Accounting Assistant IV

Franklin County (WA); Pasco (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Franklin County (WA) is seeking an Accounting Assistant IV to perform intermediate accounting tasks, post financial data to the general ledger, and support monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting in compliance with GAAP and county policies.

The role includes payroll/AP training, vendor management, tax form preparation, and assisting with audits and special projects as needed, with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, finance, or related field.
• Three years of progressively responsible bookkeeping and general accounting experience including general ledger accounting and financial statement preparation.
• Experience with accounts payable, purchase orders, and encumbrance systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide training and support to payroll and accounts payable personnel and processes including payroll schedule creation and benefit entry.
• Assist in configuring and testing financial software modules to validate data from the financial system.
• Assist in routine and ad-hoc budget analysis and financial reporting; support special projects as needed.
• Manage vendor database, verify new vendor requests, and maintain vendor files.
• Prepare and distribute annual tax forms (W-2, W-3, 1094-C, 1095-C) and upload to SSA portal.
• Assist in audits by State Auditor’s Office and other agencies.

Skills

GAAP

GASB

Payroll knowledge

Accounts payable

Budget analysis

Communication

General software knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Tools

Payroll software

BARS

General ledger software

Job description

The Accounting Assistant IV performs a variety of intermediate level administrative and professional accounting assignments to prepare, maintain and post complex financial data into the general ledger and other financial records according to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and established department and County policies, procedures, and in compliance with applicable regulations. This position is responsible for, or assists with monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting, along with providing support and training to other Accounting Department functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

• Provides training and support to payroll and accounts payable personnel and processes including the creation of payroll schedule, auditing open enrollment and benefit entry, filing and organizing.
• Assists with gathering information on organizational processes, structures, policies, procedures, and technology to assist with the configuration and testing of financial software modules to validate data from the financial system.
• Assists in the preparation of routine and ad-hoc detailed and complex budget analysis, financial reports and statements. Assists Accounting Supervisor and Director of Finance on special projects as requested.
• Manages the vendor database, verifying new vendor requests, setting up and updating vendors, and maintaining files.
• Prepares and distributes annual tax forms, including W-2, W-3, 1094-C and 1095-C forms, and uploads into the Social Security Administration’s online portal.
• Assists in audits from State Auditor’s Office and other outside agencies to provide information and resolve audit issues.
• Pursues self-development and continuing personal development of skills and knowledge by attending ongoing educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and establishing personal networks.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Proficient working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), accounting and auditing practices and procedures as prescribed by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and Washington State Budgeting, Reporting and Accounting System (BARS) for accounting principles, procedures, account coding and financial reporting.
• Proficient knowledge of payroll practices, terminology, and elements relating to payroll and confidentiality relating to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
• Proficient knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques and related to tools, equipment, and technology as they relate to area(s) of assignment according to current department and County practices.
• Proficient skills in troubleshooting and resolving issues or problems by analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, interpreting compliance documentation, projecting consequences of proposed actions and implementing recommendations in support of goals.
• General time management and mental and physical organization skills that support the ability to focus, have clarity, and use strategy to fulfill a variety of tasks successfully.
• General knowledge of general software configuration, workflow, and security protocols.
• Proficient computer skills in Word, Excel, Outlook, the internet for research, and the ability to learn and develop proficient skills in the current County-wide financial software.
• Ability to compute gross pay, overtime, comp time, medical aid hours, and other payroll deductions.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive and/or confidential information.
• Ability and willingness to establish and maintain communication and working relationships with peers, representatives from other agencies, vendors, public officials, and the general public using courtesy, tact, and good judgment.
• Ability to effectively present information, findings, proposals, training, or other information to a variety of audiences by clearly articulating, engaging the audience, assessing the needs of the audience, and using appropriate materials to help audience understand the message.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work may be performed in the following environmental conditions:

• constantly: in an office environment, and
• occasionally: near moving mechanical parts.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, a typical office environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The person in this position must be able to

• spend the following amount of time in an activity:

• constantly:sit for extended periods of time and use hands and/or fingers to handle, feel, or operate equipment or tools, and
• frequently: talk or hear and reach with hands and arms, and
• occasionally:stand or walk for extended periods of time, climb, pull, push or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch.

• carry or transport up to 20 pounds occasionally.
• have peripheral vision, depth perception, the ability to adjust focus, and have close vision (1-20 inches) and distance vision (20 feet or more).

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, finance, or related field.
• Three years of progressively responsible bookkeeping and general accounting experience including general ledger accounting and financial statement preparation.
• Experience with accounts payable, purchase orders, and encumbrance systems.

OR

• Any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Governmental accounting experience.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Employment at Franklin County is contingent upon the results of a background check and eligibility for coverage by the County’s liability insurance carrier. Depending upon the position, background checks may include personal and professional references, social security verification, education and professional licensing verification, financial history, and criminal history.
• Valid driver’s license if driving a vehicle for County business.

OTHER DUTIES DISCLAIMER

The statements herein describe the principal functions of this job, level of knowledge and skills typically required, scope of responsibility, work requirements and working conditions, but are not all-inclusive. Individuals may perform other duties and Franklin County, Washington reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties, and assign other duties as necessary, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.