Accounts Payable- Accounting Technician II – BU

Position Description

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is recruiting for an Accounting Technician II for its Accounts Payable team to perform multiple complex accounts payable support tasks. Responsibilities will include process and prioritize high volume of invoices, manage daily deadlines, solve problems, make reliable decisions, independent research, analyze facts and communicate effectively to internal and external customers. The position will report to the Accounts Payable Supervisor in the Accounting Division of SPU's Financial & Risk Services Branch.

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU's work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), check out the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

Why join us?

We know work isn't only about what you do, it's also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Hybrid work schedule opportunities
• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free Orca Pass
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Job Responsibilities

• Process high volume of invoices, manage daily deadlines, and update information real-time in financial system.
• Keep current with aged payables for assigned work stream.
• Record new incoming invoices within allotted time frames, update invoice tracking logs, match invoices in financial system.
• Utilize queries and system inquiries to research information from procurement to payment.
• Communicate variances or issues, track communications and escalations with internal and external customers.
• Track changes to remittance information, payment method, terms, and other payable procedures.
• Resolve internal and external customer and vendor inquiries, such as payment history, payment status, and coding.
• Handle and deposit cash/checks, process variety of refunds, and conservation rebates.
• Recognize and record asset purchases, reconcile vendor statements, and research outstanding unpaid invoices.
• Process standard purchase orders and reconcile invoice to purchase order and/or receipt.
• Assist other staff members with invoice processing such as travel and training, permits, consultant contract payments, employee reimbursements, credit card transaction review etc.
• Work with section lead on various accounts payable projects.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Experience: Two (2) years of experience in accounting/bookkeeping or One (1) year experience as an Accounting Technician I.

Education and Experience Equivalency: Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification, and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements.

The ideal candidate should possess some of the following:

• Solid experience in performing accounts payable supplier invoice processing duties full time.
• Professional customer service, interpersonal, strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with large accounting software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft office tools, Outlook, One Drive and Share Point.
• Punctual and reliable attendance.
• Ability to perform high volume of work efficiently and accurately in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to exercise professional judgment to solve problems.
• Ability to prioritize and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Experience with internal controls over purchasing and payables.
• Ability to work effectively within a multicultural workforce serving a diverse customer base.

Working Environment/Conditions:

• This individual is expected to be available in-person at the office for the first three (3) weeks for training purposes.
• After completing the initial training, the individual will work mainly in an office environment (hybrid opportunities are available, with a minimum requirement of four days in the office per two-week pay period).

Additional Information
Application Requirements:

• Due to the fiduciary responsibilities of the position, a job offer is contingent on review of a background check including criminal history as well as information provided by the applicant as part of the application process.
• This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest record in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SME 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

• In addition to fully completing the online application, please attach your cover letter and resume. Your cover letter should address why you are interested in this position and how your education, knowledge and experience qualify you for the position.

The full salary range for this position is $28.00- $31.35 Hourly.

Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

If you have any questions, please contact Uma Suseelan at Uma.Suseelan@seattle.gov
Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/ .

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
"Most" Employees Plans - Human Resources | seattle.gov

Closing Date/Time: 11/21/2023 4:00 PM Pacific