Operations/Accounting Specialist

Job Description

Are you an accounting professional looking for meaningful work with excellent benefits, a stable schedule, and a supportive team environment?

Whatcom County is seeking an Operations/Accounting Specialist to join our Treasurer’s Office in beautiful Bellingham, WA. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys financial analysis, attention to detail, and contributing to the efficient operation of local government.

In this role, you’ll:

Apply your accounting knowledge in a professional and public-service-oriented setting.
Analyze and maintain complex financial data across multiple funds and systems.
Work closely with an experienced team that values accuracy, collaboration, and accountability.

Whether you’re transitioning from private sector work or have public finance experience, we welcome candidates who are ready to bring their skills to a dependable and mission-driven workplace. As an Operations/Accounting Specialist, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining the financial accuracy and integrity of Whatcom County’s accounting systems.

Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Prepare complex audit and financial information including schedules, balance sheets, income statements, cashflow and other financial reports.
• Analyze fiscal data to support strategic decisions, provide projections, and offer well-grounded financial recommendations.
• Serve as a project lead for system updates and integrations, working with financial software and emerging technology.
• Maintain and improve internal controls to support transparency, accuracy, and accountability in public funds.
• Ensure financial accuracy and compliance with policies, laws, rules, regulations, internal controls and other requirements.
• Support audits and reviews by preparing and explaining detailed financial documentation.

Supervisor: Chief Deputy Treasurer

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a closely related field.
• Two years of progressively responsible experience in accounting.
• One year of advanced experience with financial software applications including database and spreadsheet design and maintenance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of governmental accounting standards and JD Edwards integrated financial management system.
• Experience in local government accounting and integrating financial software applications.
• Completion of the course work requirement for a CPA, including 36 quarter hours of course credit in each of the following: (1) accounting and (2) business.
• College-level courses in management, supervision and training principles and practices.

Apply online: www.whatcomcounty.us/jobs

Apply early for first consideration.  Applications will be reviewed as they are received.  First application review date scheduled for May 12, 2025. Recruitment will be suspended once the position has been filled.