ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT III

The salary for this position is: $4,669.00 - $6,210.00 monthly.

Thurston County Medic One is seeking a proactive, detail-oriented, quality-focused, and highly organized Accounting Assistant III to join our dedicated team supporting emergency medical services across the county. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the financial integrity and operational efficiency of our department by performing a wide range of fiscal duties. The Accounting Assistant III performs advanced-level accounting and administrative duties with minimal supervision. If you have a ‘can-do’ attitude, a passion for public service, and possess strong accounting skills, we invite you to apply and make a meaningful impact in our community. 

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Reviews and approves accounts payable and receivables, purchase orders, and reimbursements in the County Financial System. 
• Audits entries and documents to ensure accuracy, proper account coding, explanations, and other applicable information in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations. 
• Monitor and reconcile revenues and expenditures.
• Leads the work of others performing fiscal tasks, trains and makes work assignments and checks for accuracy.
• Develops recommendations for procedural or policy changes in the accounting system.
• Processes the more complex bookkeeping transactions.
• Maintain accurate financial records in accordance with federal, state and local regulations.
• Assist in preparing documentation for audits and year end reporting.
• Enter and manage data using financial software and spreadsheets.
• Ensure data integrity and troubleshoot discrepancies.
• Respond to inquiries from vendors, internal and external customers, and partner agencies.
• Provide clear and professional communication regarding financial matters to internal and external stakeholders.

To view the full job classification, click here: Class Specifications | Accounting Assistant III - NonU | Class Spec Details 

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment – Primarily office-based within the Thurston County Medic One administrative facility. We are located at 2703 Pacific Ave SE #C Olympia, WA 
• Schedule – Regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Flexibility may be required at times to meet deadlines or support special projects that fall outside standard hours. After six months, there may be an opportunity to telework one day per week, subject to approval.
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings.
• Customer Interactions - Daily interactions with staff, partners, and stakeholders (in person, email, Microsoft Teams, telephone.)

 

WHO WE ARE:

Medic One is a division within the Emergency Services Department. Medic One funds, coordinates, and oversees Emergency Medical Services (EMS) throughout Thurston County. A countywide EMS levy provides funding for the coordinated delivery of paramedic response and transportation services. In addition, the EMS levy provides funding assistance for EMS training, medical direction, financial support, and technical support to the county's 12 public fire agencies providing Thurston County communities with Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Medical equipment, supplies, and pharmaceuticals are provided to all fire agencies for the treatment of all patients in Thurston County. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and public-access defibrillation training are provided at no fee to citizens.   

We value:

• Service to the Community
• Excellence in EMS skills, training, experience, and knowledge
• Ethics, honesty, accountability, and service excellence
• Quality expressed through efficiency, response time, customer service, and accuracy
• Well-integrated emergency medical and fire services
• Public participation and customer feedback

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. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• 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.

 

DESIRED SKILLS: 

• Knowledge of the double-entry bookkeeping and governmental accounting principles and procedures. 
• Knowledge of the BARS governmental accounting system. 
• Knowledge of modern office methods and procedures. 
• Knowledge of basic data processing systems and input methods. 
• 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.

 

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact: Joy Keene, Emergency Services Fiscal Manager, 360-867-2830, joy.keene@co.thurston.wa.us 

 

This position is:

• Not represented by a union
• Eligible for benefits
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Items requested for consideration:

• Application
• Resume
• Letter of Interest

 

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

 

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide 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, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.