AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy

The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities – from ensuring food safety to environmental protection – touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.

The agency includes 780 employees approximately and grows close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.

The Financial Services Program provides centralized budget, accounting, payroll, and benefits to support the agency and program operations. Financial Services works to ensure budget and accounting operations are completed in compliance with state and federal guidelines as well as agency policies and procedures.

What to Expect

Some of the various responsibilities within this role:

Provide Fiscal support for Financial Services Staff.

• Request approvals for payment from WSDA admin services and programs.
• Obtain proper expenditure accounting codes and conduct follow-ups as needed.
• Prepare payables batches.
• Key batches or use financial toolbox.
• Mail warrants.
• Verify accuracy of information keyed.
• Acquire vendor W-9 forms and maintain agency vendor files.
• Reconcile various vendor statements to our payments periodically but especially at year-end.
• Compile backup documents for batches and organize batches and backup documents into PDF files.
• Convert emails to PDFs, download vendor invoices, and scan hardcopy documents into electronic format.

• Monitor Accounts Payable shared inbox.
• Process and distribute postal mail received in Financial Services.
• Follow manual and electronic filing systems and database file rules and policies.
• Schedule in-person and Teams meetings, trainings, interviews, etc., using an electronic calendar.
• Perform scan and toss projects for Financial Services.
• Audit electronically saved files.

• Receive, sort, open, endorse, date stamp, and deliver mail.
• Stamp incoming checks received in the mail and follow proper check receiving procedures with other staff.
• Provide customer service with all delivery services to track mail for staff regarding parcels received in mailroom.
• Monitor distribution of mail during pick-up and delivery to the divisions.
• Provide coverage for agency receptionist as needed.
• Answer the telephone with multiple incoming lines and transfer calls to appropriate agency staff.
• Greet agency customers and the public.
• Refer visitors to appropriate agency staff.
• Engage visitors by asking questions to determine how best to serve their needs.
• Check in visitors with sign in sheet and visitor badges.
• Accept deliveries from FedEx, UPS, and other vendors. Notify appropriate staff about parcels received.
• Accept cash/checks from vendors for products. Provide receipts, stamps, and lists checks received on Reception Manifest for Accounts Receivable.

• Act as agency Employee Transportation/Administrator as it relates to the Commute Trip Reduction Program (CTR).
• Promote CTR program and communicate information to agency staff.
• Act as the CTR lead point of contact for questions and issues for agency staff.
• Attend CTR meetings and trainings as required/needed.
• Complete required CTR reports according to the due dates.
• Communicate CTR issues to agency vehicle officer as needed.

Who should apply?
Professionals with:

• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent education/experience.

• One (1) year of general fiscal or accounting experience or higher education which includes 18 quarter, or 12 semester hours of accounting, auditing or budgeting may substitute for year for year for experience.

• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, Adobe, and other software as installed.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills necessary to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Maintain the highest standards of personal/professional and ethical conduct and support the agency's goals for a diverse workforce.
• Demonstrated experience using Agency Financial Reporting System (AFRS).
• Responsible contributor with commitment to excellence and success.