Accountant

King County•Seattle, WA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The King County Department of Public Defense (DPD) is seeking interested applicants for a Term-Limited Temporary (TLT) or Special Duty Assignment (SDA) opportunity as an Accountant. We are looking for an energetic individual who has a passion for the accounting profession, can make independent judgements within established limits, and who also understands the need for standardization and best practices. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer this position provides support to DPD’s divisions, processing all accounts payable activities. This position may also assist with payroll processing in support of the department’s business operations. This recruitment will be used to fill a Term-Limited Temporary (TLT) or Special Duty Assignment (SDA) position and to create an eligibility pool to fill additional TLT or SDA vacancies that may occur within the next six (6) months. Assignments are anticipated to last for up to twelve (12) months but have the ability to be extended or end early based on business needs. The Department’s Mission Statement The King County Department of Public Defense represents indigent adults and children facing a loss of liberty. Our department is an independent voice that promotes fairness and equity for our clients and advocates for their objectives, interests, and dignity. DPD provides high quality legal representation to indigent clients in felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile defense, family defense (dependency cases), involuntary commitment (mental illness), and sex offender commitment proceedings. DPD advocates to reduce the harm and reach of the criminal and civil legal systems that restrict our clients’ liberty, and advances policy reforms to reduce systemic racism. We strive to create a flexible workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive, premised on a shared anti-oppression framework. To learn more about DPD, visit our website.

Requirements

One year of experience in payroll processing, accounts payable, and account reconciliation, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
The ability to travel throughout King County in a timely manner.
PeopleSoft and Oracle EBS Financial System experience is extremely important, as well as advanced problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of: Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to ensure that accounting statements are accurate, reliable, and useful to those making decisions.
Knowledge of: Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) to ensure the consistency, and verifiability of financial audits.
Knowledge of: Evaluation and recommending internal controls to track achievement of reporting reliability, efficiency of operations, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Knowledge of: Microsoft Office products including Excel, Word, Outlook, and other software applications.
Ability to: Interpret collective bargaining agreements, policies and procedures to ensure compliance.
Ability to: Provide clear information and directions to technical and non-technical staff to ensure instructions are understood.
Ability to: Provide effective and quality customer service.
Ability to: Communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including the ability to understand and execute complex verbal and written instructions.
Ability to: Effectively and positively working within a team environment, and ability to maintain professionalism in all situations.
Ability to: Organize, prioritize, and manage a demanding workload, while consistently meeting short deadlines in a high-pressure environment with minimal supervision.
Ability to: Maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial and personnel matters, and accurately maintain filing systems, and complete filing in a timely manner.
Ability to: Take initiative and accountability in work products and service, and the ability to follow-through on issues to completion.
Ability to: Be punctuality and dependable in daily attendance.

Nice To Haves

A CPA designation.
Demonstrated working experience in a law firm, preferably public defense.
Demonstrated working experience in a unionized environment.

Responsibilities

Be the primary financial accountant support to the department’s divisions by performing accounts payable functions, vendor invoices for payment, reviewing and preparing procurement requests, processing employee expense claims and payment vouchers, and support payroll processing.
Organize track, code, maintain, and document data sources, (i.e., financial, accounting or fiscal records).
Track and monitor payables to ensure timely payment, follow up as needed.
Run queries and other reports to monitor pay outcomes.
Assist division support staff by providing guidance and training and monitor the quality and completion of distributed finance related work.
Identify priority and/or time-sensitive matters; and maintain security and confidentiality.
Assist with problem solving, troubleshooting issues with vendors, clients, other King County departments or internal divisions as needed.
Gather, compile, and prepare financial data, statements, reports.
Review reports and documents for compliance with state and federal regulations, contractual agreements, and policies and procedures.
Respond to and resolve customer service inquires that require a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and expertise in assigned area.
Serve as a technical resource for payables related activities which includes but is not limited to: Obtaining and maintaining general level proficiency in the use of the Oracle Financial system and other software applications as appropriate.
Obtaining and maintaining general knowledge of accounting requirements.
Providing support to audit functions as needed.
Performing a variety of accounting tasks such as data entry into customized systems enterprise systems (EBS), providing information for the budgeting process, preparing year-end accruals, and interacting with customers and vendors to resolve complaints and concerns.
The Department reserves the right to update, change and assign additional duties in support of DPD’s mission.