Accountant III - Payroll Supervisor (closes 05/04/26)
Ellensburg, Ellensburg, WA, United States
Job Details
Job Title: Accountant III – Payroll Supervisor
Open Date: April 20, 2026
Close Date: May 4, 2026
Salary: $9,109 – $10,306 per month plus benefits – FLSA Exempt
Position Summary
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.
Required Qualifications
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
Note: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of some of the requirements above, as determined by Management.
Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations
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.
Special Requirements
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. The hiring authority shall review the applicant’s credit history and determine eligibility for employment on a case‑by‑case basis. Prior to hiring, the candidate is required to pass a background check.
Preferred Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
First Aid/AED/CPR certificate
Preferred Experience
Prior experience performing similar duties for a governmental entity
Experience with BARS and GASB
Bilingual English/Spanish
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
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.
Must be 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.
Benefits
Benefits include Public Employees Retirement System and Social Security; Medical/Dental/Life/Disability Insurance, VEBA, paid time off (PTO bank), exempt leave, holidays, and employee choice days.
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Job Title: Accountant III – Payroll Supervisor
Open Date: April 20, 2026
Close Date: May 4, 2026
Salary: $9,109 – $10,306 per month plus benefits – FLSA Exempt
Position Summary
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.
Required Qualifications
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
Note: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of some of the requirements above, as determined by Management.
Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations
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.
Special Requirements
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. The hiring authority shall review the applicant’s credit history and determine eligibility for employment on a case‑by‑case basis. Prior to hiring, the candidate is required to pass a background check.
Preferred Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
First Aid/AED/CPR certificate
Preferred Experience
Prior experience performing similar duties for a governmental entity
Experience with BARS and GASB
Bilingual English/Spanish
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
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.
Must be 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.
Benefits
Benefits include Public Employees Retirement System and Social Security; Medical/Dental/Life/Disability Insurance, VEBA, paid time off (PTO bank), exempt leave, holidays, and employee choice days.
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