Financial Assistant

ufeff Financial Assistant Salary $32.72 - $39.77 Hourly Location Tacoma, WA Job Type Classified Job Number 0504-26 Department City of Tacoma - CITY WIDE LIST Opening Date 05/01/2026 Closing Date 5/11/2026 5:00 PM Pacific + Description + Benefits + Questions Position Description The City of Tacoma is recruiting for the city-wide classification of Financial Assistant. Financial Assistants perform a variety of accounting support duties such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll/timekeeping, and purchasing and may involve preparation of basic financial reports with accompanying narratives. The Financial Assistant classification involves the preparation, maintenance and analysis of financial and statistical records for an assigned set of accounts and/or funds, projects or programs; tracks, records, verifies and resolves issues with financial data; this classification is distinguished by having as a primary focus on the processing and verification of financial information. Qualifications An equivalent combination to: graduation from high school supplemented by one (1) year of college level course work in accounting and two (2) years increasingly responsible accounting clerical experience which includes performing word processing and spread sheet applications on a personal computer. LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS Some positions may require occasional travel within a 30-mile radius. Some positions may require incumbents to successfully pass a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) background check. Positions assigned to or supporting the Tacoma Police Department may require additional background screening, including, but not limited to, fingerprinting and/or a polygraph test. Knowledge & Skills + Accounting methods, practices and procedures. + Financial and statistical record keeping. + Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. + Communicate information effectively to internal and external customers face-to-face, on the telephone, by electronic mail and through written correspondence. + Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar. + Maintain a variety of financial records, reports, documents and files for assigned accounts or funds; coordinate related accounting activity with other functions. + Accounts Payable best practices and accounting principles; government requirements as they relate to payment processing; clear understanding of tax rules (retail sales and use tax). + Post, assemble, tabulate, compare, verify, balance, audit and adjust financial and statistical data and accounts; process documents involved in financial transactions. + Perform a variety of financial support duties associated with processing City payroll including auditing, review, and compliance. Research and resolve issues related to employee records, time-entry, leave, flex-time, holidays, pay issues and other absences. + Prepare journal entries and reconcile fiscal records and documents, assist in budget monitoring, provide written and oral reports. + Prepare, process, review, maintain and distribute correspondence, memoranda, reports, checks, warrants, purchase orders, bids, invoices, vouchers, bills, requisitions and other documents. + Reconcile vendor statements by verification of invoices against purchase order, processes invoice for payment, investigate and resolve discrepancies. + Ability to use a computer application to accurately enter text, insert pictures, format, edit, print, save and retrieve word processing documents. + Ability to use a computer application to accurately enter, manipulate and format text and numerical data, insert, delete and manipulate cells, rows and columns and create and save worksheets, charts and graphs. + Ability to use a computer application to manage large amounts of information, including creating and editing simple databases, inputting data, retrieving specific records, and creating reports to communicate the information. + Ability to navigate the internet to find information, including the ability to open and configure standard browsers and use searches. + Principles and practices of training and providing work direction. + Accurately and competently utilize a computer and automated spreadsheet software. + Read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures within scope of authority. + Add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately. + Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. + Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. + Plan and organize work to meet schedules and timelines. + Enter data accurately. + Work independently and complete work despite multiple interruptions. + Maintain confidentiality of information and records. + Use independent judgment and to perform increasingly complex tasks proportionate with experience. Selection Process & Supplemental Information A Commitment to Equity & Diversity At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table. The Community Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures. Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum. With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: To Apply Interested individuals should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter describing their responsibilities as it relates to the responsibilities of this position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to take an online assessment covering Microsoft Suite 2019 basic and intermediate questions, along with financial assistant-level skill-based supplemental questions, as the required Experience & Training (E&T) test. Applicants must receive a passing score (70% or better) to be placed on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration. The eligibility list established for this recruitment is good for one year. Applicants selected to interview may be required to complete a work problem or an office skills assessment. Get Assistance For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement. For technical difficulties using the NeoGov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes. Communication from the City of Tacoma ( NOTE: For questions regarding this specific recruitment contact Kat Flores () , HR Analyst.) We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders. Compensation & Benefits Pay Details: Hourly Rate: $32.72 - $39.77 Employee Benefits City of Tacoma ( The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives. Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger. Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger. Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type. Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees. Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income. Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at or by calling (253) 502-8200. Other Employment Information Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit. Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule. Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees. Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice. 01 Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc.), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application. I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any form of cheating or falsification will disqualify my application for further consideration. + Yes + No 02 Please check the answer that best describes your ability to meet the minimum qualifications for this position. + I have one year of college coursework in accounting or related field and two years of increasingly responsible accounting clerical experience, which includes performing word processing and spreadsheet applications on a computer. + I have related work experience which may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis. + I do not have the above qualifications. 03 Work location and scheduling requirements vary by department. Please indicate the work schedules you are willing to accept. + Full time, on-site + Flexible / hybrid 04 Do you have experience in any of the following? Check all that apply. + Posting, assembling, tabulating, comparing, verifying, balancing, auditing and adjusting financial and statistical data and accounts. + Preparing journal entries. + Reviewing contract terms and conditions. + Reconciling fiscal records and documents. + Accounts Payable activities such as invoice processing according to policies and best practices. + Assisting in budget monitoring. + Compiling, preparing, reviewing and processing financial records, correspondence and reports. + Filing and maintaining paper and electronic files. + Explaining programs, policies and procedures. + Procurement card processing + Records Management. + None of the above. 05 As a Financial Assistant, you may be using different tools such as Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, Adobe, SharePoint, Tableau, Smartsheet, and other tools as needed. The next set of questions ask you to identify your skill level for each application. Please respond whether you understand the instructions. + Yes + No 06 Microsoft Excel + No Experience. + Developing experience, occasional user. + Developing experience, have taken related courses, use several times a week. + Skilled user. + Expert user, regularly use advanced functionality. 07 Microsoft Word + No experience. + Developing experience, occasional user. + Developing experience, have taken related courses, use several times a week. + Skilled user. + Expert user, regularly use advanced functionality. 08 Microsoft Outlook + No experience. + Developing experience, occasional user. + Developing experience, have taken related courses, use several times a week. + Skilled user. + Expert user, regularly use advanced functionality. 09 Adobe + No experience. + Developing experience, occasional user. + Developing experience, have taken related courses, use several times a week. + Skilled user. + Expert user, regularly use advanced functionality. 10 SharePoint + No experience. + Developing experience, occasional user. + Developing experience, have taken related courses, use several times a week. + Skilled user. + Expert user, regularly use advanced functionality. 11 Tableau + No experience. + Developing experience, occasional user. + Developing experience, have taken related courses, use several times a week. + Skilled user. + Expert user, regularly use advanced functionality. 12 Smartsheet + No experience. + Developing experience, occasional user. + Developing experience, have taken related courses, use several times a week. + Skilled user. + Expert user, regularly use advanced functionality. 13 Please describe in detail your level of experience using any tool or application not mentioned above. If you do not have experience in other tools or applications please indicate N/A. 14 Describe your experience with payroll and timekeeping, including interpreting and translating labor and other contracts (for example: processing payroll, auditing payroll and/or timekeeping reports, researching and resolving payroll and/or timekeeping issues, etc.) + No experience. + Developing experience, occasional user. + Developing experience, have taken related courses, use several times a week. + Skilled user. + Expert user, regularly use advanced functionality. 15 Describe your experience creating purchase requisitions, purchase orders, and goods receipts. + No experience. + Developing experience, occasional user. + Developing experience, have taken related courses, use several times a week. + Skilled user. + Expert user, regularly use advanced functionality. 16 Describe your accounts payable experience, to include supplier contract/purchase order accuracy, invoice verification, vendor statements, and processing invoices which includes reconciliation and posting. + No experience. + Developing experience, occasional user. + Developing experience, have taken related courses, use several times a week. + Skilled user. + Expert user, regularly use advanced functionality. 17 Describe your experience using the SAP Ariba e-procurement system. + No experience. + Developing experience, occasional user. + Developing experience, have taken related courses, use several times a week. + Skilled user. + Expert user, regularly use advanced functionality. 18 Describe your experience using SAP procurement, payables, budget, and payroll transactions. + No experience. + Developing experience, occasional user. + Developing experience, have taken related courses, use several times a week. + Skilled user. + Expert user, regularly use advance functionality. 19 If you have SAP experience, check all examples of experience that applies. + Org Mgmt (PPOSE, PO13) + Admin/Payroll/HR (PA30) + Personnel (PA20) + Accounts Payable (FK10N) + Purchasing (ME51N, ME52N, ME23N) + Payroll (CATS_APPR_LITE, CAT2) + Financial Accounting (FS10N) + Attestations (ZPT027ATT) + Controlling (KSB1, CJI3, KOB1) + Travel Mgmt (TRIP, PR05) + Materials Mgmt (MIGO) + Service Entry Sheet (ML81N, ML84, ML85) + No SAP experience 20 Describe a situation where you worked on a team with people from different backgrounds than your own. Based on this experience, what did you learn? 21 Positions assigned to, or supporting the Tacoma Police Department, may require additional background screening, including but not limited to, fingerprinting and a polygraph test. Do you want to be considered for positions in the Tacoma Police Department, given the additional screening requirements? (Please note that indicating u2018Nou2019 below will not disqualify you from other Financial Assistant positions within the City of Tacoma.) + Yes + No 22 Please tell us how you learned about this job opening. Select one. + Job Interest Card notification + Professional organization + Military organization + City of Tacoma employee + Online job board posting + Word of mouth + LinkedIn + Tacoma Training & Education Program (TTEP) + Indeed + Facebook + Instagram + Careers in Government + Government Jobs + Outreach Event + National Diversity Network + African American Job Network + Disability Job Network + Asian Job Network + Latino Job Network + Retirement Job Network + LGBT Job Network + Veteran Job Network + International Association of Venue Managers + Teamwork Online + Venue Coalition + Venues Now + International Entertainment Buyers Association + Other (see below) 23 If you checked

Created: 2026-05-04