Accounting Specialist - Yakima Health District : Job Details

Yakima Health District Full time Regular Exempt Status: Exempt (ineligible for overtime) Overview: The Yakima Heath District offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision, dental, and life insurance (Public Employee Benefits Board); participation in Washington State retirement system (DRS); and a generous annual, holiday, and sick leave program. This is a non-exempt position that is covered under the AFSCME union agreement. The employee usually starts at Step One of the salary range, progressing to the next step upon successful completion six months of employment, with further progression through Step 10 based on tenure. Salary increases beyond Step 10 may be earned through participation in a performance-based compensation program. Salary Range: $28.40 - $37.06 per hour (10-steps) Hiring Range: $28.40 - $31.03 (Steps 1-4) The Yakima Heath District offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision, dental, and life insurance (Public Employee Benefits Board); participation in Washington State retirement system (DRS); and a generous annual, holiday, and sick leave program. This is a non-exempt position that is covered under the AFSCME union agreement. The employee usually starts at Step One of the salary range, progressing to the next step upon successful completion six months of employment, with further progression through Step 10 based on tenure. Salary increases beyond Step 10 may be earned through participation in a performance-based compensation program. Purpose of the Position: This position serves as the primary contact for accounts payable, performing a variety of financial and accounting tasks under the general supervision of the Finance Director. Essential Job Functions:

• Balance and reconcile accounts, including cash, checking, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
• Assist the finance team in managing accounts payable and receivable, preparing and sending invoices, recording payments, and following up on overdue accounts.
• Support month-end and year-end financial closing processes.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, organizational policies, and relevant laws.
• Provide necessary documentation and explanations for internal and external audits.
• Collaborate with the Payroll/HR Specialist and Accountant to process payroll liabilities (e.g., FICA, FUTA, DRS, HCA).
• Maintain strict confidentiality of payroll and HR activities to protect employee information.
• Represent the Yakima Health District in interactions with benefits providers and governmental agencies.
• Review purchase requisitions for accuracy and adherence to company policies.
• Prepare and issue purchase orders for supplies, materials, and services, tracking the receipt of purchases.
• Manage asset tagging, tracking, disposal, and annual inventory processes.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with legal, regulatory, and internal policies.
• Assist in preparing purchasing reports, analyzing expenditures, and managing cost-control measures.
• Oversee inventory control to maintain adequate stock levels and avoid shortages.
• Respond to inquiries via email, phone, and in-person, providing excellent customer service.
• Provide support and training on the accounting software system (Workday) and assist employees as needed.
• Assist Environmental Health with administrative duties, including but not limited to, invoicing, licensing, and communications, as required.
• Oversee the maintenance and training of users on the postage machine.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, ensuring all tasks align with the department's goals and objectives.

The itemized list of job tasks and essential functions as identified above is not all inclusive. Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Associate degree in Accounting, Business Management, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, with equivalent experience substituting for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Proficiency in managing sensitive and confidential information in compliance with the Public Records Act, HIPPA, and other relevant regulations.
• Advanced proficiency in the use of Microsoft Suites software including Outlook, Excel, Work, and PowerPoint (or Adobe), and ability to work with payroll software is necessary.
• Ability to manage complex information and make decisions efficiently, often under limited supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, partners, clients, and the public, even in challenging situations.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage a diverse workforce and community.
• Proficiency in English is required; the ability to speak Spanish is desirable.

Working Conditions:

• Work in an office setting, sit at a desk for extended periods of time, and work with detailed information as viewed on a computer screen.
• Must be able to obtain a valid Washington State driver's license within 30 days of employment and possess auto insurance, or to be able to demonstrate the ability to travel to county offices and on occasion to regional meetings or training.
• The successful candidate will be required to complete a thorough background investigation including a review of the individual's criminal history and a credit check.
• Must prove or be able to obtain immunity to measles, mumps, rubella and varicella diseases within ninety (90) days of employment.
• Must be current with pertussis immunization within ninety (90) days of employment.
• Must provide documentation of the results of a tuberculosis test (i.e., tuberculin test or interferon gamma release assay) administered within the previous ninety (90) days.

The Yakima Health District is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that embraces diversity This is a drug and tobacco free workplace. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans and the Disabled are encouraged to apply. Yakima Health District ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of a person's age, color, creed, sensory, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political belief, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and military status, or any other protected status under federal or state statute. PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish the information. Disabled applicants may request accommodation to participate in the job application and/or selection process for employment. Please contact Human Resources for further information. Yakima Health District is a qualified Public Service entity for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to or contact your federal loan servicer. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Yakima Health District will hire only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Yakima Health District is an E-Verify Employer.