Accountant - Washington State Ferries

State of Washington$71K — $102K *
US-AnywhereRemote in Seattle, WA
Legal & Accounting
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of relevant accounting experience
  • Strong understanding of GAAP and regulatory compliance
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration abilities
  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
  • Experience in public sector accounting is a plus

Responsibilities

  • Process complex vendor payments accurately and timely
  • Analyze and reconcile expenditure and financial records
  • Maintain and document all accounting records per standards
  • Prepare and process various accounting transactions
  • Collaborate with staff and vendors to resolve financial issues
  • Distribute financial reports to support operations and decision-making
  • Provide customer service regarding payment processes and procedures

Benefits

  • Highly flexible telework schedule
  • Up to 25 paid vacation days per year
  • Tuition assistance for continuing education
  • Comprehensive healthcare and retirement benefits
  • Paid holidays and personal leave
  • Employee assistance programs for wellness and support
Full Job Description
Salary : $71,400.00 - $102,936.00 Annually
Location : King County - Seattle - Belltown, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-WSF-A0347
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Washington State Ferries
Opening Date: 06/30/2026
Closing Date: 7/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The first consideration and/or preference is with current Washington State Ferries OPEIU members

The Opportunity

WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking an Accountant to support the financial integrity of the nation's largest ferry system. In this role, you will help ensure accurate and timely financial operations by supporting vendor payments and maintaining compliance with accounting standards, regulations, and agency policies. Your work will provide critical financial information that supports informed decision-making and the efficient stewardship of public resources. By contributing to sound financial management, this position plays an important role in supporting safe, reliable ferry service and the communities that depend on Washington State Ferries every day.

As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system - guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow Navigate, and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People - there's never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.
What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, as one of the Accountants you will:
  • Process complex vendor payments by reviewing, verifying, and entering invoices, purchase orders, receiving documents, and supporting records to ensure timely and accurate payments.
  • Analyze and reconcile expenditure data, financial records, and source documents; research and resolve discrepancies.
  • Maintain accounting records, spreadsheets, and supporting documentation in compliance with accounting standards and agency requirements.
  • Prepare and process journal entries, accruals, tax reports, and other accounting transactions; reconcile general ledger and subsidiary accounts.
  • Review and approve payment transactions, Credit Card System transactions, and journal vouchers in accordance with established policies and deadlines.
  • Collaborate with WSF staff and vendors to resolve accounting and payment issues; provide fiscal guidance and training as needed.
  • Prepare, analyze, and distribute financial reports to support accounting operations and management decision-making.
  • Provide customer service and technical assistance regarding payment processes, Credit Card System requirements, financial procedures, and system-related issues.
  • Uphold WSF's strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF's culture through leadership actions

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
  • Growth Mindset - Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
  • Service-Oriented - Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
  • Fostering Respect and Equal Opportunity - Experience contributing to a work environment that fosters a culture of respect and equal opportunity.
  • Customer Service & Communication - Clearly and professionally communicate, both verbally and in writing, with diverse internal and external customers; actively listen to understand needs and respond appropriately.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration - Work cooperatively and respectfully with colleagues to meet shared goals, contributing to a positive and productive team environment.
  • Knowledge of GAAP - ability to understand and apply Federal and State regulations to business functions
  • Financial Analysis & Reconciliation - Ability to analyze and enter financial data, identify discrepancies, enter adjustments and ensure accurate reporting. Research applicable state laws, rules, policies and procedures related to area of responsibility.
  • Technical Proficiency - Use Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, Teams) at a basic level to create, edit, and share documents, spreadsheets, and communications.
  • Problem solving & Critical Thinking - Identifies financial issues and implements corrective solutions.
  • Independence & Initiative - Work with minimal supervision, taking responsibility for completing tasks and proactively identifying opportunities to improve processes.
  • Detail oriented and organized - Ensures fiscal accuracy, follows policies, and maintains financial integrity, ability to work in a fast-paced environment with frequent deadlines.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
  • System Proficiency - Demonstrate proficiency in WSDOT financial and administrative platforms, including TRAINS, Credit Card System, ILinx and other agency systems, to accurately process transactions and access information.
  • Public Sector Accounting Skills - Use knowledge of public sector accounting standards and procedures to review transactions, resolve discrepancies, and ensure compliance.

Important Notes
  • The first consideration and/or preference is with current Washington State Ferries OPEIU members
  • This position offers a highly flexible telework schedule, with in-office attendance at the 2901 building typically required only once every month or two (approximately 10-12 times annually) for brief mail-processing duties.
  • The salary range listed includes the wage increase, effective on July 1, 2025.
  • In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
  • WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit

Why WSDOT
  • Work-Life Balance - We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle.
  • Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
  • Tuition Assistance - Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
  • Plan For Your Future - WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:
How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:
  • An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
  • An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
  • Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the "References" section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-A0347 in the subject line.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or fo

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