Temporary Customer Accounts Associate - Business Licensing

Responsible for the processing and administration of the business and regulatory license function, cemetery, and False Alarm Program. Positions in this classification may be assigned to different functional responsibilities in those areas but the nature and scope of the work, specific procedures/processes applied and general knowledge requirements will be comparable.

Principal Accountabilities

• Process licenses, permits and applications related to Business Licenses, Alarm permits.
• Perform clerical support activities and act as administrative liaison for the Business and Regulatory License function, Cemetery and False Alarm Program.
• Provide backup support for other Customer Accounts positions.

Essential Functions

• Prepare receipts for moneys received for business license applications, renewals delinquent accounts, regulatory licenses, cemetery fees and false alarm permits & fines. Monitor revenues, request refunds and payment to vendors.
• Maintain contacts with state and local governments and private industries related to assigned functional responsibilities.
• Prepare correspondence including agenda items for City Council action related to functional responsibilities.
• Provide backup support for other customer accounts positions to include assisting with passport application acceptance, cashiering duties, receptionist duties, and assisting with utility billing.

Business and Regulatory License

• Process business and other license applications received either through the mail or over the counter. Respond to inquiries from the public and other city departments. Provide information to customers regarding licensing requirements.
• Prepare and send out invoices for license and permit renewals and delinquent accounts.
• Review state revenue reports, fire inspection reports and building permits to determine if new or existing businesses have proper licenses and work with businesses to bring them into compliance.
• Prepare and provide business license reports to various departments and outside sources.

Cemetery

• Meet with grieving families in order to arrange for inurnments/burials/disinterment at the Kirkland Cemetery and coordinates with funeral directors, park crews, and families in scheduling dates and times for funerals. Meet with families for purchase of cemetery property for immediate or future use.
• Assist families in purchasing cemetery markers to include determining type, design, and appropriate comments.
• Maintain Cemetery records and files. Prepare deeds for cemetery property sales.

False Alarm Program

• Implement the production, generation and mailing of notices, invoices and delinquent invoices in order to enforce the ordinance and subsequently process Alarm Registration applications, renewals, invoice payments and Corrective Action Reports received either through the mail or over the counter. Provide information to alarm users regarding the False Alarm Program requirements.
• Interpret and import all false alarm calls and credit them to specific alarm user registration accounts.
• Investigate, respond to and resolve inquiries, complaints and appeals to false alarm designations, both orally and in writing.
• Research which alarm users are in non-compliance to the alarm ordinance and then suspend law enforcement response.
• Collect, record and evaluate data and prepare statistical and narrative reports and other documents to indicate the effects of the false alarm reduction efforts.
• Prepare appeal documentation and appear before the Hearing Examiner for issues such as preliminary denial of appeals, collection of false alarm response fees/fines or other collection efforts.

Peripheral Responsibilities

Performs other duties as required to ensure efficient office operations.

Why Kirkland?

Ranked as one of the most livable cities in America, Kirkland is an attractive and inviting place to live, work, and visit. We have big city vision while maintaining a small-town, community feel. If you are a candidate with the desire to join an organization looking to innovate into the future, the City of Kirkland is the place for you!

If you ask our employees why they love where they work, they will tell you about the great people, work environment, supportive leadership and City Council, and fearless innovation.

We also invest in you!

Competitive Wages: We strive to maintain competitive compensation packages and work to provide wages that meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities of our employees.

Awesome benefits: The City offers benefits that are unmatched by most other employers. Please click on the benefits tab above to view more details.

Childcare Programs: To help address the challenge of finding reliable childcare, the City of Kirkland has reserved spots for City employees at local and regional providers, available at a discount. New employees gain access to Kirkland's reserved spots as soon as they start employment. Learn more!

Training and Career Development: The City of Kirkland believes in developing it's employees. You will have access to training opportunities designed for career development and advancement based on your position, skills, and interests.

• Knowledge of basic mathematical computations.
• Experience in receiving and receipting moneys and providing accounting support.
• Skill in using office equipment and computers together with related software applications such as word processing, graphics, spreadsheets, electronic mail, and automated financial systems including the ability to analyze and evaluate computer generated reports.
• Skill in applying customer service techniques to effectively deal with angry customers and/or grieving families including communicating, explaining and defending issues and positions, tactfully, effectively, equitably and with diplomacy both orally and in writing.
• Good listening skills.
• Ability to network, develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal staff, co-workers, industry professionals and others involved with assigned functional responsibilities.
• Ability to exchange or convey information and receive work direction.
• Ability to learn and retain, interpret, apply, and explain codes, ordinances, policies, procedures and industry standards applicable to area of responsibility. (i.e. business license regulations - local and state, burglar alarm systems and how their operation effects an alarm designation)
• Ability to analyze and evaluate computer generated reports.
• Ability to arrive at sound decisions through detailed analysis and evaluation of information.
• Ability to prioritize work and multi-task.
• Ability to work independently, to plan both short and long term projects to enhance effectiveness of the program.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and two years post high school training or experience in accounting support and customer service activities, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Requires intermediate computer and spreadsheet skills and accurate 10-key calculator skills. Must have strong math skills and experience with general office equipment and procedures. Must have effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to work well with staff the public, and manage multiple tasks.

Working Conditions

Positions in this class typically require: sitting, mobility, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Work is typically sedentary work: exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Position requires a resume and cover letter for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled. Position is open until filled, with first review of applicants made by 15th day of original posting.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at711.