Job Description

Posting number: 2026PO27983

Department: DPD - Dept of Public Defense

Division: Director's Office

Job classification: Accountant (A8 : SEIU L925-DPD-Staff)

Posting type: Open

Categories: Administrative Assistant, Accounting and Finance, Legal

Summary

20250602125252_DPD Logo.png

The King County Department of Public Defense (DPD) is seeking interested applicants for a Term-Limited Temporary (TLT) or Special Duty Assignment (SDA) opportunity as an Accountant. We are looking for an energetic individual who has a passion for the accounting profession, can make independent judgements within established limits, and who also understands the need for standardization and best practices.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer this position provides support to DPD’s divisions, processing all accounts payable activities. This position may also assist with payroll processing in support of the department’s business operations.

This recruitment will be used to fill a Term-Limited Temporary (TLT) or Special Duty Assignment (SDA) position and to create an eligibility pool to fill additional TLT or SDA vacancies that may occur within the next six (6) months. Assignments are anticipated to last for up to twelve (12) months but have the ability to be extended or end early based on business needs.

The Department’s Mission Statement

The King County Department of Public Defense represents indigent adults and children facing a loss of liberty. Our department is an independent voice that promotes fairness and equity for our clients and advocates for their objectives, interests, and dignity.

DPD provides high quality legal representation to indigent clients in felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile defense, family defense (dependency cases), involuntary commitment (mental illness), and sex offender commitment proceedings.

DPD advocates to reduce the harm and reach of the criminal and civil legal systems that restrict our clients’ liberty, and advances policy reforms to reduce systemic racism. We strive to create a flexible workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive, premised on a shared anti-oppression framework.

To learn more about DPD, visit our website.

Examples of duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES include but are not limited to the following:

• Be the primary financial accountant support to the department’s divisions by performing accounts payable functions, vendor invoices for payment, reviewing and preparing procurement requests, processing employee expense claims and payment vouchers, and support payroll processing.
• Organize track, code, maintain, and document data sources, (i.e., financial, accounting or fiscal records). Track and monitor payables to ensure timely payment, follow up as needed.
• Run queries and other reports to monitor pay outcomes.
• Assist division support staff by providing guidance and training and monitor the quality and completion of distributed finance related work.
• Identify priority and/or time-sensitive matters; and maintain security and confidentiality.
• Assist with problem solving, troubleshooting issues with vendors, clients, other King County departments or internal divisions as needed.
• Gather, compile, and prepare financial data, statements, reports.
• Review reports and documents for compliance with state and federal regulations, contractual agreements, and policies and procedures.
• Respond to and resolve customer service inquires that require a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and expertise in assigned area.
• Serve as a technical resource for payables related activities which includes but is not limited to:
• Obtaining and maintaining general level proficiency in the use of the Oracle Financial system and other software applications as appropriate.
• Obtaining and maintaining general knowledge of accounting requirements.
• Providing support to audit functions as needed.
• Performing a variety of accounting tasks such as data entry into customized systems enterprise systems (EBS), providing information for the budgeting process, preparing year-end accruals, and interacting with customers and vendors to resolve complaints and concerns.

*The Department reserves the right to update, change and assign additional duties in support of DPD’s mission.*

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• One year of experience in payroll processing, accounts payable, and account reconciliation, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• The ability to travel throughout King County in a timely manner.
• PeopleSoft and Oracle EBS Financial System experience is extremely important, as well as advanced problem-solving skills.

Knowledge of:

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to ensure that accounting statements are accurate, reliable, and useful to those making decisions.
• Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) to ensure the consistency, and verifiability of financial audits.
• Evaluation and recommending internal controls to track achievement of reporting reliability, efficiency of operations, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Microsoft Office products including Excel, Word, Outlook, and other software applications.

Ability to:

• Interpret collective bargaining agreements, policies and procedures to ensure compliance.
• Provide clear information and directions to technical and non-technical staff to ensure instructions are understood.
• Provide effective and quality customer service.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including the ability to understand and execute complex verbal and written instructions.
• Effectively and positively working within a team environment, and ability to maintain professionalism in all situations.
• Organize, prioritize, and manage a demanding workload, while consistently meeting short deadlines in a high-pressure environment with minimal supervision.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial and personnel matters, and accurately maintain filing systems, and complete filing in a timely manner.
• Take initiative and accountability in work products and service, and the ability to follow-through on issues to completion.
• Be punctuality and dependable in daily attendance.

Desired Qualifications:

• A CPA designation.
• Demonstrated working experience in a law firm, preferably public defense.
• Demonstrated working experience in a unionized environment.

Supplemental information

King County offers great benefits, to include a pension plan, holidays, transit pass, plus training and education opportunities to promote growth and development. Our focus is to provide our employees with work life balance.

Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play. This opportunity is open to all applicants.

To be considered for this role submit the following items:

• Completed King County application.
• A current/chronological resume.
• Cover letter detailing your background and what you can bring to the Department of Public Defense.

This recruitment may be used to fill a Term-limited-Temporary or Special Duty Assignment Accountant position, and to establish an eligibility list for vacancies that may occur within the next six months. This Term-Limited Temporary and Special Duty Assignment may last up to 12 months and may be extended or end early based on business needs.

Note: Special Duty opportunities are only open to current King County career service employees that have completed their initial probation. Special Duty applicants must have approval from their current supervisor to accept an assignment.

Pay Upon Special Duty Placement: current employees selected for special duty will be compensated based upon the provisions of the King County Code/Personnel Guidelines for their base position.

The selection process may include evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, references, a personnel file review going back the last three (3) years, and if applicable a background check. You must completely fill out the application with your relevant education and work experience and attach the required documents to your application.

WORK SCHEDULE AND LOCATION

The Finance team works in a hybrid model, with an onsite minimum of three (3) days per week. During the probationary period, employees are required to work onsite four (4) days per week. The ratio of telecommuting to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location for this position is the Dexter Horton Building, 710 Second Avenue, Seattle.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

The typical workweek is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for overtime.

Rotations of work location and practice area and/or workflow are an essential function and can occur based on business need. You may be required to report to any of our Seattle and/or Kent locations.

DPD Policies

Outside Work Policy for Administrative Staff will apply to employees, such that you must receive approval from your supervisor and Managing Attorney before being permitted to engage in outside employment for compensation or volunteer.

Union Membership

This position is not represented by a union.

Application Process

If you are interested in pursuing this position and supporting King County’s vision for unified, equitable, and high-performing government, please follow the application instructions carefully. Provide us with your work history as applicable, ensuring that you provide details that highlight your ability to fulfill the requirements for this position.

If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, or you would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, please contact Peter Ocholla at pocholla@kingcounty.gov.

King County's Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values unite us.

King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice.

Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.