Accounting Assistant 3 - Washington State Ferries

State of Washington; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid remote work

Job summary

Washington State Ferries, a division of WSDOT, seeks a detail-oriented accounting professional to support accurate financial reporting and timely vendor payments. The role lives within the expenditures group, safeguarding public resources by ensuring transactions comply with regulations and contracts.

In a transformation towards decarbonization, you will contribute to a stable financial foundation that keeps ferry operations safe and reliable, aligning with our core values Serve, Respect, Trust,

Qualifications

• Proficient in GAAP principles and applying them to public sector accounting.
• Ability to analyze financial data, identify discrepancies, and enter adjustments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel and basic Office tools to create and share documents.
• Demonstrates independence and initiative to improve processes in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and verify accounting documents (GAX, PRC, journal vouchers) and resolve discrepancies.
• Perform 3-part matching and verify tax status; enter transactions into TRAINS.
• Audit transactions for accuracy and policy compliance; attach supporting docs for approval.
• Maintain accounting records, spreadsheets, and invoice files.
• Review PCMS transactions for correct coding and calculations before approval.
• Resolve invoice, PO, and PCMS discrepancies with staff and vendors.
• Manage team inbox and respond to fiscal inquiries; provide policy guidance.
• Sort mail and prepare correspondence, reports, forms, and documents.
• Uphold WSF priorities and values in daily leadership actions.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial analysis

Reconciliation

Microsoft Excel

Communication

Independence

Detail oriented

Problem solving

Teamwork

Job description

The first consideration and/or preference is with current Washington State Ferries OPEIU members

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network. Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day. Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.

The Opportunity

WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a detail-oriented accounting professional to support accurate financial reporting and timely vendor payments and employee reimbursements. Working within the expenditures group, this position helps safeguard public resources by ensuring financial transactions meet applicable regulations, policies, and contractual obligations. The role provides reliable accounting information that supports management decisions and financial accountability. Your work will contribute to the financial foundation that keeps ferry operations safe, reliable, and responsive to the communities we serve.

As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system — guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow Navigate, and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People — there’s never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Accounting Assistant 3 will:

• Prepare and verify accounting documents, including GAX, PRC, and journal vouchers; resolve discrepancies before approval.
• Perform 3-part matching, verify tax status, and enter documentation and payment transactions into TRAINS.
• Audit transactions for accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and policy compliance; submit supporting documentation for approval.
• Maintain accounting records, spreadsheets, and invoice files.
• Review and approve PCMS transactions at the assigned level; verify coding, calculations, discounts, and sales tax before Accountant authorization.
• Resolve invoice, purchase order, and PCMS discrepancies with WSF staff and vendors.
• Manage the team inbox, respond to fiscal inquiries, and provide accounting policy and procedure guidance.
• Sort and scan mail and prepare correspondence, reports, forms, and documents.
• Uphold WSF’s strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF’s culture through leadership actions

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Growth Mindset – Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented – Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Fostering Respect and Equal Opportunity - Experience contributing to a work environment that fosters a culture of respect and equal opportunity.
• Customer Service & Communication - Clearly and professionally communicate, both verbally and in writing, with diverse internal and external customers; actively listen to understand needs and respond appropriately.
• Teamwork & Collaboration - Work cooperatively and respectfully with colleagues to meet shared goals, contributing to a positive and productive team environment.
• Knowledge of GAAP – ability to understand and apply Federal and State regulations to business functions
• Financial Analysis & Reconciliation – Ability to analyze and enter financial data, identify discrepancies, enter adjustments and ensure accurate reporting. Research applicable state laws, rules, policies and procedures related to area of responsibility.
• Technical Proficiency - Use Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, Teams) at a basic level to create, edit, and share documents, spreadsheets, and communications.
• Problem solving & Critical Thinking – Identifies financial issues and implements corrective solutions.
• Independence & Initiative - Work with minimal supervision, taking responsibility for completing tasks and proactively identifying opportunities to improve processes.
• Detail oriented and organized - Ensures fiscal accuracy, follows policies, and maintains financial integrity, ability to work in a fast-paced environment with frequent deadlines.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• System Proficiency– Demonstrate proficiency in WSDOT financial and administrative platforms, including TRAINS, PCMS, ILinx and other agency systems, to accurately process transactions and access information.
• Public Sector Accounting Skills– Use knowledge of public sector accounting standards and procedures to review transactions, resolve discrepancies, and ensure compliance

Important Notes

• The first consideration and/or preference is with current Washington State Ferries OPEIU members
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT

• 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.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?