Account Clerk – Central Services-Livingston County

Job Description

Job Title: Account Clerk – Central Services

Company: Livingston County

Location: Howell, MI

Pay: $36584 per year

AI Pay Analysis: To analyze the hourly rate of $36,584 per year for the role of “Account Clerk – Central Services” in Howell, MI, we first convert the salary to an hourly wage, which is approximately $17.57 (assuming a 40-hour work week). This rate appears to be on the lower end of the spectrum for similar roles within the accounting and clerical fields in Michigan. According to various salary surveys and resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for an accounting clerk generally ranges from $18 to $23, depending on experience and specific duties. Therefore, while the offered rate might be suitable for entry-level positions, it may not be competitive compared to industry standards, especially for candidates with more experience or those in nearby urban centers where the cost of living and wage expectations may be higher.

Job description:

Livingston County has earned recognition as a 2024 Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press, an honor conferred based solely on employee feedback. With a dedicated workforce exceeding 700 individuals across 18 departments, five elected offices, and five courts, Livingston County prioritizes the delivery of effective and efficient services that enhance the quality of life for our residents.

Position Summary:
Under the guidance of the Chief Account Clerk, the incumbent will carry out general accounting responsibilities within the cash office of the Livingston County Courts. Key duties include accurately receipting and processing payments related to cases, maintaining daily financial records, assisting the public with inquiries about fines and costs, reconciling bond money receipts, applying funds to the appropriate cases, generating daily reports, and managing payments through petty cash. The role also encompasses processing restitution payments for victims and supporting collections for outstanding cases.

Pay Rate Information:
This position is part of a union and offers a starting salary of $44,902.21 per year, with eligibility for step pay increases. The maximum salary within the current wage scale for this position reaches $53,657.34 per year.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation plan
• MERS Retirement plan and 401(a) with employer matching contributions
• Comprehensive Medical, Pharmacy, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Optional Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation plan
• Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• Health and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Annual wellness reimbursement of $500, plus a $100 incentive for completing an annual physical and Health Assessment
• Paid training opportunities
• Access to voluntary benefits, including Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital policies
• Employee Assistance Program

Essential Job Functions:
The employee in this role may be required to perform the following essential functions, which are not exhaustive. Success in this position necessitates the ability to effectively perform each essential function:

• Process criminal, traffic, and civil payments via counter, phone, mail, and online, ensuring accurate application to the proper name and case file.
• Manage the cash drawer, performing daily closeouts and recording totals of fines, costs, bonds, and other fees. Generate daily cash reports and ensure proper uploading of checks to bank accounts.
• Provide assistance to the public on questions relating to fines, payment plans, courtroom procedures, and related topics, directing inquiries to the appropriate personnel as needed.
• Apply and disperse bond funds in accordance with courtroom directives.
• Handle the processing of tickets with suspended notices and manage the conversion of bonds related to civil infractions.
• Prepare and issue bond forfeiture notices for misdemeanor offenses, monitoring bonds for forfeiture after 28 days.
• Issue and manage bond checks for cases transitioned to the Circuit Court.
• Follow up on payments that lack sufficient identification to ascertain the correct account for crediting.
• Implement proper collection measures, which may include issuing warrants, scheduling show cause hearings, submitting wage assignments, and managing tax garnishments and intercept orders.
• Oversee the processing of restitution payments and assist in addressing unclaimed restitution.
• Assist the Chief Account Clerk with month-end reporting and financial statements.
• Undertake the responsibilities of a Deputy District Court Clerk as necessary.
• Responsible for entering and recalling liens for tickets, warrants, etc.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent, with additional training in bookkeeping and accounting preferred, along with three years of progressively responsible bookkeeping experience.
• The County may consider an alternative combination of education and work experience at its discretion.
• Ability to acquire knowledge of the principles and practices of the State of Michigan Court system.
• Proficient understanding of bookkeeping principles, general ledger government accounting, cash handling practices, and customer service.
• Strong skills in data assembly and report preparation.
• Ability to maintain professional integrity and respect for individuals requiring court services, effectively engaging with the public.
• Capacity to establish effective working relationships, utilizing good judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness in interactions with county employees, contractors, government representatives, and the public.
• Proficiency in operating office equipment and technology, including adding machines, scanners, credit card terminals, Microsoft Suite applications, databases, and the willingness to learn new software applicable to the position.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and characteristics of the work environment outlined herein are typical for an employee performing essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While executing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to communicate in person and over the phone, read various print sizes, produce written and electronic documents, and enter data using a computer keyboard with repetitive keystrokes. The employee must be mobile within an office setting, requiring standing, sitting, stooping, kneeling, and using hands for various tasks. The employee may be required to lift or push/pull objects weighing up to 15 pounds without assistance, with accommodations available as needed for heavier objects.

Typically, this role is situated in a business office environment characterized by a generally quiet atmosphere, though levels of noise may occasionally rise to moderate.

Job Posting Date: Sat, 08 Mar 2025 03:19:33 GMT

Apply now!