Accounting Specialist (Temporary)

The mission of the Snohomish County Planning and Development Services (PDS) Department is to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations by promoting protection of natural resources and facilitating the development of safe, sustainable and resilient communities.

PDS seeks employees who are self-managing high performers, accountable for their actions, and dedicated to providing superior customer service. Ideal candidates are excited about change and learning, are innovative, organized, exceptionally customer-service oriented, and have a passion for public service.

PDS is looking for a full-time temporary Accounting Specialist. This assignment will focus on processing the department's payroll and handling daily cash receipts, in addition to other administrative duties.

This position is temporary and slated to end within 6 months of employment.

Not sure you meet the minimum qualifications? Apply and let us decide. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage everyone to apply.

Benefits

Snohomish County is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family and will be invested in your success and growth. We are proud to offer an outstanding benefit package to employees and their dependents. We offer competitive wages, job flexibility and stability, pension opportunities, and employer paid ORCA cards. Temporary employees are eligible for certain benefits as defined in County Code.

Teleworking Options

This position is not currently eligible for remote work due to the nature of the work, and will be required to work in the PDS Offices in downtown Everett.

About Snohomish County

Snohomish County, north of Seattle, is located in northwest Washington between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. The county has rich scenery, numerous activities, and a thriving economy. Snohomish County is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family.

Snohomish County - The Future We Choose - video

BASIC FUNCTION

To perform technical and specialized financial, accounting and/or fiscal support services, including payroll processing, accounts payable (AP), accounts receivable (AR), cash collections, preparation of purchase orders, personnel and other employee related processing, and creation of reports as requested. The employee within this classification may be assigned to a specialized function (i.e. payroll, AR, AP, etc.) or expected to perform a variety of accounting functions.

STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Analyzes time reporting data submitted by employees; researches, evaluates and applies the use of the Human Resource Guidelines, labor contracts, and departmental policies/procedures to ensure adherence to established pay standards in conjunction with state and federal regulations; researches and reconciles discrepancies in leave balances; verifies earnings and reconciles with pay categories such as out-of-class pay, worker's compensation, FMLA or other leave issues, military duty, jury duty, etc.; and inputs correct timekeeping data into payroll system for accurate and timely payroll processing.

• Prepares and processes employee payroll and compensation records to initiate payroll changes for new hires, position numbers, terminations, step increases, promotions, change of department, temporary upgrades and transfers.

• Manages day-to-day flow of AP, AR, Cash (and non-cash) Reconciliations including documentation for obligations, payment authorization, proper coding, and accurate reporting to  insure timely and accurate payments, and resolution of any payment discrepancies and disputes. Confers with vendors as necessary.

• Provides effective customer service by responding to inquiries and/or solicits information from employees, management, county finance, regulatory authorities, vendors and business suppliers to insure accurate and timely reporting of data and to correct discrepancies. Responds to complaints or requests for information in a timely and responsive basis.

• Conducts complex mathematical calculations for AP, AR, and payroll processes including wage/overtime payments, payroll deductions, manual pay, overpaid wages, and employment termination entitlements; balances remittances to outside agencies, edits system data and makes necessary adjustments; deciphers, translates, codes, and enters fiscal data as required by system and standard principles.

• Audits and reconciles accounting records for accuracy including payroll, AP, AR, Purchase Order processing, and Cash/Incentive/Purchase Card reconciliation. Corrects or initiates corrective changes for any discrepancies.

• Creates and/or generates reports as requested by internal or external sources by gathering and reporting data according to required output for grants, internal reports, and regulatory agencies using applicable software or program tools.

• Performs administrative functions such as file maintenance, archiving, set-up of vendors, photocopying and distribution.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Associate's degree in Accounting, business administration or related field; AND, two (2) years technical experience in an accounting function with at least one year in payroll processing;  OR, any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must pass job related tests.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

A valid Washington State Driver's License may be required for employment.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• specialized bookkeeping and accounting principles and practices with an emphasis in payroll, federal/state labor and reporting regulations,  AP, AR, cash collections and processing

• labor contracts, departmental policies/procedures, HR Guidelines and other applicable materials

• Snohomish County organizational structure and approval hierarchy

• general office practices and procedures relating to accounting activities

• federal, state and local laws as they apply to accounting administration

• accounting systems including Highline, Cayenta (including Actuate), and familiarity with Access

Ability to: 

• implement and apply complex and relevant procedures, laws, labor agreements and Human Resource Guidelines and applicable regulations
• clearly explain policies, procedures, and schedules
• insure maximum accuracy to minimize errors
• interpretation of input data
• maintain financial records and prepare related reports
• gather, evaluate, and document technical data
• maintain confidentiality and exercise good judgment
• conduct complex arithmetical computations with speed and accuracy
• operate standard office equipment including 10-key
• fully utilize MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet Explorer software
• work efficiently under pressure and meet deadlines
• establish and maintain effective work relationships with all levels of court management and staff, county departments, and representatives of other government agencies
• apply and use reconciliation procedures
• independently organize and perform tasks with minimal supervision, and work in a team environment

SUPERVISION

Employees in this classification receive general direction from an administrative manager as assigned. Assignments are made indicating generally what is to be done, the quantity of work expected and any deadlines, which are to be met. The employee carries out recurring assignments on his/her own initiative and receives additional specific instructions for new or unusual assignments. The work is reviewed by evaluation of results obtained.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work is performed in the usual office environment and may include field trips to outlying areas. Occasional evening, weekend and/or holiday work may be required to timely complete accounting processes.

Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.

Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.

EEO policy and ADA notice