Accountant III - Payroll Supervisor (closes 05/04/26)

Ellensburg Washington•Ellensburg, WA

21h•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Ellensburg has a vacancy for a full-time Accountant III – Payroll Supervisor in the Finance Department. The Accountant III – Payroll Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the semi-monthly payroll for the City to ensure timely and accurate payments are being made to state/federal agencies and benefit vendors, performing research, analyzing data, preparing periodic reports, reconciling payroll general ledger accounts, and other payroll/benefit related activities. This position performs complex, professional-level accounting duties with accuracy while meeting critical deadlines. All employees are expected to model and foster the City of Ellensburg’s core values in the performance of their duties and their interactions while representing the City and serving the community. The values of Compassion (we care), Courage (we do the right thing), and Conviction (we work hard) promote and maintain a high level of service and are the tie that binds all City employees together, across departments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college in accounting or related field
A minimum of four (4) years payroll preparation experience
Three (3) years of supervisory experience
Valid State Driver’s License or ability to obtain one by time of hire; must maintain an insurable driving record
First Aid/CPR/AED certification, or ability to obtain
Applicants must agree to a credit check, be in good credit standing, and have no debts currently assigned to collections
The applicant/employee must not have or receive a pending garnishment or judgment which may cause undue hardship while employed with this agency, with the exception of child support
Prior to hiring, the candidate is required to pass a background check
Extensive knowledge of City policies and procedures, and State/Federal laws related to payroll and accounts payable
Considerable knowledge of internal control procedures, management information systems, and office workflows
Considerable knowledge of budgetary, accounting, and reporting systems
Working knowledge of moderately complex financial and statistical record-keeping techniques
Ability to apply bookkeeping and governmental accounting principles to prepare financial reports and detailed accounting records
Ability to perform mathematical calculations rapidly and accurately
Ability to interpret state/federal regulations and implement payroll procedures to ensure compliance
Routinely handles confidential matters of high sensitivity using good judgment and discretion
Ability to organize and prioritize multiple concurrent work assignments on a regular basis and meet deadlines
Ability to maintain accurate accounts and records and manage records in accordance with State regulations and City policies/procedures
Proficient with use of computers, Microsoft Office 365, financial and payroll systems, calculators, and other modern office technology/equipment
Ability to positively and effectively interact with diverse individuals to accomplish a common goal and establish courteous and collaborative working relationships with City employees and the general public
Communicate in a clear and confident manner, orally and in writing, including group presentations
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a busy team environment
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business and professional publications, technical procedures, and governmental regulations
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, policies, and procedure manuals

Nice To Haves

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
First Aid/AED/CPR certificate
Prior experience performing similar duties for a governmental entity
Experience with BARS and GASB
Bilingual English/Spanish

Responsibilities

Overseeing the semi-monthly payroll for the City to ensure timely and accurate payments are being made to state/federal agencies and benefit vendors
Performing research
Analyzing data
Preparing periodic reports
Reconciling payroll general ledger accounts
Performing other payroll/benefit related activities
Performing complex, professional-level accounting duties with accuracy while meeting critical deadlines