Customer Accounting Specialist 1 (Reopened)

Salary : $37,650.64 - $52,689.13 Annually
Location : WA 99260, WA
Job Type: Regular
Job Number: 23-00310
Department: Public Works (formerly Environmental Services)
Opening Date: 02/08/2024
Closing Date: 2/23/2024 4:30 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Job Summary
This position works 40 hours per week.
Performs various routine, repetitive tasks related to customer service, and sewer and solid waste billing. Work requires the application of independent judgment in solving minor problems or to determine the proper course of action within the limits of state and local laws, policies and procedures.
NOTE: This recruitment is being reopened effective 2/8/24.
TOTAL COMPENSATION: $48,192 - $67,442 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.
Examples of Duties
(The duties listed are representative only and position assignments may vary. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following):
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. Independent research of several databases or other sources of information may be required within the expertise and scope of knowledge of the individual. Relies on guidance and direction from a supervisor or more experienced coworker for more complex or unusual problems and inquiries.
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 cash box. Assists with daily deposits and transmittals.
Prepares account histories.
Schedules side-sewer inspections.
Performs miscellaneous office support, as needed. Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
Answers phones and greets visitors; screens phone calls, directs calls to appropriate parties; refers callers or visitors to 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.
May schedule appointments and meetings.
Word processes routine drafts, proofreads, edits or performs data entry for a variety of documents such as correspondence, agendas, schedules and forms. Maintains data bases 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.
May assist others by providing work guidance or direction.
Performs other related duties, as required.
Minimum Requirements
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or equivalent. Three (3) year of customer service, office, or billing related work experience which involved mathematical calculations and/or basic accounting duties and functions OR substituting 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.
Selection Factors
Knowledge of:

• customer service techniques and phone etiquette;
• administrative support functions and practices;
• Environmental Services operations, functions, and terminology;
• legal terminology and descriptions relevant to the position;
• basic English composition, spelling, grammar, and other support skills necessary to perform the duties of the position;
• certain databases necessary to perform the duties of the position;
• principles, methods, practices, and procedures necessary to perform the duties of the position, including basic accounting;
• billing and payment procedures.

Ability to:

• operate standard office machines and equipment, including database, word processing, and spreadsheet programs;
• add, subtract, multiply, divide, and apply mathematical formulas;
• learn applicable state and local laws;
• maintain complex records and files, and to prepare technical, legal or statistical reports;
• deal with citizens and customers in a tactful, calm, courteous and professional manner, in stressful situations;
• perform mathematical calculations with speed and accuracy;
• resolve problems, use discretion, and make rational independent judgments;
• work independently, with minimal supervision;
• follow written or oral instructions in a responsible and efficient manner;
• communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• maintain effective working relationships with fellow workers and supervisors;
• establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships at all organizational levels and with the public.

Skilled in:

• answering phones and greeting visitors;
• applying customer service techniques;
• performing mathematical calculations;
• using office equipment such as phones, copiers, calculators and fax machines;
• using computer and related software applications;
• basic word processing.

SPOKANECOUNTY
Employee Benefits Summary
The following is a brief list of benefits available to Spokane County regular employees. Complete information is available from Human Resources Department. This information is subject to change.
PAID TIME OFF
Spokane County Observed Holidays
Up to 10 (ten) paid holidays are observed by Spokane County.
PTO
Non-represented and a select group of represented employees receive a bank of hours that combine both vacation and sick leave into a paid time off bank. There is no waiting period to use this time and it starts out at almost 2 days per month accrual increasing in accrual rates annually for first 5 years.
Vacation
For employees with less than five (5) years of continuous service, the accrual rate is 1 day of vacation each month for a total of 12 days per year. After six (6) months, employees are eligible to take accumulated vacation time. (Please note the vacation time accumulation may vary depending on contract language).
Sick Leave
Sick leave is earned at 1 day per month and can be taken as the days are accumulated.
Other Leaves
Spokane County provides several other paid leaves such as: bereavement leave, jury duty and military duty leave.
INSURANCE BENEFITS
Medical Insurance
Two plans are currently available: Premera Blue Cross (PPO) and Kaiser Permanente (HMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents. Premiums are deducted each pay period (pay periods: 15th and last day of the month).
2023 Rates:
Premera
Employee Only: $38.04 per month
Employee & Spouse: $149.52 per month
Employee & Family: $209.60 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $136.16 per month
Kaiser:
Employee: $35.92 per month
Employee & Spouse: $140.56 per month
Employee & Family: $196.06 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $128.58 per month
Dental Insurance
Two plans are currently available: Delta Dental of Washington (PPO) and Willamette Dental (DMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents.
2023 Rates:
Delta Dental Willamette Dental
Employee: $5.74 per month Employee: $5.98 per month
Family: $11.48 per month Family: $11.96 per month
Group Life Insurance
The County provides a $25,000 group life insurance policy to employees. The County provides a $10,000 benefit for those represented by 492, 492CS & 492CL. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Long Term Disability Coverage
Provides an income protection benefit in the event of a long-term illness or injury at rate of 60% of income up to a maximum of $5,000 per month. Spokane County pays the full premium for this plan. Deputy Sheriff's receive a benefit through their union for disability.
RETIREMENT
Retirement Plan (401a)
Spokane County employees are automatically included in the Washington State Retirement System. Both the employer and the employee contribute to the plan. This retirement plan provides a guaranteed lifetime monthly benefit once vested and eligible for retirement.
Additional Retirement Plan Option (457b)
Employees may supplement their retirement income and save money on taxes by participating in this optional County program. Roth (after-tax) option is also available through this retirement plan.
VOLUNTARY BENEFITS
AFLAC
Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay for benefits not covered by major medical insurance. The employee pays 100% of the premium.
Travel Assistance
Provides additional travel protections anytime you travel more than 100 miles from home. Includes pre-trip information, emergency ticket replacement, and emergency evacuation coverage. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)
Spokane County sponsors a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account to allow out-of-pocket Medical & Daycare Expenses to be paid with Tax Free Dollars. Premiums are automatically set up pre-tax under the FSA.
Voluntary Term Life Insurance
Voluntary Term Life Insurance is additional optional life insurance provided through The Standard Insurance. New employees are guaranteed up to $50,000 for self and $20,000 for a spouse with no medical underwriting needed.
WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS
Employee Assistance Program
Employees and their family members are eligible to receive free counseling. There are also benefits relating to financial and legal concerns.
Reduced Cost Bus Pass Program
Spokane County participates in a program with STA which discounts bus passes to $5 a month.
Wellness Programs
There are opportunities for nearby exercise programs at reduced cost and education programs around wellness themes including financial well-being, nutrition and stress reduction.
Discounts
There are local and national discounts available to Spokane County employees.
01
Are you a regular Spokane County employee in a position covered by the Local 17 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)?

• Yes
• No

Required Question