Finance Specialist - Payroll/Accounting

City of Lake Forest Park•Lake Forest Park, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Finance Specialist performs payroll and accounting functions for the City, including payroll processing, day-to-day accounting workflows, finance and Municipal Court reconciliations and reporting, confidential administrative support, and personnel and benefit plan transactions supporting Human Resources. The role also assists with the organization and operation of the City’s financial policies and procedures. It works under the direction of the Finance Manager and is non-exempt, eligible for overtime and benefits. After six months of onsite training, the position offers a hybrid schedule with 1–2 remote days per week. The City provides benefit-eligible employees medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, an employee assistance program, HRA/HSA/FSA options, enrollment in Washington State’s DRS PERS plan, a 401(a) retirement plan with a matching employer contribution, and an optional 457 deferred compensation plan. The position supports City finance operations as well as Municipal Court accounting and reporting. Work includes preparing payroll and financial reports, supporting the budget and State Auditor’s Office audits, maintaining financial records, collaborating with HR and the Court Administrator, and providing customer service to employees and managers.

Requirements

Two years of college-level coursework in accounting, finance, or a related field and at least three years of financial or accounting experience involving automated payroll systems and bookkeeping principles, or equivalent education and experience.
Knowledge of financial management, accounting, cash-basis accounting, and payroll administration principles and practices.
Proficiency with accounting and payroll programs used by the City, including Springbrook and QuickBooks Pro.
Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations.
Proficiency with computers and applicable software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe.
Knowledge of administrative office procedures, methods, and equipment; business letter writing; and basic report preparation, spelling, and grammar.
Ability to perform arithmetic and percentage calculations used in payroll and accounting.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills; attention to detail; and ability to work in a busy, sometimes stressful environment with changing priorities.
Ability to use initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines; work independently with reliability, accuracy, and productivity; and maintain regular, reliable, punctual attendance.
Ability to establish cooperative working relationships with City employees, the public, and public officials, and to work effectively as part of a team.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, communicate clearly and effectively in English, respond to customer needs, prioritize projects, and meet deadlines.
Ability to interpret and apply operating instructions, policies, procedures, safety rules, and governmental regulations; conduct research and present findings; and adapt to workplace changes.
Commitment to professional conduct, fair and impartial treatment of people, and continuous learning and skills development.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
Prior public-sector finance or accounting experience.
Working knowledge of accounting and payroll programs similar to those used by the City.
Experience providing payroll-related administrative support to HR.

Responsibilities

Process and submit the City’s semi-monthly payroll, including direct deposits, wage garnishments, payroll changes, payroll reports and tax payments, and benefit and personnel transactions.
Process accounts payable and accounts receivable; receive cash payments, prepare bank deposits, generate invoices, monitor collections, and review transactions for accuracy and payment.
Maintain filing systems and match purchase orders with invoices, ensuring authorized signatures are obtained.
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll, tax, and financial reports in accordance with State guidelines and City policy; coordinate year-end information and tax filings, and work with the Finance Director on the Annual Financial Report for the Washington State Auditor’s Office.
Coordinate with outside service vendors and handle warrants, interfund transfers, vendor and W-9 maintenance, account reconciliation, and credit card and petty cash reconciliation.
Support the City’s annual budget by developing worksheets and forms, providing technical assistance to staff, monitoring revenues and expenses, and helping assemble budget documents and reports.
Participate in the biennial State Auditor’s Office audit by preparing and reviewing requested documentation, investigating questions, and scheduling meetings.
Maintain the payroll attendance program, including overtime, vacation, holiday, compensatory time, and sick leave, and prepare and present reports on this activity.
Collaborate with HR on benefit plan information, L&I and leave administration, and related requests.
Maintain payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and other financial records; assist the Records Officer with archiving records in accordance with retention schedules and procedures.
Provide customer service to employees and managers; identify opportunities to improve financial and payroll procedures and bring fiscal issues to the Finance Manager and/or Court Administrator.
Assist with responding to Washington State Auditor requests for payroll or Municipal Court audit records, with support from the Court Administrator.
Post Municipal Court transactions, reconcile and balance them in the software system and bank statements on a daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
Assist the Municipal Court in developing improved accounting and financial management procedures and prepare its accounts payable.
Assist the Court Administrator with the Municipal Court biennial budget and annual State of the Court financials.