Manager Accounting - Accounts Payable and Payroll

Grant County Public Utility District•Ephrata, WA

5h•$117,858 - $199,139•Onsite

About The Position

The Accounting Manager has a key role within the Accounting Department, responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of the organization’s payroll and accounts payable functions. Under administrative direction, this position ensures that payments are processed timely, accurately and within compliance with both internal policies and external regulations. This role involves verifying the accurate calculation and distribution of employee wages and accounts payable disbursements, maintaining the integrity and efficiency of these critical operations. Will work closely with stakeholders for the accounts payable and payroll processes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration or closely related field, or two (2) additional years of relevant experience in lieu of degree.
Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in payroll and/or accounts payable processing, including at least two (2) years of demonstrated leadership experience leading people, projects, or cross-functional work.
Strong knowledge of payroll, accounts payable, and accounting principles, including applicable laws and regulations, with the ability to implement best practices that support operational efficiency and compliance.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills.
Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to supervise, mentor, and develop staff.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with management, Finance, Human Resources, auditors, and diverse internal and external partners.
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive employee and financial information with discretion and professionalism.
Ability to develop, maintain, and review process documentation, reports, and operational procedures.
Ability to identify process improvement opportunities and implement best practices that improve operational efficiency, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook, and payroll, accounts payable, and financial management systems.

Nice To Haves

CMA or CPA License
Experience in public utility or governmental entity
Master’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting or closely related field.
Experience with FERC accounting, fixed asset/plant accounting, revenue accounting, or energy accounting.

Responsibilities

Supervising and leading a team responsible for the end-to-end accounts payable and payroll. Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains staff in the department. Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations. Aids in staff growth and development through coaching and mentoring.
Oversee tasks related to compiling, processing, and maintaining accounts payable and payroll records to ensure timely accurate payments. Assist team members with resolving errors or responding to inquiries. Will act as first level escalation for complaints or complex error resolution.
Partner cross-functionally with Human Resources, Audit, Treasury, and Information Technology to resolve issues, maintain data integrity, and support system functionality.
Lead workforce planning efforts by assessing team capacity, assigning resources, and balancing operational demands with participation in District-wide projects and initiatives.
Ensuring strong controls around the accounts payable and payroll processes are in place and adhere to policies, procedures and regulations, both internal and external.
Responsible for setting strategy and priorities on process, policy, procedures and changes for both groups.
Interpret, develop, and update policies to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and alignment with organizational goals.
Responsible for ensuring accurate transactions are recorded in accordance with US GAAP and GASB accounting standards, state disbursements regulations, and applicable state and federal payroll regulations.
Ensure end-to-end accountability for payroll and accounts payable tax reporting, including reconciliation, review, and timely filing of Forms W-2, 1099, and related submissions.
Preparing financial reports and KPIs such as aging reports, performance metrics for audit and management review.
Serve as a primary liaison for internal and external audits related to payroll and accounts payable, including coordinating requests, providing documentation, and supporting timely resolution of audit items.
Lead continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities, developing project plans, and managing the implementation of system and process enhancements that increase efficiency, strengthen controls, and improve service delivery.
Develop and deliver clear communication, change management plans, and supporting materials to ensure successful adoption of process, system, and policy changes across the organization.
Performing ad hoc duties as assigned, which may include tasks outside the typical scope of accounts payable and payroll.
Demonstrated commitment to Grant PUD’s mission, vision, values, strategic plan, and Grant PUD/IBEW Local 77 Code of Excellence. The incumbent should be familiar with these organizational priorities and behave in a way that aligns with these expectations.
Understand and adhere to compliance requirements for this position that may include laws, regulations, security guidelines, Grant PUD policies & procedures
In this position, if needed to operate a GPUD vehicle for business purposes, please refer to the Vehicle/Asset Usage Policy, IS-TA-POL-001.
Actively participate in all aspects of our safety program, including but not limited to: Following all safety policies and procedures. Alerting supervisors and coworkers to unsafe or hazardous working conditions. Reporting any safety incidents or close calls within 24 hours to your supervisor; and Accepting feedback from supervisors and coworkers regarding your own safety performance.
Actively support programs and actions that improve our Safety Culture by: Supporting the presence of safety in your department (e.g. include safety messages in business conversations; begin meetings as appropriate with a safety minute). Ensuring supervisors are monitoring the safety actions of their teams (such as completing safety training, reporting incidents timely, etc.). Being viewed as a safety champion by stopping work if necessary, promoting safety activities (Continuous improvement team processes, Safety & Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) activities, etc.). Acknowledging compliant safety behaviors and good safety performance from members of your team(s).