BARS Assistant - Assistant State Auditor 1, 2, or 3 - Local Government Support
State of Washington
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Office of the Washington State Auditor is seeking an Assistant State Auditor to join the Budgeting, Accounting, and Reporting System (BARS) team within the Local Government Support unit. The role offers hybridWork arrangements with opportunities for in-training placement at ASA levels 1–3, and a focus on GASB standards, ACFR reviews, and annual filing support.
The position emphasizes training, presenting to stakeholders, and providing technical guidance to audit staff and local governments
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree with three college-level accounting courses.
- Experience may substitute education; total experience must be 4+ years with at least 1 year in accounting/auditing.
- Government accounting/audit experience preferred.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical accounting and reporting services to SAO audit teams and local governments.
- Train SAO staff, local governments, and professional associations; support for annual filing and ACFR preparation.
- Develop and deliver training and presentations on accounting, budgeting, and reporting topics.
Skills
Education
Job description
This recruitment is to fill a vacancy on our Local Government Support Team.
Budgeting, Accounting, and Reporting System Assistant (BARS Assistant) This position is eligible for teleworking.
The Office of the Washington State Auditor is seeking a qualified Assistant State Auditor to fill our Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting Specialist position. Qualified candidates may be hired at the Assistant State Auditor 1, 2, or 3 level depending on qualifications, with the Assistant State Auditor 3 being the goal class for the position. Candidates are expected to progress from the level at which they are hired, to Assistant State Auditor 3.
At the State Auditor’s Office, we work together to make a difference in how our state government operates. With 15 offices statewide, we are looking for innovative, talented people to join our team to help us continue our important work. Get to know us! We take pride in serving various governments and the people of Washington State. Learn more about who we are and what we do on social media, using the hashtag #WeAreSAO and on our website at https://sao.wa.gov/about-sao/what-we-do.
We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace environment that is collaborative and supports all employees as we effectively carry out the agency’s mission. This includes ensuring inclusion and equity throughout the agency, while embracing the individual differences of our employees and clients. We believe that diverse perspectives and backgrounds are fundamental to doing our best work. The Washington State Auditor’s Office (SAO) prides itself in offering flexible schedules and a hybrid work environment that helps our staff balance work and life.
The Local Government Support (LGS) Team offers a unique opportunity for team members to participate in a variety of functions and duties. The team is responsible for the GAAP and Cash Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System (BARS) Manuals, the Annual Report Filing System, the compilation and quality control review of audit reports, and financial statement and Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) reviews. Team LGS serves as agency expert on topics related to accounting, budgeting, and reporting for both GAAP and cash basis local governments. LGS BARS team members provide technical accounting and reporting services for the Office.
Within the agency, LGS members support government transparency and accountability, foster collaboration across teams, and promote the Office’s mission and values, and a professional, respectful, and constructive work environment. With external parties, LGS members present a positive, professional image, and represent the Office’s interests and mission.
- Duty station selection will be made based on the commutable distance from any of SAO’s office locations https://sao.wa.gov/about-sao/office-locations
- Olympia office for in-person meetings and activities
- Occasional daily and overnight travel is required within the State to attend meetings and training events. This position offers telework eligibility. After successfully completing onboarding and training, telework opportunities may be available with manager approval, consistent with agency policy and business needs.
Required onsite reporting at the Olympia office, or established field office for onboarding, equipment pickup, and on an occasional basis to meet business and operational needs.
This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. All work, including remote work, must be performed within Washington State. The agency reserves the right to modify or discontinue remote work arrangements at any time.
- Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change
As a member of the LGS BARS team, this position will provide comprehensive technical accounting and reporting services and support to SAO audit teams and local governments; train SAO audit staff, local governments and professional associations; and provide support for the audit report function of the team.
As you progress through the Assistant State Auditor 1 through 3 series, specific duties of this role may include:
- Provide technical assistance on topics related to governmental accounting, budgeting and reporting to audit staff, state and local government officials and staff, and others.
- Perform research and analysis of new GASB standards and determining the impact on accounting requirements for local governments, both GAAP and Cash Basis.
- Perform ACFR and GAAP financial statement reviews, communicate the results to the auditors and provide guidance on how to resolve deficiencies.
- Support the annual report filing system through participation in the annual filing season and providing support to the local governments.
- Assist in preparing and delivering presentations to stakeholders regarding upcoming changes to governmental accounting standards as they relate to the BARS manuals.
- Develop and deliver training and presentations on accounting, budgeting, and reporting topics to audit staff, state and local government employees, and professional organizations. Training may include full-day statewide sessions on BARS and governmental accounting, conference presentations, and internal sessions for agency audit teams.
- Perform audit reports reviews to ensure compliance with professional standards prior to final LGS processing and release of reports, communicating the results to the audit teams and helping them resolve deficiencies.
This role may serve as an in-training opportunity for candidates hired below the goal class.
This position may be filled at the Assistant State Auditor 3 level or at a lower classification as an in-training opportunity, depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate. Qualifications by level referenced below:
This is the first level of our in-training program for staff with minimal accounting and reporting experience. The Office provides training, on-the-job coaching and mentoring, and work product review and feedback to assist new staff in gaining skills to move to the next level. Work assigned to this position will be performed under close supervision, including daily check-ins and frequent review of work product.
In this second level of our in-training program, staff continue to build upon the experience they gained through work as an Assistant State Auditor 1 or comparable work at another organization. Work assigned to this position will be performed under moderate to close supervision, including check-ins performed more than once a week and review of work product.
This is the journey level of our Assistant State Auditor series. Staff at this level are responsible for performing all assigned BARS and Annual filing duties with minimal to moderate supervision, including weekly check-ins and periodic review of work product.
Placement will be based on the successful candidate's combination of education, relevant experience, and demonstrated competencies aligned with the duties of the position. Preferred course work and/or certifications may also be considered in determining placement.
Option 1 - Requires a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of three college-level accounting courses.
OR
Option 2 - Education may be substituted with experience. Total experience must be 4-years of business or relevant experience, of which a minimum of 1-year in accounting/auditing is required. Government accounting/audit experience preferred.
Option 1 - Requires a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of three college-level accounting courses as well as one year of relevant experience. Government accounting/audit experience preferred.
OR
Option 2 - Education may be substituted with experience. Total experience must be 5-years of business or relevant experience, of which a minimum of 2-years in accounting/auditing is required. Government accounting/audit experience preferred.
Option 1 - Requires a bachelor's degree and completion of at least three college-level accounting classes, in addition to 1 year of accounting and 1 year of auditing experience. 2 years of government accounting experience is preferred.
Option 2 - Education may be substituted with experience. Total experience must be 6-years of relevant experience, of which a minimum of 2-years in accounting and 1-year in auditing is required. 3 years of government accounting experience is preferred.
- Performing basic account reconciliations (cash, revenues, expenditures).
- Preparing or posting routine journal entries with supervision.
- Assisting with financial schedule preparation or data entry for annual reports.
- Coding transactions using the chart of accounts and verifying account classifications.
- Gathering documentation for audits or financial reviews.
- Preparing assigned financial statement sections or schedules under guidance.
- Reconciling more complex accounts (interfund balances, payroll liabilities, grants).
- Assisting in year-end closing by preparing accruals and adjusting entries.
- Reviewing accounting records for accuracy and compliance with BARS or GASB GAAP.
- Applying GASB standards to specific accounting issues or disclosures.
- Preparing full financial statement sections (fund statements, notes, required schedules).
- Performing advanced reconciliations (capital assets, debt, restricted funds).
- Researching accounting standards and preparing technical memos or recommendations.
- Assisting with ACFR preparation or review, including required footnotes.
- Providing technical assistance to internal teams or local governments.
- Bookkeeper or accounting assistant in governmental finance department (or similar), or CPA/accounting firm
- Advanced degrees in accounting or emphasis in accounting
- CPA license
- Governmental finance specific license - CPFO (GFOA) or CGFM (AGA)
We offer a comprehensive package of health and wellness benefits to employees, including:
- Full benefits package. Click here to learn more.
- Paid vacation, sick leave, andholidays.
- Growth and development opportunities, including 80+ hours of training each biennium.
- Educational and professional certification reimbursements.
- An agency-wide commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion in the workplace.
Make a difference; find your purpose; join Team SAO! To hear what others have to say about working at SAO, click here.
Benefits - More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder careexpenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Securit y and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 non-overtime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165 (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 non-overtime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165 (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing Parental Leave Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
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