City of Sandpoint, ID
City of Sandpoint, ID is hiring: Accounting Specialist in Sandpoint
City of Sandpoint, ID, Sandpoint, ID, US, 83888
Salary: $26.18 - $35.75 Hourly
Location : Sandpoint, ID
Job Type: Full Time Regular
Job Number: 00183
Department: Central Services
Division: Finance
Opening Date: 10/09/2025
Closing Date: 11/30/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
JOB SUMMARY
The Accounting Specialist coordinates and assures adherence to the City's cash management policy while ensuring all forms of daily cash/payment receipts are reconciled, balance and deposited. This position coordinates, administers and assures adherence to the City's purchasing policy for accounts payable while ensuring that all payments are processed timely and accurately. The position manages the purchase card program including processing all charged expenses; conducts training for cardholders and administrative staff; and prepares policies and procedures for the purchase card program. The position serves as the City's point of contact for all vendors for accounts payable. The position coordinates and assures all account receivables are billed/collected timely and accurately. The position monitors and assists in tracking fixed assets and assures compliance to the City's travel policy. The Accounting Specialist is under direct supervision of the Assistant Finance Director and performs work within established regulations and protocols with latitude for independent judgment.
INFORMATION REGARDING COMPENSATION:
The full salary range for the position is $26.18/hr. - $35.75/hr.
The general hiring range for the role is $26.18/hr. - $29.26/hr.
The hiring salary will depend on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and education.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
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:
Knowledge of:
This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.
INSURANCE BENEFITS
Eligibility: Regular employees are eligible to enroll in the insurance benefits outlined below. Regular employees are those who regularly work more than 20 hours per week on a non-seasonal basis. Coverage begins for new hires and their dependents on the first day of the month following 30 days of employment, not to exceed 60 days.
Eligible Dependents: Spouse/Domestic Partner; natural child(ren), step-child(ren) who live with the employee, adopted child(ren), and any child(ren) for whom employee is legal guardian or for whom coverage is required by a Qualified Medical Support Order. Adult children under age 26 are also eligible.
Medical
Eligible employees may select from three health plans administered by Regence Blue Shield of Idaho - the Classic Plan, the Buy-Up Plan, and the HSA High Deductible Health Plan. The City pays the monthly premium in full for employees only, depending on the plan selected (Classic or HSA); employees choosing the Buy-Up Plan will be responsible for a portion of the monthly premium. The cost to add coverage for eligible dependents varies depending on the medical plan and coverage level selected and the number of hours the employee regularly works.
Dental
Dental insurance is offered through Delta Dental of Idaho. The City pays the monthly premium in full for employees only. The cost to add coverage for eligible dependents varies depending on the number of dependents covered and the number of hours the employee regularly works.
Long-Term Disability
The City provides eligible employees long-term disability income benefits that begin after 90 days of disability. The percentage of income replaced is equal to 60% of an employee's monthly pre-disability earnings to a maximum of $5,000 per month.
Life Insurance
Basic Term Life Insurance is provided for the employee with a policy benefit equal to the employee's annual base salary plus $2,000 to a maximum of $100,000. The policy also includes $1,000 benefit for spouse and $1,000 benefit for dependent children up to age 26. The City pays the monthly premium in full.
Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a referral and counseling service delivered by Reliant Behavioral Health. It provides a myriad of services to employees and their household members. Services include receiving confidential assistance for personal issues, such as: managing stress, depression, parenting, alcohol/drugs, grief, etc. Each household members is eligible to receive up to six counseling sessions per issue per year at no charge. There is also a benefit relating to financial or legal concerns in addition to work/life services and online tools.
VOLUNTARY INSURANCE BENEFITS
Vision
Vision insurance is offered on a voluntary basis through LifeMap and the VSP Preferred Provider Network. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium for self and dependents.
Supplemental Life Insurance
Voluntary Term Life Insurance is optional and is provided through LifeMap, subject to application review and approval. Additional coverage up to $300,000 is available for employees and their dependents. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium for self and dependents.
AFLAC
Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay benefits that major medical insurance does not cover. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium for self and dependents.
Flexible Spending Account
The City offers two optional Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA. The Health Care FSA allows an employee to use pre-tax dollars to receive reimbursement for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses. Dependent Care FSAs allow employees to contribute pre-tax dollars to qualified dependent care.
Continued Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
Employees separating from City service have the option to continue medical, dental and/or vision insurance benefits in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium for self and dependents, in addition to a small monthly administrative fee.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho Base Plan
The Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI) is a defined benefit plan designed to provide pension benefits to career public employees. As a PERSI Base Plan General Member, an employee contributes 7.16% of his/her salary toward retirement; Police/Firefighter Members contribute 9.13% of salary. Contributions and earnings are tax deferred. Employees become vested (eligible for a lifetime monthly benefit at retirement age) after five years of service. The lifetime allowance an employee receives at retirement is not dependent on the amount of money contributed, but rather is determined by months of service and high average monthly salary.
PERSI Choice 401(k)
The PERSI Choice 401(k) is a defined contribution plan designed to supplement the PERSI Base Plan. As a PERSI Base Plan member, an employee may contribute a flat dollar amount or percentage of salary to this voluntary, tax-deferred retirement savings plan governed by Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k). The City does not offer matching contributions.
457(b) Deferred Compensation
The 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan is a tax-advantaged long-term investment savings plan designed to supplement an employee's pension. Enrollment in this City-sponsored governmental plan is voluntary. Unlike typical 401(k) or other pension plans, employees can withdraw 457(b) assets without penalty when they leave service or retire, regardless of their age. The City does not offer matching contributions.
PAID TIME OFF
Official Holidays
The City observes 11 official holidays as paid. An official holiday that falls on a Saturday will be observed on the preceding Friday. An official holiday that falls on a Sunday will be observed on the Monday immediately following. The day after Thanksgiving is included as an observed holiday.
Personal Time Off
Eligible employees accrue paid time off (PTO) on a semimonthly basis. The amount of PTO earned depends on the employee's length of service - from up to 21 days per year (7 hours per pay period) for a new employee to 33 days per year (11 hours per pay period) after 20 years of employment. Unused PTO hours carry over each year to a maximum of two times the annual accrual rate. The City also offers a buy-back program of up to 40 hours PTO per year, with certain restrictions, and all accrued PTO hours are paid out to the employee upon termination.
Other Leave Types
The City also provides several other paid and unpaid leaves, such as: bereavement leave, Family and Medical Leave (FMLA), maternity leave, emergency leave, jury duty, and military duty leave.
Location : Sandpoint, ID
Job Type: Full Time Regular
Job Number: 00183
Department: Central Services
Division: Finance
Opening Date: 10/09/2025
Closing Date: 11/30/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
JOB SUMMARY
The Accounting Specialist coordinates and assures adherence to the City's cash management policy while ensuring all forms of daily cash/payment receipts are reconciled, balance and deposited. This position coordinates, administers and assures adherence to the City's purchasing policy for accounts payable while ensuring that all payments are processed timely and accurately. The position manages the purchase card program including processing all charged expenses; conducts training for cardholders and administrative staff; and prepares policies and procedures for the purchase card program. The position serves as the City's point of contact for all vendors for accounts payable. The position coordinates and assures all account receivables are billed/collected timely and accurately. The position monitors and assists in tracking fixed assets and assures compliance to the City's travel policy. The Accounting Specialist is under direct supervision of the Assistant Finance Director and performs work within established regulations and protocols with latitude for independent judgment.
INFORMATION REGARDING COMPENSATION:
The full salary range for the position is $26.18/hr. - $35.75/hr.
The general hiring range for the role is $26.18/hr. - $29.26/hr.
The hiring salary will depend on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and education.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
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:
- Responsible for a high volume of daily payment transactions; monitor posting, processing and balancing of cash, electronic payment files, and other forms of payments to the accounting system/ERP software.
- Responsible for reconciliation of all daily payment transactions to include cashier receipts, Point & Pay, Paytrac, SafeSave E-Box, Automated Clearing House (ACH), EFT's, Bank Wires, and other.
- Research and identify misapplied/unapplied payments/credits, adjustment payments, returns, voids, and rejected payments daily to ensure all payments are applied against appropriate balances and accounts.
- Responsible for ensuring all manual payments items/types are entered into the ERP system daily.
- Prepares and coordinates the daily bank deposits.
- Serves as the City's point of contact for all vendors and Department/Division to ensure all accounts are current and paid; ensures all payments have proper signatures and general ledger codes; negotiates with vendors to maintain accurate account balance; balances all vendor accounts to include verifying charges, resolving account discrepancies and investigating unusual, vague or inaccurate bills; assists City Department/Divisions to ensure invoices are processed in a timely manner;
- Monitors Department/Divisions accounts payable/receivable actions to ensure purchases/invoicing adhere to policy, have proper authorization and backup, account numbers, invoice numbers, dollar amounts; enforces payment deadlines;
- Is responsible and manages all aspects of the City's purchase card program including all account configuration, set up and maintenance, card issuance/cancellation, change/monitor spending limits and reconcile reports; verifies proper authorizations for spending limits, card issuance and all purchases; verifies immediate repayment of improper charges, report lost or stolen cards to the bank; assures all cardholders have completed Purchase Card Agreements with appropriate authorized signatures;
- Serves as Payments Center Program Administrator by reviewing and distributing statements, card numbers and authorized charges;
- Reviews, inputs, audits and reconciles the City's purchasing card statement and processes electronic payment of statement;
- Reviews and updates policies and procedures for the accounts payable function including the purchasing card system, accounts receivable function and daily cash/payment receipting balancing function;
- Reviews, inputs, issues and disburses checks for invoices, receipts or requests credits;
- Trains City p-card holders and administrative staff on how to use the City's accounts payable software for inputting invoices and how to use the p-card system processing software;
- Tracks vendors for W-9 documentation; verifies 1099 vendors; creates 1099 tax forms and year end IRS reporting/submission;
- Prepares reports to the City Council on disbursed funds/transactions and maintains accurate documentation;
- Responds to management's, supervisor's, co-workers' and citizens' questions and comments in a courteous, thorough and timely manner;
- Performs time management and scheduling functions, meets deadlines, and sets project priorities;
- Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures, and safety practices.
- Provide back-up assistance for payroll;
- Provide back-up for processing utility billing;
- Performs other duties as assigned
Knowledge of:
- Standards for governmental accounting and generally accepted accounting principles;
- Municipal purchasing practices, laws and codes;
- IRS regulations and guidelines on 1099s and W-9, and workers compensation requirements;
- Modern office equipment and related software;
- Computerized ERP/accounting systems and software, preferably BS&A
- Applying accounting principles to resolve problems.
- Establish methods, procedures, and internal controls to maintain accounts payable, purchasing card systems, accounts receivable and daily cash/payment receipting balancing;
- Using good judgment in problem-solving and decision making regarding complex management issues;
- Exercising tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex and often confidential issues and situations;
- Effectively communicating through verbal, written, and electronic communication channels
- Accurately perform complex mathematical calculations;
- Use accounting and spreadsheet software to prepare reports;
- Maintain accurate and detailed accounting records;
- Accurately prepare accounts payable, purchasing card reports, accounts receivable and daily cash/payment receipting balancing;
- Reconcile complex, high volume accounts;
- Read, interpret and apply rules, regulations, policies and procedures;
- Compile, develop and organize data and information into clear and concise written reports;
- Perform duties to supervisor's expectations;
- Follow verbal and written instructions;
- Work independently or with minimal supervision; exercise initiative, with general guidance and supervision;
- Maintain a professional demeanor at all times;
- Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
- Demonstrate integrity and ingenuity in the performance of assigned tasks and solving problems;
- Perform all duties in accordance with City policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and that of other employees and the public.
- Maintains strict confidentiality of all matters;
- Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions and to communicate effectively in person and on a telephone;
- Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions, prepare required reports, and reconcile the accounts payable, purchasing card, accounts receivable, and daily cash/payment receipting balancing for the City;
- Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to prepare written reports, and operate a personal computer;
- Sufficient personal mobility, flexibility, and balance, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a personal computer; the employee may occasionally be exposed to mechanical moving parts; and
- Jobs in this class require performing repetitive motions in fingering and hand/wrist/arm movements. Related job tasks may require, with or without reasonable accommodation, lifting or moving up to 25 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally, and stooping, bending, crouching and reaching overhead and above the shoulders.
- Sitting for extended periods of time.
- Office setting
- Excessive intermittent noise
- Constant interruptions
- Associate's Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field;
- Two (2) years of experience in accounts payable using an automated system; or
- An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.
- Valid Driver's License
This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.
INSURANCE BENEFITS
Eligibility: Regular employees are eligible to enroll in the insurance benefits outlined below. Regular employees are those who regularly work more than 20 hours per week on a non-seasonal basis. Coverage begins for new hires and their dependents on the first day of the month following 30 days of employment, not to exceed 60 days.
Eligible Dependents: Spouse/Domestic Partner; natural child(ren), step-child(ren) who live with the employee, adopted child(ren), and any child(ren) for whom employee is legal guardian or for whom coverage is required by a Qualified Medical Support Order. Adult children under age 26 are also eligible.
Medical
Eligible employees may select from three health plans administered by Regence Blue Shield of Idaho - the Classic Plan, the Buy-Up Plan, and the HSA High Deductible Health Plan. The City pays the monthly premium in full for employees only, depending on the plan selected (Classic or HSA); employees choosing the Buy-Up Plan will be responsible for a portion of the monthly premium. The cost to add coverage for eligible dependents varies depending on the medical plan and coverage level selected and the number of hours the employee regularly works.
Dental
Dental insurance is offered through Delta Dental of Idaho. The City pays the monthly premium in full for employees only. The cost to add coverage for eligible dependents varies depending on the number of dependents covered and the number of hours the employee regularly works.
Long-Term Disability
The City provides eligible employees long-term disability income benefits that begin after 90 days of disability. The percentage of income replaced is equal to 60% of an employee's monthly pre-disability earnings to a maximum of $5,000 per month.
Life Insurance
Basic Term Life Insurance is provided for the employee with a policy benefit equal to the employee's annual base salary plus $2,000 to a maximum of $100,000. The policy also includes $1,000 benefit for spouse and $1,000 benefit for dependent children up to age 26. The City pays the monthly premium in full.
Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a referral and counseling service delivered by Reliant Behavioral Health. It provides a myriad of services to employees and their household members. Services include receiving confidential assistance for personal issues, such as: managing stress, depression, parenting, alcohol/drugs, grief, etc. Each household members is eligible to receive up to six counseling sessions per issue per year at no charge. There is also a benefit relating to financial or legal concerns in addition to work/life services and online tools.
VOLUNTARY INSURANCE BENEFITS
Vision
Vision insurance is offered on a voluntary basis through LifeMap and the VSP Preferred Provider Network. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium for self and dependents.
Supplemental Life Insurance
Voluntary Term Life Insurance is optional and is provided through LifeMap, subject to application review and approval. Additional coverage up to $300,000 is available for employees and their dependents. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium for self and dependents.
AFLAC
Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay benefits that major medical insurance does not cover. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium for self and dependents.
Flexible Spending Account
The City offers two optional Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA. The Health Care FSA allows an employee to use pre-tax dollars to receive reimbursement for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses. Dependent Care FSAs allow employees to contribute pre-tax dollars to qualified dependent care.
Continued Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
Employees separating from City service have the option to continue medical, dental and/or vision insurance benefits in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium for self and dependents, in addition to a small monthly administrative fee.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho Base Plan
The Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI) is a defined benefit plan designed to provide pension benefits to career public employees. As a PERSI Base Plan General Member, an employee contributes 7.16% of his/her salary toward retirement; Police/Firefighter Members contribute 9.13% of salary. Contributions and earnings are tax deferred. Employees become vested (eligible for a lifetime monthly benefit at retirement age) after five years of service. The lifetime allowance an employee receives at retirement is not dependent on the amount of money contributed, but rather is determined by months of service and high average monthly salary.
PERSI Choice 401(k)
The PERSI Choice 401(k) is a defined contribution plan designed to supplement the PERSI Base Plan. As a PERSI Base Plan member, an employee may contribute a flat dollar amount or percentage of salary to this voluntary, tax-deferred retirement savings plan governed by Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k). The City does not offer matching contributions.
457(b) Deferred Compensation
The 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan is a tax-advantaged long-term investment savings plan designed to supplement an employee's pension. Enrollment in this City-sponsored governmental plan is voluntary. Unlike typical 401(k) or other pension plans, employees can withdraw 457(b) assets without penalty when they leave service or retire, regardless of their age. The City does not offer matching contributions.
PAID TIME OFF
Official Holidays
The City observes 11 official holidays as paid. An official holiday that falls on a Saturday will be observed on the preceding Friday. An official holiday that falls on a Sunday will be observed on the Monday immediately following. The day after Thanksgiving is included as an observed holiday.
Personal Time Off
Eligible employees accrue paid time off (PTO) on a semimonthly basis. The amount of PTO earned depends on the employee's length of service - from up to 21 days per year (7 hours per pay period) for a new employee to 33 days per year (11 hours per pay period) after 20 years of employment. Unused PTO hours carry over each year to a maximum of two times the annual accrual rate. The City also offers a buy-back program of up to 40 hours PTO per year, with certain restrictions, and all accrued PTO hours are paid out to the employee upon termination.
Other Leave Types
The City also provides several other paid and unpaid leaves, such as: bereavement leave, Family and Medical Leave (FMLA), maternity leave, emergency leave, jury duty, and military duty leave.