Accounting Clerk

Full Job Description

Performs varied and difficult entry-level accounting work for a variety of internal customer departments.

Requirements

This list is ILLUSTRATIVE only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by the incumbent of this class. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Processes accounts payable invoices or requests for reimbursement, including review for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with city policies and procedures.
• Ensures that contract payments comply with contract terms and the City's purchasing policies.
• Manages the timely replenishment of petty cash/imprest funds.
• Prepares and reviews accounts receivable invoices for accuracy, completeness, and sufficiency of supporting data for billing to internal and external customers.
• Maintains, requests, or prepares monthly reconciliations of accounts receivable data to its subsidiary ledger details.
• Performs timely review of accounts receivable data to ensure amounts due can be collected.
• Follows established City policy and procedure regarding the subsequent collection of any past due amounts.
• Prepares timely and accurate cash receipting, in compliance with city cash handling policies and procedures.
• Performs reconciliation of various accounts, to include bank reconciliations, daily cash receipts, and general ledger accounts.
• Enters accounting documents into the financial system (journal entries, payment documents, accounts receivable invoices) in a consistent and accurate method, adhering to any stated Departmental policies and procedures.
• Analyzes accounting data electronically, in order to identify data consistency and/or data anomalies. Such data may be used in complex calculations (e.g. determination of equipment or benefit rates) or to assist in the development of fiscal budgets, or to evaluate various scenarios.
• Maintains general and subsidiary records according to established account classifications and prepares periodic reports from these records.
• Prepares or reviews payrolls and time sheets for accuracy and completeness.
• Maintains a variety of files and records in accordance with the City's records retention policies.
• Prepares and maintains spreadsheets, subsidiary ledgers, and other data for cost accounting, grant draws, loans, and other analysis.
• Follows the policies and procedures of the Office of Grants Management.
• Maintains familiarity with grantor requirements in order to ensure that any accounting transactions affecting grants are properly recorded and are in compliance with grant requirements.
• Provides ad hoc financial reporting and assistance with accounting functions to the senior-level accounting staff.
• Performs periodic or annual inventories of city property, some of which may include traveling offsite to remote locations or working in extreme weather/site conditions.
• Performs related work and tasks as required.

Qualifications

Open Entry Requirements:

• Experience: Two years as an accounting clerk or full-charge bookkeeper; and
• Education: Completion of 10 quarter or 6 semester credit hours of college-level accounting courses.
• Substitution: Completion of a two-year (AA) college degree in accounting will substitute for the experience requirement.
• Equivalency: We may accept different combinations of education and experience. We welcome job seekers with relevant backgrounds to apply.

Additional Information

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and pass the examination for this position to be eligible for hire.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit a City of Spokane employment application online by 4:00 p.m. on the filing cut-off date.

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills.

The examination will consist of a multiple-choice and short answer test, with weights assigned as follows:

• Multiple-Choice Test 90%
• Short Answer 10%

This is an online examination and will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided.

Computer reservations can also be made through your local, public library. Examination links with instructions will be emailed prior to 4:00 p.m.

Pacific Time on the start date and will expire at 4:00 p.m. on the due date as listed below. Keep in mind that the test link will be emailed from City of Spokane (info@governmentjobs.com).

• Applicants who apply and meet the minimum qualifications between Monday, April 13th, 2026, and Monday, April 27th, 2026, will test Thursday, April 30th, 2026, through Monday, May 4th, 2026.

NOTE: You may begin the exam at any time during the test period; however, once you begin, you will have 2 hours 15 minutes to complete the examination. You may take the exam only once during the open recruitment period.

The examination may include such subjects as:

• Accounting Methods & Practices
• Microsoft Excel
• Mathematics
• Problem Solving
• Reading

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status or disability status.

As a Fair Chance employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.