Solid Waste_Accounting Specialist Reclass Request_1-15-2026Lewis County Department of Public Works
Geoff Soderquist, PE, Public Works Director
Wes Anderson, PE, County Engineer
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 12, 2026
To: Ryan Barrett, County Manager
From: Geoff Soderquist, PE, Director M
Subject: Accounting Specialist {PCN 1481002}-Position Reclassification
The purpose ofthis memorandum serves to formally request the reclassification of the
current Accounting Specialist position to a Solid Waste Accounting Specialist Senior role.
The proposed change reflects the expansion in the scope, complexity, level of
responsibilities assigned to this role, and acknowledgement of the required support of
the division effectively.
Background
The Accounting Specialist position has expanded significantly, encompassing duties that
are more aligned with those of an Accounting Specialist Senior. The current
responsibilities exceed the scope of an Accounting Specialist and require a higher level
of autonomy, decision-making, and a variety of skilled accounting support that is specific
to Solid Waste. Reclassing the role to a Solid Waste Accounting Specialist Senior will:
• Accurately reflect the duties performed and ensure alignment with job
classification standards
• Support organizational efficiency by formally recognizing the operational
management functions and leadership of the role
• Ensure compliance with internal equity and compensation guidelines by aligning
title and pay with responsibilities
Driving growth and accountability in provid i ng quality public services.
Road Maintenance &
Fleet Services
Administration , Engineeri11g , Utilities,
Real Estate Se r vices & Traffic
Solid Waste Services
Post Office Box 180
Centralia, WA 98531
o 360. 740.14S1
F 360.330. 7805
476 West Main St.
Chehalis, WA 98532
0 360. 740.3380
F 360 . 7 40.2 741
57 West Main St.
Chehalis, WA 98532
o 3 60. 740.1123
F 360. 740 .1479
Our department requested and received support from the Human Resources
Department to complete a salary analysis for the Solid Waste Accounting Specialist
Senior position in January 2026. The request included a review of the job description,
and an evaluation of the duties and compensation as compared to those County
positions with similar job duties.
Budget
This adjustment would replace the Accounting Specialist position, placing a freeze on it.
This adjustment would result in an increase of $3,912 to the expenditures in the
Administration Fund (Fund 4010) for salaries and benefits for the 2026 budget.
Please see the attached worksheet for additional details regarding the position and
budget impact analysis.
There is no change in full-time equivalents (FTEs) resulting from this request.
EE #2114 Lisa Pratt Position #1481002 Reclass effective 02/01/2026 Current (as of 01/08/2026) Grade 118 118 Step 5 5 Annual Monthly 5% increase Current Annual Minimum Required Annual Salary Minimum Required Monthly Proposed Grade 120 120 Step 4 4 Recommended Promotion Grade Step 120 4 Annual* Monthly Annual $ 64,726 $ Salary Monthly 60,814 5,068 3,041 60,814 63,855 5,321 64,726 5,394 5,394 $ 3,912 Annual salary increase Accounting Supervisor PCN Kristen Buckman 1137006 NEW Org 401A3700 $ 29.24 * Meets required salary increase. Hourly $ 31.12 Business & Office Manger Accounting Specialist Senior UPDATE TITLE NEW PCN REQUIRED Inactivate PCN 1481002 and create and move employee to new position in Munis.
LEWIS COUNTY
ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST SR. -
SOLID WASTE
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Accounting Specialist Sr. -Solid Waste
Dept/Division: Public Works/Solid Waste Job Class Code: TBD
Pay Grade: 120 PCN:TBD
FLSA: Non-Exempt Effective Date: August 2018
Representation Status: Teamsters Revision Date: January 2026
Reports To: Solid Waste Business and Office Manager, Solid Waste Manager
NATURE OF WORK
Under general supervision, performs technical accounting duties involving the accounting, recording,
processing and reporting of accounts payable and receivable, payroll, revenue and other technical
accounting functions; reviews, researches, reconciles and assures the accuracy of the ledgers and
accounts.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are the fundamental, crucial job duties performed by this position. This is not a
comprehensive list of all tasks that may be assigned. Incumbent may be required to perform other duties as
assigned and appropriate for the position.
• Processes accounting and financial documents and technical transactions in compliance with all
applicable rules, regulations and procedures; duties may vary according to job assignment.
• Posts documents and computer accounting entries; performs other technical accounting activities,
including general ledger, accounts payable, revenue, accounts receivable, special fund accounting,
bank reconciliations, time sheet audits, claims, payroll processing and reconciles accruals; reviews
and validates data.
• Provides assistance with all program audits; local, state and federal.
• Reviews source documents for compliance to rules and regulations; determines proper handling of
financial and technical transactions within designated limits; reports discrepancies.
• Checks documents for validity and accuracy of information; performs mathematical calculations;
records, files and distributes related paperwork and technical documents.
• Maintains financial records and associated filing systems; enters data into computer systems; codes
documents, processes transactions, updates accounts, compiles documentation, and generates
reports.
• Maintains additional accounting and technical transaction databases as needed; may process cash
receipts, daily cash reports, and bank deposits.
• Completes journal entries and reconciles accounts; reviews, investigates, and corrects errors.
• Researches and resolves accounting issues; provides customer services to County departments, and
coordinates technical and financial information with customers and external agencies; interprets and
explains County policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
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Job Title: Accounting Specialist Sr. Job Class Code: xxxx
• Maintains current knowledge of County policies regarding salary and benefit changes and/or
updates.
• Responds to requests for information; provides technical information within scope of authority.
• Oversees and maintains all utility charge account customers, accurate records, balances accounts,
bills monthly and post payments.
• Provides utility customer service and researches and resolves questions in a timely manner.
• Assures that all reports and paperwork are completed in a timely manner; updates, corrects,
retrieves and releases information according to procedures.
• Cross trains in a wide variety of technical accounting duties; assists with the training and cross-
training of County staff.
• Travel for meetings and mandatory training at various locations, when required.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work is performed in a standard office environment and involves light physical demands and frequent
use of a personal computer.
QUALIFICATIONS:
REQUIRED: Associate's Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a closely related field; AND
two (2) year's accounts payable, receivable, payroll or claims accounting experience. Government
accounting experience is preferred.
A valid Driver's License may be required. May be required to pass a thorough background investigation.
COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors):
Knowledge of:
• General Accounting standards, policies, procedures and regulations.
• Accounting principles and methods, including special fund procedures.
• Applicable state and Federal rules, codes and regulations covering specific areas of assignment.
• Principles of record keeping and records management.
• General ledger reconciliation procedures.
• State Budgeting Accounting & Reporting System (BARS) for Public Sector financial management.
• Business and personal computers, and spreadsheet software applications.
Skills in:
• Understanding and applying accounting standards and procedures, and applicable Federal and state
rules and regulations for specialized areas of assignment.
• Maintaining accurate accounting records, and identifying and reconciling errors.
• Performing mathematical calculations with skill and accuracy.
• Entering numerical data into a computer system with speed and accuracy.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
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Job Title: Accounting Specialist Sr.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines.
Ability to:
• Learn and follow County policies and procedures.
Behaviors:
• Regular, reliable attendance.
Job Class Code: xxxx
As the incumbent in this position, I have received a copy of this position description.
Employee's Name
Employee's Signature Date
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