ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT III

Thurston County • Olympia, WA

21h

About The Position

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.

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

Responsibilities

• 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: 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees