Senior Public Accountant & Finance Systems Leader

Pierce County; Washington; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Pierce County seeks a Chief Accountant to provide strategic leadership for countywide accounting, payroll, reporting, accounts payable, and audit operations. You will influence financial services across a large public organization, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and accountability of public resources.

You will lead a team of professionals, collaborate with department leaders and labor partners, and guide Workday-based financial data models while maintaining strong internal controls and compliance

Qualifications

• Ten years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience.
• Three years in supervisory roles overseeing accounting functions.
• Experience with fund accounting in government or public entities encouraged.
• CPA and CPFO preferred; payroll experience is a plus.
• A resume and cover letter are required for the application.

Responsibilities

• Lead County-wide accounting operations including payroll, accounts payable and receivable, audits, and internal audit.
• Oversee preparation and integrity of accounting reports and financial statements.
• Advise on accounting standards and ensure compliance with GAAP, GASB, and federal/state laws.
• Collaborate with department leaders and labor partners to improve processes and controls.
• Guide Workday financial and payroll data models and related systems.
• Manage internal controls, audits, and timely financial reporting for the County.
• Monitor regulatory changes and update policies and procedures accordingly.
• Provide strategic direction for the financial data strategy and reporting tools.
• Lead a centralized financial services team for designated departments.
• Participate in senior management discussions and cross-division initiatives.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Fund accounting

Payroll experience

Education

Post-secondary education in finance/accounting/public administration/business administration or closely related field

Tools

Workday

Job description

Pierce County seeks a Chief Accountant to provide strategic leadership for countywide accounting, payroll, reporting, accounts payable, and audit operations. You will influence financial services across a large public organization, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and accountability of public resources.

You will lead a team of professionals, collaborate with department leaders and labor partners, and guide Workday-based financial data models while maintaining strong internal controls and compliance