Accounting Clerk I

Be a trusted point of contact for residents and a key player in supporting vital city operations.

This is US!

About the Team:

Join a supportive and collaborative team committed to excellence in public service! The Finance Department plays a vital role in keeping the City running smoothly by ensuring accurate accounting, responsible financial management, and excellent service to both internal departments and the community. As an Accounting Clerk I, you’ll be part of a hardworking and welcoming team that values integrity, attention to detail, and continuous improvement in all we do.

About the Role:

The Accounting Clerk I is a customer-focused position within the Finance Department, responsible for the accurate and timely creation and maintenance of utility customer records, as well as the processing and collection of payments on current and delinquent accounts. Under the general direction of the Accounting Manager, this role provides front-line support by responding to customer questions, concerns, and complaints with professionalism and care. Work is performed with a strong attention to detail and accuracy, and decisions are made in consultation with the Accounting Manager and/or Finance Director.

About the Rewards:

Fitchburg offers an excellent benefits package, including an onsite fitness center.  In addition to your traditional benefits, we offer wellness incentives, professional development, and work-life balance. We have fun here too! 

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collect payments for City services and fees (utility payments, municipal court fees, property tax payments, special assessments, recreation fees, etc.). Record payment information in financial software. Prepare bank deposits and reports.
• Import daily payments from Open Gov and Payment Service Network.
• Provide assistance to customers in person, on the phone, and via written correspondence regarding payments, account status, billing, etc.
• Complete month end procedures for cash receipting and collecting activities, run batch reports, update general ledger, reconcile cash clearing accounts, and close out period.
• Act as first point of contact after late notices are prepared. Monitor past due invoices, send additional correspondence as needed. Work with collection agency as needed to recover past due invoices.
• Track and maintain records on developer fees, special assessments, and other fees.
• Create forms for installation of new meters. Coordinate with Utility staff and record all necessary information to track.
• Prepare and file monthly sales tax returns.

• Create reports as needed and requested.
• Create, or update, financial software forms as needed. Create, or prepare, internal paper forms as requested.
• Prepare and distribute public notices as needed and required.
• Assist Finance Director, Accounting Manager, and Accounting Clerk II as needed.
• Prepare special assessment letters as needed and requested.
• Monitor and collect quarterly hotel tax payments, and annual reconciliation.
• Collect and distribute mail.

Supervisory Requirements:

·         None

Minimum Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

• High School Degree or equivalent is required.
• Working knowledge of principles and practices of bookkeeping, usually acquired through two years of vocational school course work in accounting/bookkeeping, required.  Associate Degree in accounting or related field is desired.
• Minimum of two years work experience in a field focusing on excellent customer service skills, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of financial concepts and principles is required.  

Certifications:

·         None

Necessary Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated understanding of bookkeeping and accounting principles and practices.
• Ability to make arithmetical computations quickly and accurately.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and to decipher detailed working procedures appropriate to desired objectives.
• Advanced knowledge of computer applications, specifically Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, Access.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain a good working relationship with the public and staff.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally, and in written form, with individuals possessing varied English language skills. Bilingual English/Spanish desired.
• Ability to prioritize work tasks and meet strict timelines.
• Skilled in cash handling procedures with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain adequate attendance. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City elected and appointed officials, employees, and the general public. 
• Ability to work with culturally diverse individuals and groups.

Tools and Equipment Used:

Personal computer, including word processing and spreadsheet software; phone; copy machine; fax machine.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary : $50,794 - $58,053