to perform a variety of duties related to the work assignment;
• Policies, procedures, and rules relative to the accounting field;
• Standard customer service delivery practices and procedures sufficient to be able to process various types of contacts associated with customer service duties;
• Phone systems, 10-key calculators, computers, and electronic data processing.
• Business activity within City so contacts can be made with businesses to ensure compliance with the City’s sales and use tax ordinance
• General office procedures sufficient to be able to ensure proper operation;

Ability to:

1. Analyze situations objectively and critically and determine a proper course of action, the outcomes of which are within desirable;
2. Organize daily work schedules to optimize daily productivity to meet established department goals;
3. Express or exchange ideas effectively to a diverse audience by means of the spoken word and/or written documents;
4. Perform arithmetic computations (examples: add, subtract, multiply, divide, and use percentages  rapidly and accurately and to perform routine clerical tasks such as typing, filing or use10-key calculator
5. Work under deadlines and with frequent interruptions;
6. Work with angry or difficult customers;
7. Communicate in an effective, cordial, tactful, and professional manner suitable for the situation while performing activities in which employee must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to co-workers, members of the general public and vendors;
8. Represent Department and the City of Sterling in a positive responsive manner to the public, fellow employees, and supporters;
9. File documents alphabetically, numerically or chronologically.
10. Comprehend and follow complex written and/or oral instructions, to compile information, to complete and file accurate reports, with minimal supervision;
11. Demonstrate the safe operation, and performance of minor maintenance of  equipment associated with or used in course of  accomplishing  the primary purpose(s) of the position;

Physical Requirements:

1. Physical requirements include ability to extend hands(s) and arm(s) in any direction; pick, pinch, work with fingers and palm as well as whole hand; performs sedentary physical work which requires the ability to lift twenty (20) pounds and carry objects weighing up to ten (10) pounds; some pushing, pulling, and climbing; move about on foot to accomplish tasks; push/pull, lift, move, draw/drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion for extended periods of time.
2. Physical mobility sufficient to negotiate work areas to perform the primary purpose of the position.
3. Manual dexterity sufficient to operate keyboard devices requiring repetitive arm/hand movements
4. Cognitive ability sufficient to perform and understand and apply simple to complex mathematical concepts.
5. Visual acuity sufficient to perform work which deals largely with preparing/reviewing reports and records and for visual inspection which may involve proofreading information entered into a computer or report and for relaying information to requesting party.
6. Hearing acuity sufficient to receive, comprehend and understand detailed information through oral communications, telephone conversations, radio traffic, etc., and to make fine discriminations in sounds in order to perform duties safely.

Working Conditions: Work performed in surroundings in which temperature, contaminants, and noise are not normally encountered; hazards are minor and controllable.

Marginal Functions:

1. May assist in special projects as needed or otherwise delegated;
2. In absence of Account Clerk may perform basic accounting and clerical duties such as balancing; processing utility billing; accounts payable; accounts receivable; and other miscellaneous financial transactions.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Education:  High School or G.E.D.

Experience: Two (2) years and preferably three (3) years of experience in clerical work including customer service and handling cash supplemented by courses in bookkeeping principles and business machines

Training/Certifications: None

Special Requirements:

Possess and maintain the appropriate CO operator’s license for the type of City owned vehicle which the employee may operate in the scope of employment.

What We Offer

• Health coverage you can count on – Medical, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options.
• Peace of mind – City-paid life and AD&D insurance, plus options to add more coverage for you and your family.
• Support when you need it – Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Time to recharge – Paid time off starting at 7.39 hours per pay period (and growing with service) plus paid holidays.
• Future-focused – 5.37% City contribution to a 401(a) retirement plan after one year, plus voluntary 457(b) pre-tax and Roth savings plans.
• Wellness perks – Incentives for participating in wellness activities, and free access for you and your household to the Sterling Recreation Center and Logan County Shooting Range.
• Extra protection – Optional supplemental insurance plans, plus legal and identity protection options.
• Always here for you – 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Program for counseling, resources, and work-life balance support.

Apply Now – Position Open Until Filled.

If you're ready to start a meaningful job with strong benefits, training support, and long-term growth potential, apply today!

The City of Sterling is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who are ready to roll up their sleeves and make a difference.

Salary : $20 - $28