Accounting Assistant III

Salary : $83,990.40 - $97,385.60 Annually

Location : Port Orchard, WA

Job Type : 40 hours per week, eligible for benefits

Job Number : 25-00018

Department : Finance

Opening Date : 11 / 24 / 2025

Closing Date : 12 / 22 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific

Note to applicants :

We welcome attachments to your application. Please know, however, that attachments are not visible to the initial review team.

Be sure to include in the online application pertinent information that you want the review panel to consider. The completeness of your application is a factor in determining which candidates advance to the next phase of our recruitment process.

Please do not contact Human Resources in regards to your application. Please use the online application system to monitor the status of your application. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Pays $41.47 to $48.08 per hour on 2026 pay scale.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. HRA VEBA account may also be provided. Retirement benefits include a choice between PERS 2 or 3 and optional Deferred Compensation. The City recognizes 11 paid holidays and provides up to 2 personal holidays annually. Vacation leave is accrued at 0.0385 hours per straight time hour paid in the first 2 years of employment, with increases thereafter. Employees earn 0.0462 hours of sick leave per regular straight-time hour paid. More benefit details are available by clicking on the "Benefits" tab of this job posting.

Major Function and Purpose

The position performs accounting and budgeting analysis that impacts overall City operations. The role may focus on payroll, accounts payable / receivable, budget / grants / projects, or the equipment replacement and revolving fund. Special projects and priorities are assigned by the Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director, and the position works independently to complete projects.

General Function

Under occasional to moderate supervision, the Accounting Assistant III works to complete assigned tasks which require accurate and timely completion of accounting functions. May work independently, is responsible for task output, and has moderate discretion in conducting the day-to-day workflow; however, work may be reviewed by the Finance Director, Deputy Finance Director, or by an auditor from an agency not affiliated with the City.

Supervision Responsibilities

This is a non-supervisory position.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

This job description reflects general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. These listed duties and responsibilities in no way imply that these are the only duties to be performed. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including, but not limited to, working in other function areas to cover absences or provide relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to otherwise balance the workload. Accordingly, individuals occupying this position will be required to follow any job-related instructions, tasks or other duties as assigned by the Director or designee, and must be able to proficiently perform all assigned duties.

• Assist Directors and their staff to ensure proper procedures are followed.
• Provide oversight of assigned area (payroll, AP, AR, utility billing, and / or City business licensing) to ensure accuracy, providing assistance as needed.
• Prepare and assist in preparing financial, accounting, and statistical statements, analyses documents, reports, and presentations to City management and the City Council.
• Prepare the biennial budget and administer all funds, including forecasting revenues and estimating fund balance for all City Funds.
• Develop expenditure allocations and other budget information for directors including expenditures for all special revenue and reserve accounts.
• Review directors' expenditure requests for departmental operating budgets and capital funds and calculate salary and benefit expenses.
• Formulate all budget documents, balance for accuracy, and oversee their publishing.
• Assist Mayor and Finance Director in departmental budget meetings.
• Research and prepare documentation of financial, statistical, and operational data for directors in financial software and budget.
• Analyze revenue and expenditure variance and formulate financial reports for directors / council and to prepare budget amendments.
• Work with directors and state / federal agencies to ensure proper use of grant funds, including processing reimbursement requests, maintaining the City's profile on Federal SAM site, preparing the Schedule for Financial Assistance (SEFA) for annual report, and working closely with State auditors during Federal Grant single audits.
• Work with director to calculate infrastructure values for donations and annexations.
• Balance capital assets, prepare depreciation and year-end information for annual report, and prepare annual capital asset records.
• Review and work with state offices to determine prevailing wage and taxability issues.
• Monitor and update project management for contract and budget compliance.
• Perform project management accounting for City projects, vendor contracts, purchase orders, and projects with multiple revenue and expenditure sources to meet all City, state, and federal requirements.
• Prepare and maintain cash flow statements.
• Prepare COLA estimates and other required documentation for union contract negotiations.
• Audit financial records, cash receipting system reports, and prepare monthly bank and account reconciliations.
• Prepare accounting records and reports for capital assets, grants, SIU collections, and any other functions.
• Support the City's annual audit by researching and handling auditor inquiries.
• Audit City's online electronic payment options and verifies that City is maintaining PCI compliance.
• Administer advance travel account for employee travel including issuing checks and ensuring proper procedures are followed.
• Maintain department records and process department public records requests in accordance with the state's Public Records Act and City policies.
• Reliable and regular attendance is required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Contacts and Relationships

The Accounting Assistant III has job-related contact either by telephone, in person, or through written communication with the City's elected officials, directors, co-workers, outside auditors, outside consultants, vendors and other business-related persons or agencies as required. In addition, the Accounting Assistant III has extensive contact with the public and must be professional and courteous with all contacts.

Working Conditions

Work is performed indoors in an office environment utilizing computers and other routine office equipment. Requires extensive reading and ability to focus and absorb large amounts of information. Work involves regular interruptions and pressure to meet strict deadlines. Telecommuting within Washington state is permitted at the supervisor's discretion in accordance with City policy.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards Board; municipal accounting procedures; the Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting Systems (BARS); and finance data processing systems..

Ability to operate personal computers with multiple software applications; study to remain up to date in changing standards and new rules as they are developed; utilize financial software suite; work in an environment that requires tact and diplomacy; multi-task and deal with frequent interruptions; plan, coordinate and produce accurate work; review and verify work of other staff members; follow stated oral and written instruction and serve as work group resource; establish and maintain effective and professional communications, both orally and in writing; coordinate and compile complex fiscal, statistical, and other informational data; compose a variety of advanced and complex memorandums or letters, express complex ideas clearly and concisely; utilize Microsoft Office desktop applications Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint; and function as a self-starter and team leader or project manager for designated areas.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to sit for prolonged periods and alternate between sitting and standing to greet customers and obtain files. Must discern and conduct voice conversation, in person or via telephone. Continuous repetitive arm, hand, and finger movement and hand-eye coordination is essential to performance of this job for operating computers and other office equipment. May be required to lift and carry up to twenty (20) pounds.

Minimum Requirements

High School Diploma or GED is required. Five (5) years of experience in accounting is required, including cash handling, payroll, AP, AR and / or other accounting functions. Experience with computers and application software, including word processing, spreadsheets, and power point presentations is required. Customer service experience is required. Must be bondable.

Preferred qualifications include a degree in accounting and experience in double entry accounting and BARS.

Any combination of experience and training that provides the desired skills, knowledge and abilities may be considered.

Requirements outlined in this job description may be subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities who are oherwise qualified for employment in this position. However, some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Employer and employee and is subject to change as the needs of the Employer and requirements of the job change.

Benefits Package

Non-union FLSA non-exempt

As of 07 / 01 / 2025

Medical Insurance : Employees have a choice between four medical plans for themselves and eligible dependents : Association of Washington Cities (AWC) HealthFirst 250 (Regence), Regence High Deductible Plan, Kaiser Permanente $20 copay / 200 deductible plan, or Kaiser Permanente High Deductible Plan. Employees pay 10% of the cost of the monthly premium on the HealthFirst 250 or Kaiser 20 / 200 plans. The City pays the full cost of the high deductible plan options. Rates are available upon request. Medical insurance is effective the first of the month following date of hire provided that at least 40 hours are worked in the month of hire.

Dental Insurance : Dental insurance for the employee and eligible family members is provided through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) with a choice between Delta Dental Plan F or Willamette Dental $15 Copay plan. The City pays 100% of dental insurance premiums. Dental benefits are effective the first of the month following date of hire provided at least 40 hours were worked in the month of hire. Both plan options include an orthodontia plan for children.

Vision Insurance : Vision insurance for the employee and eligible family members is provided through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Vision Services Plan (VSP). The City pays 100% of vision insurance premiums. Vision benefits are effective the first of the month following date of hire provided at least 40 hours are worked in the month of hire.

Life Insurance : The City provides a $50,000 life insurance and $50,000 accidental death and dismemberment policy for the employee.

HRA : The City of Port Orchard may pay into an HRA VEBA account, depending upon the insurance plan selected and the number of family members insured. The account is available to use for qualified health care expenses of the employee and eligible dependents while employed and upon separation of employment. Some departments have elected to make an additional monthly contribution. All employees in those departments must participate.

Vacation Leave : Full-time employees earn 80 hours during their first year of employment and increase thereafter based on additional years of service in accordance with City policy, up to a maximum of 320 hours.

Sick Leave : Employees earn 8 hours of sick leave for each calendar month of employment up to a maximum accrual of 960 hours.

Holidays : The City of Port Orchard recognizes 11 holidays and provides for two personal holidays.

Retirement : The City of Port Orchard is a participant in the Washington State Retirement System. New employees may choose between PERS Plan 2 and PERS Plan 3.

Deferred Compensation Plan : The City participates in the Washington State Deferred Compensation Program (457 plan) or DCP. DCP allows employees to defer a portion of their paycheck for investment for retirement similar to a 401(k).

Working Hours : Regular work hours are Monday-Friday 8 : 00 a.m. to 4 : 30 p.m. Evening, weekend and overtime work may be required.

Probation : New employees serve a 12-month probationary period.

Social Security : The City of Port Orchard participates in Social Security.

Direct Payroll Deposit : The City of Port Orchard requires paychecks to be directly deposited into a bank account of your choosing.

Benefit offerings are subject to changes in the insurance plan and action by the City Council. Benefits may vary for part-time employees. This document is a summary and not a guarantee of benefits. The actual plan document, ordinance, resolution or policy will prevail if there are differences between this document and those documents.