Accounting Assistant III

County of Thurston•Olympia, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The salary for this position is: $4,669.00 - $6,210.00 monthly. The Accounting Assistant III position serves within the Financial Services Division of the Thurston County Auditor's Office. The duties and responsibilities assigned to this position will be predominately in Accounts Payable and will include, but are not limited to, auditing vendor payment claims, issuing warrants, processing electronic payments, creating vendor accounts in the financial system, and 1099 tracking for reporting purposes. Other responsibilities may also include the scheduling of staff meetings, maintaining archive lists for retention purposes, and other clerical duties. Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: Preparing, maintaining, or posting complex financial data to general ledgers, special ledgers, and other fiscal records. Reconciles accounts and prepares a variety of financial reports. Assumes responsibility for departmental accounting records or assists with a County-wide bookkeeping function such as payroll or accounts payable. Processes the more complex bookkeeping transactions. Prepares and presents training sessions for County staff in preparing documentation or performing specific bookkeeping and/or payroll functions. Audits subsidiary journals, registers, and other original entries prepared by employees for accuracy and propriety. Develops and prepares departmental financial reports. Assists with or prepares County financial reports. Performs special projects requiring extensive research, interpretation, or auditing of statistical data. Reviews the various accounts, financial summaries, and statements to recommend improvements or revisions in the accounting system or its procedures. Assists in testing computer accounting programs used in the work unit. Assists in directing the work of employees of lower classifications; may assign and review completed work. May provide clerical assistance as needed. May perform any of the tasks listed in the Accounting Assistant II. To view the full job classification, click here: Accounting Assistant III WORKING CONDITIONS: Work Environment – Work is generally performed indoors and in an office environment. Schedule – Business hours are Monday-Friday from 7:30a-4:00p. Options available for flexible, hybrid shifts. Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings. Customer Interactions - Daily interactions via phone, in-person, and video with Thurston County staff and outside districts. WHO WE ARE: The Auditor’s Office is a leader in implementing innovative solutions, a trusted source of financial information, and a catalyst for positive change. We are committed to embracing new technologies, delivering exceptional customer service, supporting ongoing employee development, and fostering open, honest, and respectful communication. Our core values guide how we work and collaborate with others: Communication – We prioritize active listening and clear messaging to ensure consistent communication and managed expectations. Integrity and Accountability – We uphold the highest standards, honoring our commitments and taking responsibility for our actions by providing transparent, honest, and impartial services. Teamwork – We value collaboration and the collective contributions of all team members, fostering a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to achieve shared goals. Respect – We honor diverse perspectives and treat everyone with civility and dignity, seeking common ground in all interactions. Excellence – We are dedicated to achieving excellence through professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm in all that we do. Efficiency and Effectiveness – We continuously seek innovative, resourceful solutions that enhance our services while ensuring fiscal responsibility. Customer Service – We are committed to providing courteous, responsive, and reliable service, sharing our expertise to support and empower our customers. As a vital part of Thurston County’s public service infrastructure, we support a broad array of stakeholders, including county departments, the Board of County Commissioners, citizens and taxpayers, other governmental agencies, vendors, financial institutions, and special districts. Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES: Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information. Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays . Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences. Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working. Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan. Flexible Spending Account (FSA ) : Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars. Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Why you’ll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer’s markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com . Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED and two years of college level accounting courses. Additional experience may substitute for college level courses on a year-for-year basis.
Two years of general accounting experience.
Typing and 10-key adding machine skills may be required for specified positions.
Ability to use word processing and computer equipment and programs may be required for specified positions.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of: Microsoft Office products such as Excel and Outlook.
Double-entry bookkeeping and governmental accounting principles and procedures.
BARS governmental accounting system.
Ability to: Make arithmetic calculations rapidly and accurately.
Organize and prioritize accounting projects with minimal supervision.
Direct the work of other employees.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Multitask while maintaining high attention to detail.
Remain professional at all times even during uncomfortable situations.
Experience with/in: Excellent customer service skills.
Accounts Payable processes.

Responsibilities

auditing vendor payment claims
issuing warrants
processing electronic payments
creating vendor accounts in the financial system
1099 tracking for reporting purposes
scheduling of staff meetings
maintaining archive lists for retention purposes
Preparing, maintaining, or posting complex financial data to general ledgers, special ledgers, and other fiscal records.
Reconciles accounts and prepares a variety of financial reports.
Assumes responsibility for departmental accounting records or assists with a County-wide bookkeeping function such as payroll or accounts payable.
Processes the more complex bookkeeping transactions.
Prepares and presents training sessions for County staff in preparing documentation or performing specific bookkeeping and/or payroll functions.
Audits subsidiary journals, registers, and other original entries prepared by employees for accuracy and propriety.
Develops and prepares departmental financial reports.
Assists with or prepares County financial reports.
Performs special projects requiring extensive research, interpretation, or auditing of statistical data.
Reviews the various accounts, financial summaries, and statements to recommend improvements or revisions in the accounting system or its procedures.
Assists in testing computer accounting programs used in the work unit.
Assists in directing the work of employees of lower classifications; may assign and review completed work.
May provide clerical assistance as needed.
May perform any of the tasks listed in the Accounting Assistant II.

Benefits

Work-Life Balance
retirement plan
pre-tax savings accounts
comprehensive health care
dental/vision care
Paid Leave
paid vacation
paid holidays
Robust Training Program
County paid training
professional organizations
conferences
Flexible Work Schedules
alternative or compressed schedules
remote working
Deferred Compensation
3 voluntary deferred compensation plans
Flexible Spending Account (FSA )
Section 125 flexible spending accounts
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid.