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 quality 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.

Thurston County Public Works values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. To us, 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 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 individual’s 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 Benefits 2023 Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans website for more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn a minimum of 12 paid vacation days per year in addition to 11 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 120 qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

We are recruiting for an Accounting Assistant II to join our dynamic, energetic, and innovative team. The successful candidate will be part of a financial team which provides outstanding customer service to utility customers and internal staff. The candidate should be familiar with accounting principles, have a keen attention to detail and maintain a positive attitude. Ultimately, a successful Accounting Assistant II will ensure that daily accounting functions are performed accurately and effectively.

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

• Provide customer service to utility customers, both in person and over the phone.
• Prepare entries, review 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.
• Process checks daily and send electronically to bank.
• Balance and record daily deposits for remote solid waste collection locations.
• Enter accounts payable including invoice review for accuracy and proper coding, journal entries and accounting corrections.
• Prepare purchase orders and ensure compliance with contract provisions and tax requirements.
• Enter contracts in the financial system; accurately track encumbrances and liquidations.

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

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 .

• High School Diploma or GED and one year of college level accounting courses.
• Two years of general accounting experience.
• Ability to use a personal computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license, or the ability to obtain a license within 30 days of employment, or otherwise meet the travel requirements of the position.

• One year of customer service experience, consisting of direct interaction with external customers.
• Capable of producing a high volume of quality work under short timeframes.
• Knowledge of the double-entry bookkeeping and governmental accounting principles and procedures.
• Knowledge of the BARS governmental accounting and recording system.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively to achieve a shared goal.