Job Title:  Accountant III – Payroll Supervisor

Open Date:  April 20, 2026

Close Date:  May 4, 2026

Salary:  $9,109 - $10,306/month plus benefits – FLSA Exempt

View full job posting here,  Accountant III - Payroll Supervisor

RECRUITMENT DESCRIPTION: 

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.

CORE VALUES:

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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

REQUIRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• 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

Please 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/or 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

NECESSARY 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 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.