Description

OFFICE OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER - CONTROLLER DIVISION
CLERK III

Be a Part of the City You Love!
The Office of the Chief Financial Officer - Controller division is accepting applications for a Clerk III position.

Position Summary

The Clerk class is a non-supervisory role responsible for general office or support duties such as preparing, receiving, reviewing, and verifying documents; processing transactions; maintaining office records; and locating and compiling data or information from files and other data sources. Clerical work requires knowledge of an organization's rules and procedures and requires training, experience, or working knowledge related to the tasks to be performed. In this class, Clerks are classified as Levels I-IV, with varying degrees of responsibility. Clerks combine a practical knowledge of accounting, budget, or other financial management related clerical support functions with procedural knowledge in carrying out the goals of their particular organization.

Examples of Duties

• Performs ERP Cloud applications that impactassigned operations including other technology applications that are introduced over time

• Reads source documents such as canceled checks, sales reports, or bills, and enters data into specific data fields using keyboards or scanners

• Operates office machines, such as photocopiers and scanners, facsimile machines, voice mail systems, and personal computers

• Answers telephones, direct calls, and takesmessages

• Files and stores completed documents in appropriate locations; Retrieves materials in alphabetic, numeric, or chronological order

• Maintains and updates filing, inventory, mailing, and database systems using a computer

• Compiles, sorts, and verifies the accuracy of data before it is entered

• Communicates with customers, employees, and other individuals to answer questions, disseminates or explains information, takes orders, and addressescomplaints

• Collects, counts, and disburses money and completes transactions

• Completes and mails bills, contract, policies, invoices, or checks

• Opens, sorts, and routes incoming mail, answers correspondence, and outgoing mail

• Compiles, copies, sorts, and files records of office activities, business transactions, and other activities

• Matches order forms with invoices and records the necessary information

• Locates and corrects data entry errors, or reports them to supervisors

• Stores completed documents in appropriate locations

• Compares data with source documents or re-enters data in verification format to detect errors

• Debits, credits, and totals accounts on computer spreadsheets and databases, using specialized accounting software

• Operates computers programmed with accounting software to record, store, and analyze information

• Checks figures, postings, and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy, and proper codes

• Classifies, records, and summarizes numerical and financial data to compile and keep financial records, using journals and ledgers or computers

• Compiles statistical, financial, accounting, or auditing reports and tables pertaining to such matters as cash receipts, expenditures, accounts payable and receivable, and profits and losses

• Codes documents according to City procedures

• Reconciles or notes and reports discrepancies found in records

• Accesses computerized financial information to answer general questions, as well as those related to specific accounts

• Compiles, reviews, analyzes and records payroll time, payroll data, withholdings, benefits, and other employee related data

• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• For all Clerks, it is a requirement to have completed High School graduation or General Education Development (GED) certificate.

Experience

• In addition to the minimum education requirements the following experience requirements also apply:

For selection, appointment to Clerk level II or higher, in addition to the minimum education requirements, more progressive levels of experience are required based on the following:

• Clerk III – at least three (3) years of paraprofessional experience in general office of clerical work. Clerks must demonstrate proficiency with integrated word processing and spreadsheet functions.

Preferred Experience

• Technical Proficiency – Strong command of spreadsheet software (like Microsoft Excel) and other standard Microsoft platforms (Word, PowerPoint); Payroll platforms (e.g., UKGPro)

• Detailed-Oriented – High level of accuracy in math and data entry to prevent discrepancies.

• Confidentiality – Ability to handle sensitive financial and personal employee information with strict discretion.

• Communication – Excellent customer service skills for answering payroll inquiries and collaborating with payroll team and management.

• De-escalation Skills – Capacity to respond to distressed or frustrated employees with empathy, patience, and clear communication.

• Customer Service Skills – Maintains a helpful, courteous, and professional attitude.

• Problem-Solving Ability – Handles routine office issues and finds practical solutions independently.

• Teamwork – Works effectively with colleagues and supports overall office operations.

Equivalency

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Supplemental Information

Evaluation Plan

• Interview: 70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0-15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points

LRD:02/10/2026

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• The knowledge, skill, and ability of a Clerk increases with the level of responsibility and experience.

At the intermediate level, knowledge requirements might include detailed, intensive knowledge of:

• Body of standardized regulations, requirements, procedures, and operations associated with clerical duties related to the assigned accounting, budget, or financial management support function

• Various steps and procedures required to perform a full range of accounting, budget, or financial management support duties related to recurring or standardized transactions

• Various accounting, budget, or other financial processing procedures to support transactions that involve the use of different forms and the application of different procedures

• Automated databases associated with a specific accounting, budget, or other financial management function sufficient to input a range of standard information or adjustments, understand recurring error reports and take corrective action, and generate a variety of standard reports

• Structure and content of accounting, budget, or other financial management related documents (e.g., invoices, reports, travel orders and payroll forms) to investigate and resolve routine or recurring discrepancies, check documents for adequacy, or perform comparable actions that are covered by established procedures

At the advanced level, knowledge requirements might include comprehensive knowledge of:

• Body of accounting, budget, or other financial management regulations, practices, procedures, and policies related to the specific financial management support functions

• A wide variety of interrelated steps, conditions, and procedures or processes required to assemble, review, and maintain complex accounting, budget, or other fiscal transactions

• Various accounting, budget, or other financial regulations, laws, and requirements to ensure compliance and recommend action

• Variety of accounting and budget functional areas and their relationships to other functions to research or investigate problems or errors that require reconciling and reconstructing incomplete information, conducting extensive and exhaustive searches for required information, or performing actions of similar complexity

• Automated accounting and budget systems to reconcile errors that require an understanding of nonstandard procedures or to provide assistance in the development of automated procedures for clerical operations

• Extensive and diverse accounting, budget, or other financial regulations, operations, and procedures governing a wide variety of types of related transactions to resolve nonstandard transactions, complaints, or discrepancies, provide advice, or perform other work that requires authoritative procedural knowledge
  
  Skill in:
  - Use of personal computers
  - Use of Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and other office suite software packages
  - Use of Excel (e.g. Formulas, Pivot Tables, Vlookup, Hlookup, other functions, charts, tables) and other financial management software packages functionality
  - Use of large complex, multi-departmental financial systems
  - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents
  - Communicate effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience
  - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
  - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
  - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things
  - Using mathematics to solve problems
  
  Ability to:
  - Interact effectively with senior leadership, subordinates, department personnel, and others
  - Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand
  - Collect, alphabetize, code, numerically rank, sort, and batch documents

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The work may require some physical effort, such as standing, walking, bending, or sitting. There are no special physical demands.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The Clerk works in an office setting involving everyday risks or discomforts. Normal safety precautions are required.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.

The Clerk class is a non-supervisory role responsible for general office or support duties such as preparing, receiving, reviewing, and verifying documents; processing transactions; maintaining office records; and locating and compiling data or information from files and other data sources. Clerical work requires knowledge of an organization's rules and procedures and requires training, experience, or working knowledge related to the tasks to be performed. In this class, Clerks are classified as Levels I-IV, with varying degrees of responsibility. Clerks combine a practical knowledge of accounting, budget, or other financial management related clerical support functions with procedural knowledge in carrying out the goals of their particular organization. Examples of Duties Performs ERP Cloud applications that impactassigned operations including other technology applications that are introduced over time. Reads source documents such as canceled checks, sales reports, or bills, and enters data into specific data fields using keyboards or scanners. Operates office machines, such as photocopiers and scanners, facsimile machines, voice mail systems, and personal computers. Answers telephones, direct calls, and takesmessages. Files and stores completed documents in appropriate locations; Retrieves materials in alphabetic, numeric, or chronological order. Maintains and updates filing, inventory, mailing, and database systems using a computer. Compiles, sorts, and verifies the accuracy of data before it is entered. Communicates with customers, employees, and other individuals to answer questions, disseminates or explains information, takes orders, and addressescomplaints. Collects, counts, and disburses money and completes transactions. Completes and mails bills, contract, policies, invoices, or checks. Opens, sorts, and routes incoming mail, answers correspondence, and outgoing mail. Compiles, copies, sorts, and files records of office activities, business transactions, and other activities. Matches order forms with invoices and records the necessary information. Locates and corrects data entry errors, or reports them to supervisors. Stores completed documents in appropriate locations. Compares data with source documents or re-enters data in verification format to detect errors. Debits, credits, and totals accounts on computer spreadsheets and databases, using specialized accounting software. Operates computers programmed with accounting software to record, store, and analyze information. Checks figures, postings, and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy, and proper codes. Classifies, records, and summarizes numerical and financial data to compile and keep financial records, using journals and ledgers or computers. Compiles statistical, financial, accounting, or auditing reports and tables pertaining to such matters as cash receipts, expenditures, accounts payable and receivable, and profits and losses. Codes documents according to City procedures. Reconciles or notes and reports discrepancies found in records. Accesses computerized financial information to answer general questions, as well as those related to specific accounts. Compiles, reviews, analyzes and records payroll time, payroll data, withholdings, benefits, and other employee related data. Performs special projects and other duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications Education. For all Clerks, it is a requirement to have completed High School graduation or General Education Development (GED) certificate. Experience. In addition to the minimum education requirements the following experience requirements also apply:For selection, appointment to Clerk level II or higher, in addition to the minimum education requirements, more progressive levels of experience are required based on the following:Clerk III – at least three (3) years of paraprofessional experience in general office of clerical work. Clerks must demonstrate proficiency with integrated word processing and spreadsheet functions. Preferred Experience Technical Proficiency – Strong command of spreadsheet software (like Microsoft Excel) and other standard Microsoft platforms (Word, PowerPoint); Payroll platforms (e.g., UKG - Pro)Detailed-Oriented – High level of accuracy in math and data entry to prevent discrepancies. Confidentiality – Ability to handle sensitive financial and personal employee information with strict discretion. Communication – Excellent customer service skills for answering payroll inquiries and collaborating with payroll team and management. De-escalation Skills – Capacity to respond to distressed or frustrated employees with empathy, patience, and clear communication. Customer Service Skills – Maintains a helpful, courteous, and professional attitude. Problem-Solving Ability – Handles routine office issues and finds practical solutions independently. Teamwork – Works effectively with colleagues and supports overall office operations. Equivalency. Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis. Supplemental Information Evaluation Plan. Interview: 70%Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%Total of Interview and Evaluation T. E. P: 100 ditional points may be awarded for:Veteran Points: 0-15 points. Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points. LRD:02/10/2026 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. The knowledge, skill, and ability of a Clerk increases with the level of responsibility and experience. At the intermediate level, knowledge requirements might include detailed, intensive knowledge of:Body of standardized regulations, requirements, procedures, and operations associated with clerical duties related to the assigned accounting, budget, or financial management support function. Various steps and procedures required to perform a full range of accounting, budget, or financial management support duties related to recurring or standardized transactions. Various accounting, budget, or other financial processing procedures to support transactions that involve the use of different forms and the application of different procedures. Automated databases associated with a specific accounting, budget, or other financial management function sufficient to input a range of standard information or adjustments, understand recurring error reports and take corrective action, and generate a variety of standard reports. Structure and content of accounting, budget, or other financial management related documents (e.g., invoices, reports, travel orders and payroll forms) to investigate and resolve routine or recurring discrepancies, check documents for adequacy, or perform comparable actions that are covered by established procedures At the advanced level, knowledge requirements might include comprehensive knowledge of:Body of accounting, budget, or other financial management regulations, practices, procedures, and policies related to the specific financial management support functions. A wide variety of interrelated steps, conditions, and procedures or processes required to assemble, review, and maintain complex accounting, budget, or other fiscal transactions. Various accounting, budget, or other financial regulations, laws, and requirements to ensure compliance and recommend action. Variety of accounting and budget functional areas and their relationships to other functions to research or investigate problems or errors that require reconciling and reconstructing incomplete information, conducting extensive and exhaustive searches for required information, or performing actions of similar complexity. Automated accounting and budget systems to reconcile errors that require an understanding of nonstandard procedures or to provide assistance in the development of automated procedures for clerical operations. Extensive and diverse accounting, budget, or other financial regulations, operations, and procedures governing a wide variety of types of related transactions to resolve nonstandard transactions, complaints, or discrepancies, provide advice, or perform other work that requires authoritative procedural knowledge Skill in: - Use of personal computers - Use of Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and other office suite software packages - Use of Excel (e.g. Formulas, Pivot Tables, Vlookup, Hlookup, other functions, charts, tables) and other financial management software packages functionality - Use of large complex, multi-departmental financial systems - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents - Communicate effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things - Using mathematics to solve problems Ability to: - Interact effectively with senior leadership, subordinates, department personnel, and others - Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand - Collect, alphabetize, code, numerically rank, sort, and batch documents. PHYSICAL DEMANDS - The work may require some physical effort, such as standing, walking, bending, or sitting. There are no special physical demands. WORK ENVIRONMENT - The Clerk works in an office setting involving everyday risks or discomforts. Normal safety precautions are required. Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position. The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.

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