Chief Accountant
Department: County of Chelan Auditor's Office
Job Classification: Full Time
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Salary: $ 6,530.25 - $ 8,600.75 / Monthly PW21
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
Benefits: Participation in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) retirement program, with an optional deferred compensation program. Comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, plus County contributions to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). Employees receive up to 11 paid holidays annually, additional floating holidays as provided by the applicable collective bargaining agreement, and monthly accrual of vacation and sick leave.
SUMMARY
Serving as the department’s lead for payroll processing and reporting while also supporting Accounts Payable operations, the Chief Accountant collaborates with the Financial Services Manager and team members to strengthen operational effectiveness through cross-training initiatives that promote proficiency across both payroll and accounts payable functions. This approach enhances internal controls, business continuity, and operational flexibility.
The Chief Accountant also serves as a key accounting representative on countywide financial system initiatives, participating in the evaluation, implementation, testing, and ongoing support of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and other financial management technologies. Working closely with the Auditor’s Office, county leadership, and cross-functional teams, this position helps ensure that system enhancements and process improvements align with accounting, payroll, accounts payable, reporting, and compliance requirements while supporting the County’s long-term operational objectives.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Payroll Management: Lead 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(s): Serve as the department lead, collaborating with the county core team on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system implementations, upgrades, and enhancements, including data migration, functional testing, and related activities to support effective financial operations.
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. Assist the Financial Services Manager with budget development, budget monitoring, financial reporting, account analysis, and the day-to-day administration of the County’s financial operations. Work closely with the Treasurer’s Office to ensure accurate recording, reconciliation, and reporting of financial transactions.
Auditing and Transaction Verification: Audit payroll transactions, contracts, vouchers, and accounts payable claims for compliance with applicable laws, policies, collective bargaining agreements, budget authority, BARS codes, approvals, and supporting documentation. Review payroll records to ensure the accuracy of earnings, deductions, leave accruals, benefits, and tax reporting. Process vendor, jury duty, and benefit payments. Assist the Financial Services Manager with annual financial reports for the State Auditor’s Office and support internal and external audit activities by ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and compliance of financial records and transactions.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No supervisory responsibilities.
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 with a focus on accounting, or a closely related field; three to five years of increasingly responsible experience in government finance, accounting, auditing, financial reporting, or budgets.
CERTIFICATIONS: Professional accounting certifications such as CPA, ACCA, CA, or equivalent are strongly preferred.
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.
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.
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 includes 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 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). May require extended hours to meet deadlines and occasional overnight travel to off-site facilities, with reasonable accommodation.
Pay: $6,530.25 - $8,600.75 per month
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
