Accounting Technician (Payroll)

Position: Accounting Technician (Payroll)

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Department/Site: Finance

Salary Grade: 117, $5,713.50 - $6,813.50 per month

Union: AFSCME

Status: Full-Time Regular

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Finance Director and Deputy Clerk, The Accounting Technician (Payroll) is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all City employees, elected officials, appointed officials, volunteers, caretakers, etc. This role requires a high level of accuracy, confidentiality, and attention to detail to ensure compliance with federal regulations, state regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and City policies.

Distinguishing Career Features

This position requires advanced knowledge of payroll processing within a local government environment, including compliance with labor contracts and statutory payroll requirements. The Accounting Technician (Payroll) must consistently perform accurate calculations, maintain error-free records, and ensure timely reporting. The role operates with independence within established procedures and requires sound judgment in applying payroll rules and policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts all aspects of the semi-monthly payroll process with oversight from the Finance Director and department managers.
• Reviews employee hours, overtime requirements, updating benefits deductions, and wage adjustments for accuracy.
• Maintains timekeeping system schedules, employee information and payroll codes.
• Ensures the accuracy of employee leave accruals and applicable leave laws.
• Prepares and processes tax payments and employee benefit payment each pay period.
• Keeps current on payroll tax requirements, statutory deductions and reporting obligations.
• Posts payroll journal entry in accounting software.
• Prepares payroll reports for department managers as requested.
• Files required monthly, quarterly and annual state and federal payroll reports.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and City personnel policies related to payroll.
• Ensures payroll file retention complies with Washington State archival schedules.
• Ensures proper use and protection of payroll information assets in compliance with City privacy and security policies.
• Responds to any public records request that is pertaining to payroll.

Benefits and Leave Coordination

• Manages benefit-related deductions in the payroll system, and coordinates enrollments, changes, and terminations with Human Resources.
• Processes benefit carrier reporting and reconciliation tied directly to payroll cycles.
• Maintains employee leave balances in accordance with City policy, collective bargaining agreements, and state leave laws.
• Prepares employee benefit payments and maintains related financial records.

Other Finance Department Functions

• Provides back-up support for front counter operations, including payments and phone calls.
• Performs other Finance Department support services as necessary, including but not limited to tracking utility and gambling tax payments, entering journal entries, assisting with facility reservations, and assisting with cemetery arrangements.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED equivalent. Two (2) years of increasingly responsible payroll experience.

Knowledge and Skills

• Working knowledge of computers and modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of governmental accounting principles and practices.
• Skill in operating accounting systems, spreadsheets, and timekeeping software.
• Ability to perform arithmetic computations accurately and quickly.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and maintain successful working relationships.
• Ability to work accurately under pressure and with frequent interruptions.

Tools and Equipment

• Personal computer
• Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook and other programs;
• 10-key calculator
• Multi-line phone
• Copier/Scanner and fax machine.

Physical Abilities

• Frequent sitting, talking, and hearing.
• Occasional walking, handling materials, and reaching with hands and arms.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Requires close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a busy office environment with frequent public and employee interaction. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties. Noise levels are typical of an active office.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume and application, ATTENTION: Human resources Department at HR@Sedro-Woolley.gov, or deliver or mail to the Finance Office at City Hall, 325 Metcalf Street Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284. For questions, contact Kelly Kohnken at KKohnken@Sedro-Woolley.gov.

This job/class description describes the general nature of the work performed, representative duties as well as the typical qualifications needed for acceptable performance. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, work steps, and skills required of the job.

Pay: $5,731.50 - $6,263.00 per month

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Interviews will be conducted at Sedro-Woolley City Hall. Will you be able to attend in-person?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Payroll: 2 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 (Required)

Work Location: In person