Thurston County Government
Accounting Assistant III
Thurston County Government, Olympia, Washington, United States, 98502
Job Title:
Accounting Assistant III
Salary:
$4,669 – $6,210 monthly.
Job Description Thurston County Public Works is recruiting for an Accounting Assistant III. The successful candidate will join the Finance and Procurement team in the Business Services division providing high‑quality financial services to the department. This position is responsible for providing a full range of accounting support for the Parks and Trails program, participating as a member of the Water and Sewer Utilities accounting team to provide financial and customer service support to more than 800 customers, and providing backup payroll support to over 200 employees.
Essential Functions
Oversees a county‑wide bookkeeping function such as payroll, fixed assets, or accounts payable and assumes responsibility for departmental accounting records and payroll system.
Processes complex bookkeeping transactions.
Audits entries and documents to ensure accuracy, propriety, proper account coding, adequate explanations, and other applicable information in accordance with federal and state regulations.
Undertakes independent research projects as assigned and prepares various schedules and reports for financial statements requiring knowledge of governmental accounting principles.
Assists in testing computer accounting programs used in the work unit.
Performs special projects requiring extensive research, interpretation, or auditing of statistical data.
Essential Personnel This position is an essential worker and may be required to work during non‑business hours or closures to meet operational requirements in the Business Services division.
Working Conditions
Work Environment – Quiet office setting in Olympia, Washington.
Schedule – Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (work may occasionally extend beyond these hours).
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.
Who We Are The Thurston County Public Works Department, located in Olympia, Washington, is a national award‑winning agency delivering quality projects to our community. Our mission is to provide excellent public services in all areas of our business. We actively help our staff develop and grow professionally, bring together resources across divisions to achieve organizational goals, remain responsive to community needs, and meet industry best‑practice benchmarks as an American Public Works Association accredited agency.
Our Core Values
Accountability – We take responsibility for our actions and resulting outcomes.
Customer Service – We provide our customers with the highest level of service and quality.
Innovation – We continuously improve processes, performance, and results.
Safety – We demonstrate an uncompromising commitment to safety.
Teamwork – We work together toward achieving recognized common goals.
Mission To provide excellent public services in all areas of our business.
Vision The premier public works organization, accountable and transparent in all services we provide to our community.
Diversity & Inclusion Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion 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 diverse cultures, lifestyles, and backgrounds 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 ensuring our staff experience the rewards of public service while sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle.
Plan For Your Future – Retirement plan, pre‑tax savings accounts, comprehensive health, dental, and vision care for employees and families.
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 further their careers and stay current on industry trends.
Flexible Work Schedules – Options include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
Deferred Compensation – Three voluntary deferred compensation plans available.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Section 125 FSAs for out‑of‑pocket health and daycare expenses.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness – Federal program that may allow qualifying public service employees to have student loans repaid.
Why you’ll love it here Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. The area offers year‑round outdoor activities—including boating, hiking, skiing—and is home to the state capital, Olympia, known for its restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmers 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 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 apply! Tell us how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and the potential you hold.
Qualifications
High School Diploma or GED and two years of college‑level accounting courses (experience may substitute for 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.
Desired Skills
Ability to organize and prioritize accounting and payroll projects with minimal supervision.
Consistently meet non‑negotiable deadlines.
Proficiency with Excel.
Effective oral and written communication; facilitation of financial meetings.
Commitment to teamwork to accomplish division and department goals.
Other Related Recruitment Information Questions about this recruitment? Please contact Teresa Wollan, Fiscal Manager, at 360‑867‑2311 or teresa.wollan@co.thurston.wa.us.
Position Details
Represented by a Union
Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
Eligible for benefits
Items Required for Consideration
Application
Resume
Letter of Interest
Equal Opportunity Employer Thurston County is committed to providing equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation (including gender expression or identity), pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources at (360) 786‑5498. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use state‑wide relay to reach Thurston County offices. Relay users can simply dial 7‑1‑1 (or 1‑800‑833‑6388) to connect with Washington Relay.
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Accounting/Auditing and Finance
Industries Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Accounting Assistant III
Salary:
$4,669 – $6,210 monthly.
Job Description Thurston County Public Works is recruiting for an Accounting Assistant III. The successful candidate will join the Finance and Procurement team in the Business Services division providing high‑quality financial services to the department. This position is responsible for providing a full range of accounting support for the Parks and Trails program, participating as a member of the Water and Sewer Utilities accounting team to provide financial and customer service support to more than 800 customers, and providing backup payroll support to over 200 employees.
Essential Functions
Oversees a county‑wide bookkeeping function such as payroll, fixed assets, or accounts payable and assumes responsibility for departmental accounting records and payroll system.
Processes complex bookkeeping transactions.
Audits entries and documents to ensure accuracy, propriety, proper account coding, adequate explanations, and other applicable information in accordance with federal and state regulations.
Undertakes independent research projects as assigned and prepares various schedules and reports for financial statements requiring knowledge of governmental accounting principles.
Assists in testing computer accounting programs used in the work unit.
Performs special projects requiring extensive research, interpretation, or auditing of statistical data.
Essential Personnel This position is an essential worker and may be required to work during non‑business hours or closures to meet operational requirements in the Business Services division.
Working Conditions
Work Environment – Quiet office setting in Olympia, Washington.
Schedule – Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (work may occasionally extend beyond these hours).
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.
Who We Are The Thurston County Public Works Department, located in Olympia, Washington, is a national award‑winning agency delivering quality projects to our community. Our mission is to provide excellent public services in all areas of our business. We actively help our staff develop and grow professionally, bring together resources across divisions to achieve organizational goals, remain responsive to community needs, and meet industry best‑practice benchmarks as an American Public Works Association accredited agency.
Our Core Values
Accountability – We take responsibility for our actions and resulting outcomes.
Customer Service – We provide our customers with the highest level of service and quality.
Innovation – We continuously improve processes, performance, and results.
Safety – We demonstrate an uncompromising commitment to safety.
Teamwork – We work together toward achieving recognized common goals.
Mission To provide excellent public services in all areas of our business.
Vision The premier public works organization, accountable and transparent in all services we provide to our community.
Diversity & Inclusion Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion 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 diverse cultures, lifestyles, and backgrounds 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 ensuring our staff experience the rewards of public service while sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle.
Plan For Your Future – Retirement plan, pre‑tax savings accounts, comprehensive health, dental, and vision care for employees and families.
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 further their careers and stay current on industry trends.
Flexible Work Schedules – Options include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
Deferred Compensation – Three voluntary deferred compensation plans available.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Section 125 FSAs for out‑of‑pocket health and daycare expenses.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness – Federal program that may allow qualifying public service employees to have student loans repaid.
Why you’ll love it here Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. The area offers year‑round outdoor activities—including boating, hiking, skiing—and is home to the state capital, Olympia, known for its restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmers 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 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 apply! Tell us how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and the potential you hold.
Qualifications
High School Diploma or GED and two years of college‑level accounting courses (experience may substitute for 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.
Desired Skills
Ability to organize and prioritize accounting and payroll projects with minimal supervision.
Consistently meet non‑negotiable deadlines.
Proficiency with Excel.
Effective oral and written communication; facilitation of financial meetings.
Commitment to teamwork to accomplish division and department goals.
Other Related Recruitment Information Questions about this recruitment? Please contact Teresa Wollan, Fiscal Manager, at 360‑867‑2311 or teresa.wollan@co.thurston.wa.us.
Position Details
Represented by a Union
Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
Eligible for benefits
Items Required for Consideration
Application
Resume
Letter of Interest
Equal Opportunity Employer Thurston County is committed to providing equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation (including gender expression or identity), pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources at (360) 786‑5498. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use state‑wide relay to reach Thurston County offices. Relay users can simply dial 7‑1‑1 (or 1‑800‑833‑6388) to connect with Washington Relay.
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Accounting/Auditing and Finance
Industries Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr