Accounting Assistant IV

County of Thurston•Olympia, WA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Thurston County Public Works is recruiting for an Accounting Assistant IV - Payroll to join our dynamic, energetic, and innovative Business Services team. In this role, you’ll ensure employees are paid accurately and on time while maintaining compliance with county regulations, union agreements, and personnel policies. From processing payroll and reconciling data to guiding staff on time entry, leave and policy interpretation, you’ll be a key resource in supporting both our employees and the operational success of Public Works. Additionally, this position provides advanced technical accounting work and requires preparation and review of complex financial data for multiple funds, as well as development and implementation of systems for internal control and process efficiency.

Requirements

High School Diploma or G.E.D. and two years of college level accounting courses.
Two years of general accounting experience, plus one year of grant accounting experience.
Ability to utilize a personal computer and related software packages to perform word processing, analysis, information retrieval and tracking.
Ability to communicate with co-workers as well as the general public.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the double-entry bookkeeping and governmental accounting principles and procedures.
Knowledge of the BARS governmental accounting and reporting systems.
Knowledge of various financial guidelines for grants management.
Ability to interpret governmental accounting regulations and guidelines.
Ability to analyze large data with Excel (pivot tables, formulas, and reporting).

Responsibilities

Prepare entries, reviews entries, and documents prepared by others to ensure accuracy, propriety, proper account coding, adequate explanations, and other applicable information in accordance with federal and state regulations.
Reconcile accounts and adjusts irregularities.
Conduct fiscal review and reconciliation of payroll data; monitor payroll files and maintain accurate employee records.
Develop recommendations for procedural or policy changes in the accounting and payroll systems or procedures.
Process semi-monthly payroll, ensuring compliance with county regulations, union agreements, and personnel policies; assist employees with timely timecard submissions.
Administer personnel actions including new hires, rehires, transfers, separations, and other employment changes for Thurston County Public Works.
Review, analyze, and correct payroll entries, including complex retroactive adjustments, manual calculations, and benefit/salary impacts to Public Works funds.
Audit entries and documents to ensure accuracy, propriety, proper account coding, adequate explanations, and other applicable information in accordance with federal and state regulations.
Assume responsibility for departmental accounting records or assist with a County-wide bookkeeping function such as payroll or accounts payable.