Customer Accounting Specialist 1 (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL)

This position performs various routine, repetitive tasks related to customer service, and sewer and solid waste billing, requires the application of independent judgement in solving minor problems or to determine the proper course of action within the limits of state and local laws, policies and procedures. The position allocated to this classification is responsible for performing customer service and less complex accounting functions, assisting customers, analyzing customers’ information and needs, troubleshooting information and providing basic billing and account information.

WHO MAY APPLY:  This recruitment is open to all applicants meeting the minimum requirements. Priority consideration will be given to Spokane County employees in a position covered by the Local 17 bargaining unit submitting applications between 10/1/25 and 10/15/25.

TOTAL COMPENSATION: $51,649 - $72,240 annually. Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.

• Interacts with the public to provide a full range of customer service related support activities, which include providing information, answering general and billing account inquiries from customers, general public, and other departments.    Inquiries may be received by phone, mail, fax, or in person.
• Updates customers’ addresses in the department’s billing database.  
• Determines the status of accounts and documents details of customer interactions.
• Receives money from the public, calculates change, issues receipts and reconciles the cash box.  
• Assists with daily deposits and transmittals.
• Prepares account histories.
• Schedules side-sewer inspections.
• Answers phones and greets visitors; screens phone calls, directs calls to appropriate parties; refers callers or visitors to the correct destination; takes messages and/or provides routine information regarding the office function.
• Opens, sorts, date stamps and distributes incoming mail; prepares outgoing mail.
• Gathers, organizes, copies, binds, and prepares documents, files and informational packets.
• Schedules appointments and meetings.
• Processes routine drafts, proofreads, edits or performs data entry for a variety of documents such as correspondence, agendas, schedules and forms.  
• Maintains databases such as address lists, inventory check-out records and/or visitor records.
• Sorts, files, and tabulates various documents, records, maps, microfilm, etc.; and prepares new files or categories within established filing systems; enters and retrieves data using electronic files; removes and logs materials; maintains status and file reports.
• Scans documents and images into computer system; identifies key informational items and indexes for document recall.
• Cross checks and tabulates standard information; checks incoming forms and documents for required information; extracts and compiles statistical data; assembles reports.
• Runs office errands such as picking up mail and reports, and distributing files.
• Performs other related duties, as required.

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Two (2) years of customer service, office, or billing related work experience which involved mathematical calculations and/or basic accounting duties and functions.
• Successful completion of an AA degree in Accounting or equivalent accounting related course work for up to one half of the required work experience.
• NOTE:  Positions allocated to this classification must successfully pass an appropriate background check and are required to be bondable.

• Knowledge of customer service techniques and phone etiquette.
• Knowledge of administrative support functions and practices.
• Knowledge of Environmental Services operations, functions, and terminology.
• Knowledge of legal terminology and descriptions relevant to the position.
• Knowledge of basic English composition, spelling, grammar, and other support skills necessary to perform the duties of the position.
• Knowledge of certain databases necessary to perform the duties of the position
• Knowledge of principles, methods, practices, and procedures necessary to perform the duties of the position, including basic accounting.
• Knowledge of billing and payment procedures.
• Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work, including County leadership, department officials, employees, regulatory agencies and the public.
• Skilled in answering phones and greeting visitors.
• Skilled in applying customer service techniques.
• Skilled in performing mathematical calculations.
• Skilled in using office equipment such as phones, copiers, calculators and fax machines.
• Skilled in using computer and related software applications.
• Skilled in basic word processing.
• Ability to operate standard office machines and equipment, including database, word processing, and spreadsheet programs.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and apply mathematical formulas.
• Ability to learn applicable state and local laws.
• Ability to maintain complex records and files, and to prepare technical, legal or statistical reports.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations with speed and accuracy.
• Ability to resolve problems, use discretion, and make rational independent judgments.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision.
• Ability to follow written or oral instructions in a responsible and efficient manner.

Salary : $40,351 - $56,438