Chief Deputy Auditor

Salary : $99,546.00 - $107,758.00 Annually

Location : Coupeville Campus, WA

Job Type : Full Time Regular

Job Number : 2025-069

Department : Auditor

Opening Date : 11 / 07 / 2025

Closing Date : 12 / 13 / 2025 4 : 30 PM Pacific

Summary

The Chief Deputy Auditor is responsible for providing chief administrative assistance to the Auditor in the direction and objectives of the Auditor's office, using maximum discretion in the methods, means and costs of the multi-function responsibilities assigned by statute to the Auditor. Acts as County Auditor during his / her absence.

Employee in this position is responsible for a variety of functions as determined by the particular department to which the task relates; tasks include, but are not limited to, coordinating the formation of, and adherence to, the policies and procedures for all accounting and financial records, elections, recording, licensing and records management as required by statute.

This position serves as the principal accountant for Island County and is responsible for all aspects of the county-wide accounting processes using considerable discretion and professional judgment in the methods and application of generally accepted accounting theories, principles, and standards. The employee must meet state reporting requirements as set forth in the Washington State Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System requirements (BARS) and is responsible for the preparation of the annual county-wide financial statements in accordance with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), accounting principles, statutory requirements and resolutions of the Board. Employee will apply his / her knowledge and experience with internal auditing procedures and reports as well as government grant accounting requirements using administrative discretion and independent judgment.

Employee in this role plans, directs and manages all accounting functions for the County including accounts payable, disbursements, payroll, general ledger, and payment of junior taxing district expenditures. This position directs work flow and methods to improve processes, allocate duties within the department, and coordinate accounting activities with other departments, outside agencies, and other county taxing districts. Maintains a system of adequate internal controls in accordance with accounting pronouncements.

Job Duties

• Maintain accurate books and records and compile data used in the county wide accounting system while continuing to identify opportunities to improve processes. Financial records must be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting theories, principles, standards, and BARS maintaining acceptable internal control procedures. Maintain master files and internal controls in the monthly processing of the county-wide accounting system. This includes but is not limited to all funds and accounting subsystems, payroll, fixed assets, job ledgers, grants, etc.
• Responsible for the accurate preparation of the Island County Annual Financial Statements in accordance with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and Auditing Standards. Acts as liaison for the annual financial audit and audits from various grant agencies, tax agencies and other state agencies to provide financial information, explanation and guidance to assure successful audit reports. Interprets regulations and ensures compliance with laws, codes, rules, regulations and ordinances.
• Responsible for overseeing all payroll functions, such as maintaining employee history files, leave records and pay records; prepare all monthly, quarterly and annual reports for County, State and Federal agencies. Set up complex payroll calculations and codes. Interpret and implement various governing body policies, labor negotiation agreements, and State and Federal rules and regulations. Ensure complete accuracy and meet all deadlines.
• Work with staff in other departments to help evaluate and fulfill needs for financial and performance information and assist staff to interpret and use existing information. Coordinate accounting activities with other departments.
• Maintain policies and procedures to provide an effective system of internal control. Perform and direct internal audits of all county departments to ensure compliance to internal controls, policies and procedures. Coordinate and perform audit investigations of fraud and other fiscal discrepancies in any county department. Work with departments to create corrective policies and procedures in compliance with state laws and internal control practices.
• Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, and policies for the department. Identify resources, make recommendations and implement policies and procedures. Establish cost saving goals, including implementing procedures in accordance with departmental requirements.
• Maintain controls and accountability of elections, ensuring that all aspects of elections are performed and every ballot is accounted for with zero tolerance for errors.
• Identify and implement opportunities for improving service and procedures. Review processes with management and implement improvements. Provides exceptional customer service, responds to complex inquiries, explains policies, procedures, accounting standards, fees, resolves problems and concerns raised by the public as well as other departments.
• Employee in this position coordinates the organization, staffing, and operational processes of the Accounting Staff of five including payroll, disbursements, monthly financial records and annual audited financial statements with respect to all areas of the accounting discipline. Establishes evaluation and review of staff on a regular basis and ensures staff training is current and ongoing.
• Responsible for acting on all confidential matters, providing assistance to the County Auditor including labor relations and personnel issues.
• Participate in the development, monitoring and administration of the departmental budget. Approve expenditures. Monitors and submits cost saving budget approaches.
• Responsible for supervising the development of automated financial systems and procedures; participates in the implementation of office procedures and programs.
• Responsible for coordinating information among a wide range of persons, departments and agencies, depending upon the particular tasks. Perform a variety of tasks related to archival financial records, such as researching prior year's payrolls, budgets, vouchers and other financial records. Assist and respond to public records requests as required.
• Perform other duties in elections and any other auditor department as needed.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Education, Experience & Certifications

Island County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Island County offers a wide range of employee benefits designed to meet the diverse needs of our workforce.

Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs :

Medical : Island County pays 100% of the premiums for most eligible employees and dependents. In addition, the County provides an annual Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (determined by Medical plan selected).

Dental : Island County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members for basic dental coverage (buy-up options are available).

Life and Disability Insurance : Employees are provided basic coverage of $24,000 and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents.

Retirement : Island County employees participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (additional 457(b) deferred-compensation plans are also available).

Life Flight : Island County pays 100% of the premium for emergency air transport coverage.

11 paid holidays each year

Generous paid time off and Washington-required sick leave

Flexible Spending Account (optional)

Wellness programs

Employee assistance program

Pet Insurance (optional - employee paid)

Additional benefits are available to be elected (employee-paid).

Student debt? Working for Island County can provide relief!

Island County is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Forgiveness Program (PSLF) for full time employees. See for more details.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible Island County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.