Accounting/Payroll Specialist

Hiring Range $62,000 - $68,000

Under general supervision, performs a variety of technical accounting duties in support of the Agency's finance division functions in payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable. Participates in coordinating assigned programs, projects and services with other agency departments and outside agencies; prepares a variety of reports, notices, and maintains records of accounting activity; provides departmental information and assistance to Agency staff and the general public.

Work schedule is Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Candidate must be able to work some weekends, Holidays and extended hours as required to meet strict deadlines.

The Accounting/Payroll Specialist position will be held by two full time employees and is split in 3 essential functions; however, the frequency percentage of essential duties will change weekly based on payroll needs.

1. As part of a work team, processes bi-weekly payroll for 800+ employees, totaling $60 million annually, in compliance with applicable personnel policies, labor contracts and state and federal regulations.

• Serves as validator for the transportation payroll by reviewing timekeeping calculation results for accuracy and for compliance with established payroll practices, labor contract and labor laws. Research discrepancies, makes corrections and documents the changes. Reviews all documentation to be retained for completeness.
• Review timesheets for personnel policy, contract compliance and established payroll practices.
• Responds to payroll related inquiries from employees, management, and outside agencies.
• Maintains Payroll record filing and annual archiving.

2. Supports accounts payable and asset management functions.

• Assists with annual physical inventory of capital assets and certain non-capital assets. Resolves discrepancies.
• Runs accounts payable processes as backup and works with departments and purchasing staff to resolve match exceptions.
• Maintain vendor information. Research any discrepancies and communicate changes to Procurement.
• Assists with 1099 reporting.
• Serve as backup for the AP check review as needed.
• Performs miscellaneous accounts payable tasks.

3. Supports accounts receivable and treasury functions.

• Assists the ORCA Financial Specialist with the creation and maintenance of the financial processes needed to support the ORCA program and technical systems.
• Performs miscellaneous accounts receivable and billing tasks, including but not limited to: daily deposit of specific accounts and their related online items, bank reconciliations.
• Maintain all aspects of the refund checking account.
• Performs vault room activities. Maintain and distribute physical inventory of ORCA cards and ticket books.

4.    Provides coverage for vacations and other leaves.

5.    Occasionally works in vault room lifting 30 pound bags continuously for up to 4 hours.

6.    Safely performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Associate's degree (AS or AA) or a two-year technical certificate in accounting or business management.
2. Two years general accounting experience.
3. Three years increasingly responsible payroll experience using automated accounting systems.
4. Must able to work some weekends, Holidays and extended hours as needed to meet strict deadlines.
5. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job listed above may be considered.

Preferred

1. Experience working with PeopleSoft.
2. Experience processing transit or union payroll.

Entry Requirements for: Knowledge and Skills

Qualification to enter this position requires knowledge of the following:

1. General accounting principles and payroll processing.
2. Performing arithmetic calculations with speed and accuracy.

Qualification to enter this position requires skill in:

1. Effective oral and written communications
2. Analysis, design, implementation and evaluation of programs and processes.
3. Critical thinking – using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternate solution, conclusions or approaches to problems.
4. Conflict management and resolution.
5. Using applicable software applications.
6. Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with teams/employees, supervisors, managers and Board members.

Physical Requirements

Stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, repetitive motions, carrying.

Sedentary Work:  Exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Incumbent will be required to work in a cash vault room occasionally. This requires lifting several 30 pound coin bags and fare boxes for up to a 4 hour period.

Application and Selection Process:

On-line applications only.

Applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be scheduled for an interview as well as a variety of tests to demonstrate knowledge, and skills for the position.  The evaluation process will include interviews, background check, credit check, reference checks and various performance tests. Applicants for this job may be considered for other openings up to six months after the date this position is filled.

If you have a family member, or share the same living quarters of a current Community Transit employee, please let your Employee Engagement Recruiter know as your eligibility  for this position will be affected. 

Community Transit provides a tobacco-free and drug-free work environment.  As a recipient of federal funds, Community Transit is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on any basis prohibited by Federal, State or Local law.  We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.  EOE AA/M/F/Vet/Disability.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, protected veteran status or disability.

Effective January 1, 2022, all new employees must provide proof of fully vaccinated status on or before their first workday. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine. This includes maintaining any booster dose within 60 days of being eligible, as authorized by the FDA.