Accountant 2
Apply NowCompany: Pierce County
Location: Tacoma, WA 98444
Description:
Salary: $43.48 - $55.58 Hourly
Location : Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Career Service - Full Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 25-00191
Department: Planning and Public Works
Division: PPW BFO
Opening Date: 02/19/2025
Closing Date: 3/12/2025 11:00 PM Pacific
Description
Position Summary
Why It's a Great Opportunity: Are you ready to apply your expertise in governmental fund accounting to a dynamic and impactful role? Pierce County Planning and Public Works (PPW) is looking for an Accountant 2 to join our team and play a key role in the financial management of fixed assets, inventory, cost allocation, reporting, and financial transactions. This is your chance to be part of division leadership and help shape the future of PPW's financial operations!
As an experienced accountant with a solid background in a large, complex organization and multiple funding streams, you will have a significant opportunity to make a lasting impact on how we do business. You'll apply the fundamentals of accounting daily, ensuring the financial accuracy of all records. Your keen decision-making skills and judgment will be essential as you handle complex financial transactions, supervise a talented team, and contribute to a collaborative and high-functioning department.
Why It's a Great Department: PPW is a diverse department filled with motivated professionals working to ensure Pierce County is positioned to handle growth while building, operating, and maintaining reliable infrastructure to support livable communities. PPW is responsible for a broad and complex portfolio of services that provides unique opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and inspire. We are responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few!
Learn more about Planning and Public Works here.
How to be Successful in the Role: To thrive in this role, you will need to take in the big picture while diving into the details. The ability to see beyond the numbers and grasp how financial processes connect across the department will ensure your success. Team success will come from your building lasting and effective partnership across divisions to work out complicated processes, propose improvements to existing procedures and practices, and have the ability to manage multiple activities and deadlines. You should be genuinely curious about the programs we support and the impact they have on Pierce County. Much of your work will be completed using Microsoft Office products and the Workday Financials accounting system. Your comfort and proficiency with these tools will be critical in performing tasks efficiently and effectively.
Your Future in this Role: Throughout the onboarding process you will meet to discuss expectations, set goals, identify priorities, gain familiarity with current policies, procedures, and strategic measures. Pierce County offers professional development through the Leadership Certification program, robust online learning, and other training opportunities to ensure your success. This position has opportunity to build a great career in Pierce County and our work touches everyone who lives or works here!
Core Daily Responsibilities:
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.
Supplemental Information
To be considered for this opportunity please:
This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.
At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
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. Pierce County offers a competitive benefits package that offers flexibility and peace of mind. We are proud to offer Employee Resource Groups, a focus on professional development in our , and a County Book Club.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of and , , staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Our benefits:
Vacation (Annual Leave)
After approximately six months, employees receive six days of vacation leave.
Since we value your experience, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Vacation accrues on a bi-weekly basis for full-time employees as follows:
Vacation Accruals:
During years 1-3, 12 Days
During years 4-7, 16 Days
During years 8-13, 20 Days
During years 14-18, 23 Days
During years 19, 24 Days
During years 20, 25 Days
During years 21, 26 Days
During years 22, 27 Days
During years 23, 28 Days
During years 24, 29 Days
During years 25 & thereafter, 30 Days
A maximum of 45 days may be carried from one year into the next.
Pro-Rated for Part-Time based on % of 1.0 FTE.
Military Leave:
Pierce County has a proud history of supporting the armed forces and provides members of the armed forces with up to 21 days paid military leave per state fiscal year.
Holidays:
Some full-time employees are entitled to eleven paid holidays as follows:
New Year's Day - January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday - Third Monday in January
President's Day - Third Monday in February
Memorial Day - Last Monday in May
Juneteenth - June 19
Independence Day - July 4
Labor Day - First Monday in September
Veteran's Day - November 11
Thanksgiving Day - Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day - December 25
Personal Holidays:
Regular full-time and regular part-time employees, and employees occupying limited duration positions, shall also receive two additional paid personal holidays. Paid personal holidays shall only accrue for those employees on County payroll as of January 1 of each year or the first work day following January 1 and must be taken during the calendar year in which it was accrued.
Furlough:
Some Pierce County employees may be designated to receive 10 "furlough" days per year in lieu of holidays. Furlough days are available for use on January 1 and must be scheduled and taken within the calendar year. Employees who leave employment with Pierce County must reimburse the employer for used furlough days based upon the number of remaining holidays.
Sick Leave:
Sick leave accrues on a bi-weekly basis, at the rate of one day per month.
Insurance Benefits:
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with very affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout Pierce County. Employees are eligible to enroll each year in a flexible spending plan, which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care and dependent care expenses. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in supplemental life and long term disability insurance plans. To view premium rates, summary of benefit coverage, and other information, please visit the website.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation:
Pierce County employees are members of the State of Washington's Department of Retirement System (DRS) and depending on the position or previous DRS enrollment will be able to enroll in one of many programs DRS offers. For additional information, check out the web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Nationwide Deferred Compensation Plan. This is a supplemental retirement savings program 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 Pierce County employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The county and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Miscellaneous Benefits:
Please visit website for more information.
Telework/Remote Options:
Some departments allow for telework or work-from-home options dependent on the body of work. Learn more about our telework policy
**All employees are required to be WA State residents after 30 days of employment.
01
This position requires a resume and cover letter be attached for consideration. Have you ensured that both are attached?
02
How many years of supervisory or lead experience do you have?
Required Question
Location : Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Career Service - Full Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 25-00191
Department: Planning and Public Works
Division: PPW BFO
Opening Date: 02/19/2025
Closing Date: 3/12/2025 11:00 PM Pacific
Description
Position Summary
Why It's a Great Opportunity: Are you ready to apply your expertise in governmental fund accounting to a dynamic and impactful role? Pierce County Planning and Public Works (PPW) is looking for an Accountant 2 to join our team and play a key role in the financial management of fixed assets, inventory, cost allocation, reporting, and financial transactions. This is your chance to be part of division leadership and help shape the future of PPW's financial operations!
As an experienced accountant with a solid background in a large, complex organization and multiple funding streams, you will have a significant opportunity to make a lasting impact on how we do business. You'll apply the fundamentals of accounting daily, ensuring the financial accuracy of all records. Your keen decision-making skills and judgment will be essential as you handle complex financial transactions, supervise a talented team, and contribute to a collaborative and high-functioning department.
Why It's a Great Department: PPW is a diverse department filled with motivated professionals working to ensure Pierce County is positioned to handle growth while building, operating, and maintaining reliable infrastructure to support livable communities. PPW is responsible for a broad and complex portfolio of services that provides unique opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and inspire. We are responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few!
Learn more about Planning and Public Works here.
How to be Successful in the Role: To thrive in this role, you will need to take in the big picture while diving into the details. The ability to see beyond the numbers and grasp how financial processes connect across the department will ensure your success. Team success will come from your building lasting and effective partnership across divisions to work out complicated processes, propose improvements to existing procedures and practices, and have the ability to manage multiple activities and deadlines. You should be genuinely curious about the programs we support and the impact they have on Pierce County. Much of your work will be completed using Microsoft Office products and the Workday Financials accounting system. Your comfort and proficiency with these tools will be critical in performing tasks efficiently and effectively.
Your Future in this Role: Throughout the onboarding process you will meet to discuss expectations, set goals, identify priorities, gain familiarity with current policies, procedures, and strategic measures. Pierce County offers professional development through the Leadership Certification program, robust online learning, and other training opportunities to ensure your success. This position has opportunity to build a great career in Pierce County and our work touches everyone who lives or works here!
Core Daily Responsibilities:
- Analyze, interpret, verify and reconcile fund charges, financial documents and reports; ensure financial accuracy of all records and make necessary corrections.
- Take charge of governmental fund accounting, overseeing financial transactions related to fixed assets, inventory, cost allocation, and reporting.
- Make day-to-day decisions needed to properly account for complex financial transactions.
- Supervise and manage assigned staff work assignments, training, development and performance management.
- Manage specified financial activity including accounting transactions; reporting period closing processes; and budget development and monitoring.
- Communicate with financial and non-financial staff in all PPW divisions; explain and ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures and provide technical assistance.
- Reconcile Capital Asset Ledgers related to land, equipment, and project adjustments.
- Performing and monitoring numerous ME, QE, and YE activities.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- A resume and cover letter are required. The cover letter will be used for consideration and should include an example of process improvement, and a separate example of utilizing diverse skills into project and team success
- Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field.
- Two years of progressively responsible accounting and/or auditing experience
- Additional education and/or experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may be substituted for the recruiting requirements.
- Two or more years of supervisory or lead experience desirable.
As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.
Supplemental Information
To be considered for this opportunity please:
- Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to:
- If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at and specify the Job Number and Title.
- If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
- Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.
This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.
At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
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. Pierce County offers a competitive benefits package that offers flexibility and peace of mind. We are proud to offer Employee Resource Groups, a focus on professional development in our , and a County Book Club.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of and , , staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Our benefits:
Vacation (Annual Leave)
After approximately six months, employees receive six days of vacation leave.
Since we value your experience, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Vacation accrues on a bi-weekly basis for full-time employees as follows:
Vacation Accruals:
During years 1-3, 12 Days
During years 4-7, 16 Days
During years 8-13, 20 Days
During years 14-18, 23 Days
During years 19, 24 Days
During years 20, 25 Days
During years 21, 26 Days
During years 22, 27 Days
During years 23, 28 Days
During years 24, 29 Days
During years 25 & thereafter, 30 Days
A maximum of 45 days may be carried from one year into the next.
Pro-Rated for Part-Time based on % of 1.0 FTE.
Military Leave:
Pierce County has a proud history of supporting the armed forces and provides members of the armed forces with up to 21 days paid military leave per state fiscal year.
Holidays:
Some full-time employees are entitled to eleven paid holidays as follows:
New Year's Day - January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday - Third Monday in January
President's Day - Third Monday in February
Memorial Day - Last Monday in May
Juneteenth - June 19
Independence Day - July 4
Labor Day - First Monday in September
Veteran's Day - November 11
Thanksgiving Day - Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day - December 25
Personal Holidays:
Regular full-time and regular part-time employees, and employees occupying limited duration positions, shall also receive two additional paid personal holidays. Paid personal holidays shall only accrue for those employees on County payroll as of January 1 of each year or the first work day following January 1 and must be taken during the calendar year in which it was accrued.
Furlough:
Some Pierce County employees may be designated to receive 10 "furlough" days per year in lieu of holidays. Furlough days are available for use on January 1 and must be scheduled and taken within the calendar year. Employees who leave employment with Pierce County must reimburse the employer for used furlough days based upon the number of remaining holidays.
Sick Leave:
Sick leave accrues on a bi-weekly basis, at the rate of one day per month.
Insurance Benefits:
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with very affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout Pierce County. Employees are eligible to enroll each year in a flexible spending plan, which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care and dependent care expenses. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in supplemental life and long term disability insurance plans. To view premium rates, summary of benefit coverage, and other information, please visit the website.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation:
Pierce County employees are members of the State of Washington's Department of Retirement System (DRS) and depending on the position or previous DRS enrollment will be able to enroll in one of many programs DRS offers. For additional information, check out the web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Nationwide Deferred Compensation Plan. This is a supplemental retirement savings program 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 Pierce County employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The county and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Miscellaneous Benefits:
Please visit website for more information.
Telework/Remote Options:
Some departments allow for telework or work-from-home options dependent on the body of work. Learn more about our telework policy
**All employees are required to be WA State residents after 30 days of employment.
01
This position requires a resume and cover letter be attached for consideration. Have you ensured that both are attached?
- Yes
- No
02
How many years of supervisory or lead experience do you have?
- I have no supervisory or lead experience
- I have 1 to 2 years of supervisory or lead experience
- I have 3 to 5 years of supervisory or lead experience
- I have 5+ years of supervisory or lead experience
Required Question