The purpose of this job is to perform administrative/accounting functions and to provide general support to the Finance Department. Duties and responsibilities include performing accounting tasks related to utility operations, property/business taxes, payroll and/or disbursements; communicating with utility customers, taxpayers, vendors and/or other third parties; handling various accounting, bookkeeping and other financial transactions; developing reports and statistical information; and performing other clerical functions as required.

Receives payments on customer accounts; posts payments; prepares bank deposits.

Provides customer service by telephone or in person; researches questions or discrepancies on bills.

Calculates adjustments to bills.

Evaluates accounts to identify late payments or delinquent balances; initiates communications to collect unpaid balances.

Initiates refund payments as appropriate; posts and distributes.

May establish new utility accounts and initiate service activations; may monitor terminating accounts and initiate service terminations.

May perform business tax registrations; may monitor records to identify businesses in non-compliance with registration requirements.

Prepares and/or generates routine correspondence, letters, memoranda, forms, reports and other documents via computer and/or typewriter.

Receives, opens and distributes incoming mail; prepares outgoing mail.

Answers the telephone; provides information; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary.

Responds to routine requests for information or assistance from staff members, the public or other individuals.

Greets visitors; ascertains nature of business; assists and/or directs visitors to appropriate person.

Provides backup coverage for the Receptionist position.

Uses knowledge of various software programs to operate a computer in an effective and efficient manner.

Performs other duties as required.

High school diploma (or GED) required, with experience in general bookkeeping/accounting or responsible general office experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

(ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines which includes a computer, printer, typewriter, facsimile machine, copy machine, calculator, telephone, etc. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. Must be able to exert up to twenty pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to ten pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for sedentary work.

DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and or judge the readily observable functional, technical, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange administrative/financial information. Includes giving assignments and/or directions to co-workers or assistants.

LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires the ability to read a variety of informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures related to the job of Accounting Clerk I. Requires the ability to write reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and a well-modulated voice.

INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand basic to complex principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to the job of Accounting Clerk I.

VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information to supervisors and officials; to explain procedures and policies; and to follow verbal and written instructions, guidelines and objectives.

NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; determine percentages; determine time and weight; and utilize statistical inference.

FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with office equipment.

MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using automated office equipment.

MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

COLOR DISCRIMINATION: May require the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.

INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people (i.e. staff, supervisors, general public, and officials) beyond giving and receiving instructions such as in interpreting departmental policies and procedures. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency related to the job of Accounting Clerk I.

PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

Has general knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the City and Finance/Administration Department practices as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the job of Accounting Clerk I. Has general knowledge of Finance/Administration Department practices as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities. Knows how to develop and administer operations and staff plans and objectives for the expedience and effectiveness of specific duties of the department. Knows how to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, computer operations, equipment needs, etc. as they pertain to departmental operations and activities. Is able to effectively communicate and interact with supervisors, members of the general public and all other groups involved in the activities of the department. Is able to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner. Has good organizational, human relations, and technical skills. Is able to use independent judgment and work with little direct supervision when necessary. Has the ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information. Has comprehensive knowledge of the terminology, principles, and methods utilized within the department. Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Is knowledgeable and proficient with computers. Is able to read, understand and interpret financial reports and related materials.

The City of Brentwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Signatures below indicate the receipt and review of this job description by the employee assigned to the job and the immediate supervisor.