Senior Governmental Accountant

The salary range for this position is: $7,355.00 - $9,675.00 monthly. 

Thurston County Auditor’s Office is recruiting for a Senior Governmental Accountant (Senior Financial Analyst) to provide complex technical support in the area of governmental accounting. This position performs senior-level financial research, planning, and analysis within an assigned functional area of responsibility, oversees various accounting functions and related financial reports, and serves as a key team member in the development of financial information systems. The Senior Governmental Accountant supervises assigned accounting staff and ensures compliance with state and federal regulations and standards.

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

• Provide financial analysis and long-range planning for assigned projects and funds. 
• Research, develop, and recommend financial processes, strategies, methods, plans, policies, and procedures. 
• Supervise assigned staff, including training, performance evaluation, and recommendations for personnel actions. 
• Oversee accounting activities to ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and federal, state, and county procedures. 
• Analyze and recommend changes to departmental accounting procedures; approve adjustments to accounting and financial records. 
• Coordinate and produce monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports; develop accounting systems and related publications. 
• Serve as a key representative for design and use of financial information systems; analyze capabilities, coordinate installations, and develop policies and procedures. 
• Interpret federal and state guidelines to ensure compliance; may act as liaison with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), State Auditor’s Office, or other agencies. 
• Provide technical accounting consultations to departments; prepare management and summary-level reports; assist in financial components of complex contracts and agreements.
• Serve as the Auditor’s Office representative on the Countywide budget team, collaborating with the Commissioner’s Office throughout all phases of the budget cycle.

To view the full job classification, click here: Financial Analyst, Senior

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Work Environment – Quiet office setting located in Olympia, Washington. Work is primarily performed at a desk or workstation using a computer and standard office equipment. Hybrid and remote work options are available based on business needs and performance. 
• Schedule – Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional extended hours may be required to meet critical deadlines. Alternative work schedules may be available. 
• Travel Requirements – Limited travel may be required to attend meetings, trainings, or provide onsite support to other offices and departments. 
• Customer Interactions – Regular interaction with internal customers, including elected officials, department staff, and other government agencies. Communication occurs via phone, email, virtual meetings, and in-person consultations. 

WHO WE ARE: 

The Auditor’s Office is a leader in implementing innovative solutions, a trusted source of financial information, and a catalyst for positive change. We are committed to embracing new technologies, delivering exceptional customer service, supporting ongoing employee development, and fostering open, honest, and respectful communication. 

Our core values guide how we work and collaborate with others: 

• Communication – We prioritize active listening and clear messaging to ensure consistent communication and managed expectations. 
• Integrity and Accountability – We uphold the highest standards, honoring our commitments and taking responsibility for our actions by providing transparent, honest, and impartial services. 
• Teamwork – We value collaboration and the collective contributions of all team members, fostering a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to achieve shared goals. 
• Respect – We honor diverse perspectives and treat everyone with civility and dignity, seeking common ground in all interactions. 
• Excellence – We are dedicated to achieving excellence through professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm in all that we do. 
• Efficiency and Effectiveness – We continuously seek innovative, resourceful solutions that enhance our services while ensuring fiscal responsibility. 
• Customer Service – We are committed to providing courteous, responsive, and reliable service, sharing our expertise to support and empower our customers. 

As a vital part of Thurston County’s public service infrastructure, we support a broad array of stakeholders, including county departments, the Board of County Commissioners, citizens and taxpayers, other governmental agencies, vendors, financial institutions, and special districts. 

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 Plansfor 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:  

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field. Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis. 
• Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in government finance, accounting, auditing, financial reporting, or budgets, and one year of supervisory experience.

DESIRED SKILLS:  

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the State of Washington and/or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM).
• MBA or MPA in finance, accounting, management, business administration, or equivalent.
• Advanced knowledge of GAAP, GASB pronouncements, and Financial Accounting Standards.
• Advanced knowledge of federal and state grant regulations and other cost accounting standards related to indirect cost plans.
• Advanced knowledge of Washington State’s Budgeting, Accounting, and Reporting System (BARS) for local governments.
• Advanced knowledge in designing, developing, and implementing automated financial information systems.
• Ability to train and supervise staff effectively.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION: 

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact: Melissa Hutchens, Senior Management Analyst, at (360) 867-2263 or [email protected] 

This position is: 

• Not represented by a Union 
• Not eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) 
• Eligible for benefits 
• Required to pass a background check 

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.