Accounting Assistant III

Job Title: Accounting Assistant III

Salary: $4,669 – $6,210 monthly.

Thurston County Public Works is recruiting for an Accounting Assistant III. The successful candidate will join the Finance and Procurement team in the Business Services division providing high‑quality financial services to the department. This position is responsible for providing a full range of accounting support for the Parks and Trails program, participating as a member of the Water and Sewer Utilities accounting team to provide financial and customer service support to more than 800 customers, and providing backup payroll support to over 200 employees.

• Oversees a county‑wide bookkeeping function such as payroll, fixed assets, or accounts payable and assumes responsibility for departmental accounting records and payroll system.
• Processes complex bookkeeping transactions.
• Audits entries and documents to ensure accuracy, propriety, proper account coding, adequate explanations, and other applicable information in accordance with federal and state regulations.
• Undertakes independent research projects as assigned and prepares various schedules and reports for financial statements requiring knowledge of governmental accounting principles.
• Assists in testing computer accounting programs used in the work unit.
• Performs special projects requiring extensive research, interpretation, or auditing of statistical data.

This position is an essential worker and may be required to work during non‑business hours or closures to meet operational requirements in the Business Services division.

• Work Environment – Quiet office setting in Olympia, Washington.
• Schedule – Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (work may occasionally extend beyond these hours).
• Travel Requirements – Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings.
• Customer Interactions – Daily interactions via phone, in‑person, and video with Thurston County staff.

The Thurston County Public Works Department, located in Olympia, Washington, is a national award‑winning agency delivering quality projects to our community. Our mission is to provide excellent public services in all areas of our business. We actively help our staff develop and grow professionally, bring together resources across divisions to achieve organizational goals, remain responsive to community needs, and meet industry best‑practice benchmarks as an American Public Works Association accredited agency.

• Accountability – We take responsibility for our actions and resulting outcomes.
• Customer Service – We provide our customers with the highest level of service and quality.
• Innovation – We continuously improve processes, performance, and results.
• Safety – We demonstrate an uncompromising commitment to safety.
• Teamwork – We work together toward achieving recognized common goals.

To provide excellent public services in all areas of our business.

The premier public works organization, accountable and transparent in all services we provide to our community.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from diverse cultures, lifestyles, and backgrounds who are committed to our vision and core values.

Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage
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• Work‑Life Balance – We are committed to ensuring our staff experience the rewards of public service while sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future – Retirement plan, pre‑tax savings accounts, comprehensive health, dental, and vision care for employees and families.
• Paid Leave – Full‑time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
• Robust Training Program – Employees are encouraged to attend county‑paid training to further their careers and stay current on industry trends.
• Flexible…