Salary : $87,708.00 - $132,384.00 Annually
Location : Kennewick City Hall, WA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-03_AccountantI/II
Department: Finance
Division: Accounting
Opening Date: 03/24/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NC

Description
FIRST REVIEW AFTER THREE WEEKS ON: 04/15/2026

Level I: $7,309 - $9,355 monthly
Level II: $8,618 - $11,032 monthly

CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY
Under general direction, performs a wide variety of professional level accounting, budgeting, cash management and financial reporting functions. Maintains official city accounting records in accordance with the system of accounting prescribed by the Washington State Auditor's Office and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Works with the Accounting Manager to develop and implement financial policies and internal controls to ensure proper financial reporting and safeguarding of city assets. Works as a team member on research projects, analytical studies and/or other special projects. Level I and II Accountant are distinguished by the degree of complexity of assignments and the level of independence with which the position operates as well as the experience required to perform the work.

POSITION OVERVIEW
The City of Kennewick is seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative accounting professional to support citywide financial operations. This position plays a key role in maintaining accurate financial records, supporting budgeting and reporting processes, and ensuring compliance with state regulations and GAAP.
The ideal candidate will have experience in governmental accounting, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team on complex financial projects.

Examples of Work Performed (Illustrative Only)

The following list reflects the essential job duties and responsibilities of this classification, but should not be considered all-inclusive. The incumbent will be expected to perform other related duties as assigned.

Level I:

• Prepares various financial reports, statements and projections using guidelines of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and governmental accounting concepts.
• Maintains journals, ledgers and other financial records, establishes financial status of various funds and reconciles discrepancies as needed.
• Accounts for grants, local improvement districts (LID) and related bond issues and other long term debt of the City; monitors related revenues and/or expenditures; analyzes available cash balances, computes total costs and submits reimbursement requests for grants, prepares annual debt service schedules and initiates bond calls in accordance with state law and city codes.
• Assists departments in preparing biennial budget and projecting year end account and grant balances by extracting, analyzing and projecting financial records and statistical computations. Makes recommendations based upon results.
• Assists in the development of internal control procedures by identifying and notifying management of any discrepancies or inconsistencies and making recommendations for improvements.
• Provides support on citywide financial projects, analytical studies and/or special projects.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Level II:

• Acts in a lead capacity in citywide financial projects, analytical studies and/or special projects that involve multiple city departments and/or parties external to the organization.

Employment Standards
This position requires a Bachelor's Degree in accounting, finance, business or related field and at least two years of relevant experience sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties listed above, or any combination of relevant education and experience sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform duties listed above.
Level I & II:

• Must pass a criminal background investigation.
• Must maintain a level of mental and physical fitness required to perform the essential functions of this classification.
• Must maintain regular attendance and punctuality.

Level II:

• Five or more years of experience involving the preparation of financial statements and reports and the interpretation and application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

The City of Kennewick offers competitive pay, excellent benefits and a work-life balance.

The benefits listed within the link below are among those currently offered to City of Kennewick Employees.
01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?I have read the above statement and understand that failure to provide sufficiently detailed information may result in my application being rejected.

• Yes
• No

02

Please select the option that best describes how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position:

• Post-graduate degree (e.g., Master's) in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field and at least one (1) year of professional accounting experience
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field and at least two (2) years of professional accounting experience
• Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field and at least four (4) years of professional accounting experience
• High School Diploma/GED and Six (6) or more years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience
• I do not meet any of the above qualifications

03

Please select the area of study your degree is in. If you do not have a degree, select 'None' and if your degree is in another field not listed, select 'Other":

• Accounting
• Business Administration - Accounting Emphasis
• Finance
• Business Administration - Finance Concentration
• Economics
• Business Economics
• Public Administration - with Accounting Focus
• Management - with Accounting or Financial Management Focus
• Auditing
• Governmental or Nonprofit Accounting
• Business Analytics - with Financial Analysis Coursework
• Taxation
• Financial Management
• Cost Accounting
• Commerce - Accounting or Finance Track
• Other
• None

04

If you selected 'Other' in the question above (#3), please state what area of study your degree is in:
05

Are you a Certified Public Accountant?

• Yes
• No

06

How many years of experience do you have working in the field of accounting?

• None
• 1 year
• 2-3 years
• 4-5 years
• 5+ years

07

How many years of experience do you have preparing financial statements and projections under the guidelines of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for governmental agencies?

• None
• 1 year
• 2-3 years
• 4-5 years
• 5+ years

08

How many years of experience do you have accounting for and reporting on local, state, or federal grants?

• None
• 1 year
• 2-3 years
• 4-5 years
• 5+ years

09

Please describe your relevant work experience in the field of finance and accounting. Be specific. You may include things like: the types of financial reports you have prepared, your experience applying GAAP, any experience with governmental accounting, grants, or audits, and/or your role in budgeting or financial analysis.
Required Question