Accounting Assistant IV

The salary range for this position is $5,147-$6,847 monthly.

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. 

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

• 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.

To view the full job classification, click here: Accounting Assistant IV

Essential Personnel:
This position is considered to be an essential worker and may be required to work during non-business hours or closures in order to meet operational requirements and needs.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment - Office setting in Olympia, Washington
• Schedule - Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• 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 in 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, we bring together resources across divisions to achieve organizational goals, we are always ready to respond to community needs, and we are an American Public Works Association accredited agency, consistently meeting industry best practices benchmarks. 

Our Core Values:

• Accountability - We take responsibility for our actions and the resulting outcomes.
• Customer Service - We provide our customers with the highest level of service and quality.
• Innovation - We strive to continuously improve processes, performance, and results.
• Safety - We demonstrate an uncompromising commitment to safety.
• Teamwork - We work together toward achieving a common recognized end. 

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. 

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