Human Resources

Job Location

County of Chelan Auditor's Office 350 Orondo Ave Wenatchee, WA 98801

Description

Salary: PW21 Steps 2-4 $6,530.25 - $7,154.28 Longevity Steps 5-8 $7,489.88 - $8,600.75

The position includes a state retirement system, with a deferred comp program available. Health insurance package includes Medical, Dental, and county contributions to a personal health savings account. Includes up to 11 paid holidays and additional floating holidays per collective bargaining agreement. Along with monthly accrued vacation and sick leave. 

SUMMARY
The Accounting Department in the Chelan County Auditor’s Office provides centralized
accounts payable and payroll services to all county government departments and taxing districts
throughout Chelan County.

The Chief Accountant I oversees the day-to-day operations of accounts payable and payroll
functions. This position directly supervises up to two staff members and reports to the Financial
Services Manager. Key responsibilities include reviewing monthly payroll submissions for over
500 full-time employees across multiple departments to ensure accurate and timely payments;
accurate and timely reporting of multiple payroll deductions to various benefit administrators;
monitoring budget compliance; analyzing financial information; preparing reports; and
maintaining current knowledge of governmental accounting principles and the Washington State
BARS Manual.

Serving as the department’s primary payroll processing and reporting lead while also supporting
Accounts Payable operations, the Chief Accountant I will collaborate with the Financial Services
Manager and the team to develop and implement a cross-training program. This initiative will
ensure all team members become proficient in both payroll and accounts payable processes,
strengthening internal controls and operational flexibility. Additionally, the Chief Accountant I will
serve as the department’s lead in working with the county core team to implement a new
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system scheduled to go live in the first quarter of 2027.
A successful candidate will bring specific experience and knowledge in payroll and accounts
payable within a public-sector (governmental) accounting environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Payroll Management: Oversee payroll processes, including reconciling hours, overtime, leave,
taxes, insurance, union dues, and benefits. Audit department-entered data, balance payroll
totals, submit direct deposits, calculate retroactive pay or overpayments (including multi-month
tax adjustments), and manage countywide leave programs and nontaxable wages.

Benefits and Salary Administration: Administer salary plans according to labor contracts or
Board resolutions. Implement changes to deductions, wages, and benefits; manage
exemptions, insurance, and garnishments; update master records; and communicate changes
to employees, unions, and Human Resources. Collaborate with benefit providers and HR to
resolve issues and ensure compliance with employment laws.

Employee Separation and Reporting: Handle payroll and benefit tasks for employee
separations, including final pay calculations, vacation payouts, updates to retirement systems,
and monthly reporting to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Reconcile enrollment data, resolve
discrepancies, and maintain accurate retirement records.

Tax and Compliance Reporting: Prepare and file required tax documents, including quarterly
941 reports, year-end 1099s, and W-2s. Obtain W-9 forms, reconcile accounts payable
payments, manage outstanding warrants, and report unclaimed property to the Department of
Revenue.

Departmental Support and Inquiries: Respond to inquiries from county departments and
districts regarding payroll, benefits, accounts payable, and budgets. Record and verify the
Board of Commissioners budget adjustments.

Accounting System Implementation: Serve as the department lead in collaborating with the
county core team to implement a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, including
data migration and functionality testing, with go-live scheduled for Q2 2027.

Financial Analysis and Reconciliation: Compile and analyze financial data to prepare
reconciliations of general ledger accounts, accounts receivable, cash receipts, and balance
sheets. Import revenue transactions from the Treasurer’s system, post to the general ledger,
and prepare reports on current and projected financial positions.

Auditing and Transaction Verification: Audit contracts, vouchers, and accounts payable
claims for compliance with budget authority, BARS codes, approvals, and documentation.
Process vendor, jury duty, and benefit payments. Assist the Financial Services Manager with
annual financial reports for the State Auditor’s Office.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervises up to two employees (and others as assigned) in the accounting department.
Carries out supervisory duties in accordance with county policies and applicable laws, including
participation in hiring, training, assigning and directing work, performance evaluation, and
resolving employee issues.

Assists the Financial Services Manager in designing and implementing a cross-training program
for accounts payable and payroll functions to maintain strong internal controls and ensure
operational continuity.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must satisfactorily perform each essential duty.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field;
four years of increasingly responsible experience in government finance, accounting, auditing,
financial reporting, or budgets, plus one year of supervisory experience; or an equivalent
combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, government accounting guidelines, and financial
reports. Ability to write clear reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before
groups of employees or customers.

MATHEMATICAL & REASONING ABILITY
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to
interpret technical instructions and deal with abstract and concrete variables. Proficient in
creating and manipulating Excel spreadsheets to track and maintain financial records.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and occasionally
required to stand, walk, talk, or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25
pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision. Reasonable accommodations may
be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
This is an in-office position with a Monday through Friday schedule (typically 8am to 5pm). May
require extended hours to meet deadlines and occasional overnight travel to off-site facilities,
with reasonable accommodation.