Senior Accountant

Job Summary

Are you highly skilled in accounting and looking for a position utilizing your government accounting experience? Do you have a high attention to detail and skill in auditing financial work? If this sounds like you, we invite you to apply for our Senior Accountant position within our Business Support Services program. This is a Regular, Full-Time (1.0 FTE) position.

• 1st Review of Applications 9/7/2026**

Based on our internal compensation review process, the starting hourly wage for this position is $49.98 –$53.50. We make decisions on higher starting salaries based on experience, education, and qualifications.

The full salary range for this position is $49.98- $67.61?per hour. This position also includes a comprehensive benefits package that includes insurance (health, dental, vision, life), retirement plan options, generous leave accruals, annual cost of living salary increases, employee programs, and more. Visit our benefits webpage to learn more.

This is a professional classification that supports the organization’s financial operations by performing a variety of complex accounting and budgeting duties. This role monitors expenditures, analyzes financial documents, and ensures data is complete, accurate, and in compliance with regulatory requirements. The Senior Accountant also ensures grant billing requirements are met. This position develops and maintains policies and systems designed to manage risk and comply with regulatory oversight responsibilities. This position selects, supervises, evaluates, trains, and coordinates the work of assigned technical and professional staff.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the third classification in a series of three Accounting roles. This position serves as a technical consultant to internal and external stakeholders and as a subject matter expert on overall accounting operations. This supervisory and/or lead position works independently, under the general direction of the Accounting Manager, and may oversee a team of accountants, technical, and clerical staff.

Position Series

• Fiscal Technician
• Accountant
• Senior Accountant

Career Path Options

Education

Options to continue your career at the Health Department depend on your interest, education, and training. Possibilities beyond the position series include:

• MAC Manager
• Accounting Manager
• Finance Director

Essential Functions

• Performs complex professional accounting work and often acts as a technical resource for other staff. Adheres to government accounting principles such as GAAP, GASB, and Washington State's BARS (Budgeting, Accounting, and Reporting System). Analyzes financial data for discrepancies and variances (budget to actual), develops cash projections, and provides guidance and technical assistance to department managers and staff on financial issues and compliance.
• Prepares and analyzes complex financial statements and reports.
• Manages and performs complex reconciliations of general ledger accounts (e.g., bank accounts, assets, liabilities, grants), ensuring accuracy, completeness, and integrity of financial records.
• Monitors the accuracy of grant revenues and expenditures, assures compliance with federal and state grant requirements (e.g., Uniform Administrative Requirements), and prepares related financial reports and billings for reimbursement.
• Assists in developing and implementing internal controls, policies, and procedures to mitigate risk; prepares documentation and acts as a key liaison for external auditors during annual audits;
• Leads and/or supervises other accountants and fiscal staff.

Examples of Key Duties

The items in this section are the key duties and responsibilities for this job and do not represent an exhaustive list. Our organization is dynamic, and duties may change based on business needs. Any new duties will remain within the scope of the job.

• Acts as a resource for accounting staff on accounts payable, accounts receivable, cashiering, account reconciliation, monitoring of expenditures, payroll, and other accounting functions. Interprets established policies, procedures, and guidelines and conducts research of rules, regulations, policies, and procedures for unusual issues and situations.
• Ensure accurate and timely accounting of expenses and revenue, including grants. Track grant revenue and expenditures and monitor against budgeted amounts.
• Compile, prepare, and analyze financial data, statements, and reports, including the general ledger, and transactions affecting the budget. Includes accompanying explanatory notes in accordance with GAAP, GAAS, and federal, state, and local requirements. Assists with final review of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial and statistical statements for completeness and accuracy.
• Forecast fiscal needs and commitments. Develop long-term planning documents. Develop cash projections and trends for revenues, expenses, and capital outlay.
• Serves as internal auditor to reduce areas of risk and ensure adherence to financial policies and procedures. May serve as liaison between State and Federal auditors.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of relevant regulations and public health sector accounting principles.
• Provide guidance to management and staff in other departments regarding financial issues and compliance. Provides training and assistance related to accounting services and policies governing financial transactions.
• Perform a variety of accounting tasks such as oversight of general ledger reconciliation, review of initial entries and documentation, and posting of entries.
• Provides reports to explain variances and opportunities for improvement.
• Acts as an advisor for the development and implementation of new accounting systems, new accounting modules, or modifications to the existing system. Oversees updates to accounting systems, ensuring updates are timely and accurate.
• Develop and recommend improvements in accounting records management, policies, procedures, and the financial management system to improve internal controls and ensure compliance with GAAP, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, and local, state, and federal law.
• Account for all bank transactions and investment activities accurately and in a timely fashion including ensuring monthly bank reconciliations occur.
• Reconciles financial accounts in accordance with the State BARS accounting system, GAAP, and other regulatory requirements.
• Ensures accurate and organized financial records and documentation are kept. Regularly reviews documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Prepare specialized reports. Conduct research to justify fiscal requests/needs.
• Oversees tax filing and ensures filings are timely and accurate.
• Support the Accounting Manager in managing the monthly and yearly accounting cycles. Performs month and year end close out processes.
• May assist or monitor the management of grant projects used in the timecard system.
• Assist with performing monthly and quarterly billings of all Department grant agreements.
• Participates in the biennial budget preparation process and provides insight into budget management and expense tracking. Develops information to support budget process.
• Prepare cost allocation plans.
• Assist the Accounting Manager as needed.
• The work you do might require you to participate in the Title XIX Medicaid Claiming Program.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Safety & Emergency Preparedness

• Adheres to all workplace and trade safety laws, regulations, standards, and practices.
• Understands and properly follows established procedures in preventing and responding to unsafe or emergency situations. Identifies and reports potentially unsafe practices or conditions.
• Operates equipment, tools, machinery, and vehicles safely and understands processes for reporting an accident or injury.
• Understands and applies knowledge and skills necessary to successfully perform assigned emergency response role during an emergency.

When public health responds to an emergency, you may be assigned duties and responsibilities that are outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time and reporting to a location other than the department with different working conditions and physical requirements. You are expected to participate in emergency preparedness activities including our emergency notification system, WA SECURES. Drills and real-world events may take place at any time.

What you bring to the table

• Intermediate knowledge of standard Microsoft Office programs, accounting software, and automated financial systems.
• Advanced knowledge of professional accounting principles, practices, and regulations, including budgeting, grant billing, contract management, and payroll processing methods.
• Knowledge of payroll tax laws and Local, State, and Federal regulatory requirements.
• Highly skilled in interpreting complex financial data and providing actionable insights.
• Skill in interpreting and explaining local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Skill in preparing narrative, statistical and graphical reports and correspondence.
• Knowledge and skill in maintaining financial information systems.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and proof-reading skills.
• Ability to research and compile information from multiple sources.
• Skilled in maintaining sensitive and confidential data and using discretion when sharing information.
• Skilled in communication:
• Listens to others and communicates in an effective manner.
• Asks questions in ways that enhance the clarity, quality, and reliability of information.
• Understands and learns from what others say, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
• Grasps the meaning of written information and applies it to work situations.
• Conveys ideas and facts using language the audience will best understand, taking into consideration the audience and nature of the information.
• Writes in a clear, concise, and organized manner for the intended audience.
  

Foundational Competencies

• Knowing and managing oneself: Understands that all equity, trauma-informed, and restorative practices start with oneself. Exercises a high degree of self-reflection, personal accountability, resilience, flexibility, and adaptability. Is willing to learn, apply, and model agency values and ethical standards.
• Restorative practices and conflict resolution: Articulates through words and actions authentic commitment to create an environment in which all people are treated with dignity and respect and afforded equal opportunities and impartial treatment. Centers work inequity and trauma informed and restorative practices to achieve and maintain collaboration and teamwork and to effectively work with historically underrepresented and/or underserved populations to advance community health. Utilizes restorative practices to address harm and promote healing to strengthen relationships between individuals and social connections within communities.
• Collaboration and engagement: Provides balanced and objective information to help teammates, partners, and the public understand problems, alternatives, opportunities, and solutions. Works directly with partners within the Department, in the community, and members of the public affected by the work to obtain feedback and understand diverse points of view, concerns, and aspirations. Identifies preferred solutions together, incorporating advice and recommendations to the maximum extent possible.
• Evidence informed practices and decision-making: Applies evidence informed practices and methodologies to achieve the greatest impact in delivery of services to internal and external customers and partners. Incorporates the social determinants of health into public health work. Integrates research and evidence into the decision-making process. Seeks to systematically identify and eliminate inequities resulting in differences in health and in overall living conditions. Utilizes evidence informed practices to increase equity in systems and policy. Creates a robust culture of assessment and evaluation and continuous process improvement.
• Cross cultural communication and Engagement: Understands that cultural awareness, appreciation, and humility can only occur when you practice curiosity and open-mindedness. Operates with a high level of humility and cultural agility to achieve effective intercultural communication, engagement, and collaboration in the workplace and in the community. Is open to feedback and continuously self-reflects on one’s own actions and responses. Centers personal accountability on the Department’s mission, values, and ethical standards.

Who should apply

The items below are the requirements for the job and are relevant to this position. The organization values work experience, lived experience, and education and realizes that people take different paths to acquire knowledge.

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business management.
• 4 years of progressively responsible government accounting and auditing experience.

We will consider any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Professional Certifications, Licensure, And Other Requirements

We require or prefer the below for this classification.

• Washington State Certified Public Accountant (CPA), CMA, CIA, CPP, or FPC (King County) preferred.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Work Environment

• Work is performed almost exclusively indoors in an office environment. Exposure to hazards is limited to those commonly found in office environments.

Physical and Cognitive Demands

• Regularly required to sit or stand continuously.
• Regularly communicate clearly in-person, over the phone, and via written communication.
• Capable of reading physical and electronic documents and working for prolonged periods on a computer monitor.
• Fine motor skills sufficient to grip and manipulate paper, operate a telephone, and operate a computer mouse and keyboard.
• Reaching and gross manipulation capabilities sufficient to pick up and use standard office supplies.
• This position may require lifting, carrying, pulling, or moving objects up to 10 pounds consistently, 20 pounds frequently, and exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally.
• Maintain concentration and attention for extended periods of time.
• Regularly follow sequential processes, including long and/or complex processes.
• Learn, recall, and apply specialized information.

Tools and Equipment

• Duties require the use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g., desk, filing cabinet, computer, printer, telephone, copy machine, etc.)

Travel

• Occasional travel may be required, and is typically local or regional, to meet with clients, conduct business, or attend training.

Click Here for more details on reasonable accommodations, safety, risk management and more.

Benefits

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department offers an excellent pay and benefits package, combined with the opportunity to provide innovative Public Health services to our community, making this a rewarding place to work!

Salary: Salary ranges are listed on the job announcement and are based on the unique skills, education, and experience for the position. Salary offers are typically made at the starting pay step and are reviewed annually. You will get an annual cost-of-living adjustment that increases the salary range as well as an annual step increase on your anniveristy date. All salary offers are subject to administrative approval.

Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance: The Department pays a significant portion of these premiums for employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and dependent children, with an FTE of .80 or greater. Employees with an FTE between .50 and .80 pay a pro-rated portion of their premiums. Medical, vision and dental coverage begins the first day of the month following date of hire.*

Life Insurance: The Department provides a term Life Insurance policy equal to the employee's annual salary, up to a maximum of $50,000.* Affordable voluntary, spouse, and dependent life insurance is also available.

Long Term Disability Insurance (LTD): The Department provides a base LTD policy which provides 40% income replacement for participants who are unable to work due to illness or injury for greater than 180 days. Buy-Up LTD is available at group rates and provides 60% income replacement to participants who are unable to work due to illness or injury for greater than 90 days.

Retirement: Eligible employees participate in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (TERS). TERS is a defined retirement benefit plan funded by both the employee and the Department. We also have a 457 Deferred Compensation retirement program available which allows individuals to set aside a portion of their income on a tax deferred basis.

Additional Benefits include: Generous paid vacation**, sick, personal, and holiday leave**, Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, On-site Fitness Center, Commute Trip Reduction program, Worksite Wellness Program, Direct Deposit; Service Awards, Safety Program / Rewards, Executive Benefits Plan and more.

• Temporary Employees (hired for greater than 2 months): The Department provides medical, dental, and vision benefits, $12,000 base life insurance effective the first of the month following 2 months of employment. **Paid vacation, sick leave and holiday leave accrual begin following 6 months of temporary employment.

Please Note

• There may be restrictions to the above benefit programs or policies not listed. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
• Employee pay is distributed through Direct Deposit. For this reason, employees are required to have an open checking or savings account, at their choice of banking institutions, upon employment.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. For assistance, contact our Office of Human Resources/Risk Management at [email protected] or (253) 649-1660.

01

This position requires a Bachelor's degree with a major or specialization in accounting AND four years professional government accounting experience, or the equivalent combination of training and experience. Please indicate how you meet this requirement.

• Master's Degree in Accounting or closely related field and 2 or more years relevant experience.
• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or closely related field and 4 or more years relevant experience.
• Associate's Degree in Accounting or closely related field and 6 or more years relevant experience.
• Less than an Associate's degree and 8 or more years relevant experience.
• I do not meet the education and experience requirement

02

Please describe your experience in government accounting and how you meet the requirements for this position. If you do not have this experience, please indicate n/a.

03

How many years of government accounting experience do you have?

• 10 or more years of experience
• 8-9 years of experience
• 6-7 years of experience
• 4-5 years of experience
• 2-3 years of experience
• Less than 2 years of experience
• I do not have this experience

04

Do you have experience in the year-end and month-end closing process and reporting?

• Yes
• No

05

Please describe your experience with year-end and month-end closing process and reporting, including level of responsibility. If you do not have this experience, please indicate N/A.

06

Do you have experience monitoring, reviewing, and analyzing grant financials?

• Yes
• No

07

Please describe your experience monitoring, reviewing, and analyzing grant financials. If you do not have this experience, please indicate N/A.

08

Do you have knowledge of government financial practices and governmental accounting principles, theories, and concepts to include compliance with GAAP, GASB and other reporting and disclosure requirements?

• Yes
• No

09

Please describe your understanding and experience with government financial practices and governmental accounting principles, theories, and concepts to include compliance with GAAP, GASB and other reporting and disclosure requirements. If you do not have this experience, please indicate N/A.

10

Do you have work experience in a government or public sector environment?

• Yes
• No

11

Describe your accounting experience in public sector organizations. Focus on your roles and responsibilities in at each organization. If you do not have this experience, please indicate N/A.

• Required Question