Accounting Assistant 2 - Finance and Enterprise Services

Pierce County; Tacoma (WA); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Pierce County's Finance & Enterprise Services seeks an organized accounting professional to manage accounts payable and receivable, prepare invoices, and coordinate internal and external billing. You will help keep financial transactions accurate and payments processed efficiently.

This role balances a steady monthly workload (approximately 60–100 transactions), with in-office collaboration twice a month and the remainder remote.

Qualifications

• Two or more years of progressively responsible bookkeeping, accounting, auditing or closely related work experience OR
• Substituting on a month-for-month basis successful completion of course work in bookkeeping, accounting or closely related subjects relevant to the requirements of the position for a maximum of one year experience requirement.

Responsibilities

• Reconciles supporting documents to County records using warrant listing, payroll expenditure reports, monthly revenue/expenditure transfers, and cash receipts according to general accounting practices.
• Verifies warrant listings or checks to correct Purchase Orders or court order which include verifying amounts, account codes and vendors. Mails issued remittance to recipients.
• Audits payment vouchers and employee claim for expenses for accuracy and compliance with state and county statutes.
• Batches vouchers, checks and/or cash for data entry and financial system processing.
• Analyzes financial system transaction rejects and makes necessary corrections. Analyzes expenditures, prepares calculations, and verifies accuracy of Washington State BARS account code distribution.

Skills

Bookkeeping

Accounts payable/receivable

Attention to detail

Communication

Job description

After initial training period, you will be in office two times a month, and the rest remote.

Why It's a Great Opportunity:

In this role, you’ll manage accounts payable and receivable transactions, prepare invoices for other County departments, and coordinate internal and external billing. You’ll play an important role in keeping financial transactions accurate, resolving discrepancies, and ensuring payments and billings are processed efficiently.

Why It's a Great Department:

The Finance & Enterprise Services Department delivers enterprise-wide services that support every County department and many external partners, ensuring Pierce County operates effectively, efficiently, and with strong public stewardship. Finance & Enterprise Services staff provide a broad portfolio of high-impact, countywide services, including budgeting and performance management, fiscal services, procurement and contracting, information technology, general services, fleet services, and risk management.

Employees have the opportunity to work on strategic, enterprise-level initiatives, collaborate across departments, provide the operational and technical backbone which ensures the smooth delivery of services across the organization, and deliver critical analysis and decision support that informs leadership and shapes County priorities. The Finance & Enterprise Services Department is focused on creating a culture where employees can help improve service delivery to make a meaningful impact on County operations and the community. The Department leads with safety, empowerment, and collaboration to create an environment where every person can contribute, challenge ideas, and continuously improve.

Learn more about Finance and Enterprise Services Information here.

How to be Successful in the Role:

You’re detail-oriented, organized, and accountable, with the ability to manage a steady volume of transactions (60 -100 per month) while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines. Strong communication skills and a proactive approach to tracking work, prioritizing competing demands, and following through will help you build effective working relationships and succeed in this role.

Your Future in this Role:

Working for Pierce County means joining an organization that supports your growth. We offer leadership development, online learning, and many training opportunities to help you build skills at every stage of your career. This support helps you succeed in your role and contribute to strong communities, reliable services, and access for all residents.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Reconciles supporting documents to County records using warrant listing, payroll expenditure reports, monthly revenue/expenditure transfers, and cash receipts according to general accounting practices.
• Verifies warrant listings or checks to correct Purchase Orders or court order which include verifying amounts, account codes and vendors. Mails issued remittance to recipients.
• Audits payment vouchers and employee claim for expenses for accuracy and compliance with state and county statutes.
• Batches vouchers, checks and/or cash for data entry and financial system processing.
• Analyzes financial system transaction rejects and makes necessary corrections. Analyzes expenditures, prepares calculations, and verifies accuracy of Washington State BARS account code distribution.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

• Two or more years of progressively responsible bookkeeping, accounting, auditing or closely related work experience OR

• Substituting on a month-for-month basis successful completion of course work in bookkeeping, accounting or closely related subjects relevant to the requirements of the position for a maximum of one year experience requirement.
• Attach a resume and cover letter.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Our Recruitment Practices:

This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position. Pierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style.

During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews.

Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity.

Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment:

Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.

Guided by the County Executive’s Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.