Accountant I - Payroll

City of Oak Harbor, WA; Oak Harbor (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Oak Harbor, WA is seeking an experienced accountant to perform intermediate-level analytical and accounting duties, including State reporting and city policies compliance. You will ensure accuracy of financial information using the City's systems and collaborate with internal and external customers.

The role supports the Finance Director with monthly/annual reports, budget variances, and the development of the biennial budget.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Public Administration, or related discipline.
• Three years of professional work experience in finance, accounting, budget, statistics, forecasting, or internal audit.
• Excellent computer operation skills and experience with MS Office and ERP systems.
• Valid Washington State driver's license and ability to provide a driving record.
• Criminal background screening required prior to hire.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly reports, balance ledgers, and oversee journal entries.
• Coordinate annual financial reporting to the State Auditor and City Council.
• Reconcile city cash accounts and maintain SOPs for critical processes.
• Assist in budget development, biennial updates, and capital planning.

Skills

Written and oral communications

Analytical and mathematical skills

Independent work

Time management

Education

Associate degree or equivalent in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Public Administration, or related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

ERP systems

Job description

Salary: $6,291.00 - $8,365.00 Monthly

Location : City Hall, 865 SE Barrington Drive, Oak Harbor, WA

Job Type: Full Time - Onsite

Job Number: 2600040

Department: Finance

Division: Finance

Opening Date: 11/03/2026

Closing Date: 11/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit: NON-UNION

Join our City of Oak Harbor team to help build a legacy of commitment to excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion in our vibrant waterfront community.

Description

This position performs a variety of intermediate-level professional analytical and accounting functions, including the preparation of financial reports required by the State of Washington (including the Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System (BARS) and State Auditor's Office requirements) and by City ordinance, resolution, or policy. Coordinates the maintenance and production of accounting reports and records and ensures compliance with established accounting procedures and practices. Uses the City's financial systems to ensure the accuracy of financial information and works as part of a team serving internal and external customers.

Essential Job Functions

Work activities involve multiple skills and may include, but are not limited to, any of the following depending on area of assignment, department needs, special projects, and cyclical factors such as year-end close, the annual audit, and the budget process:

• Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City officials, department heads, co-workers, supervisors, and the public; use good judgment to respond to inquiries and resolve concerns in a positive and timely manner with tact and courtesy, sometimes under stressful situations.
• Coordinate, prepare and/or assist with the City's Annual Financial Report submitted to the State Auditor's Office, including statements such as the balance sheet; statement of revenues, expenditures, and changes in fund balance; budgetary comparison statement; statement of cash flows; statement of net position; and statement of activities. Prepare other financial schedules, spreadsheets, and financial projections during the year to support annual report requirements.
• Develop and maintain current Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with step-by-step instructions for critical functions; test SOPs periodically to ensure they are accurate and adequate.
• Collect, prepare, post, and retain monthly journal entries. Balance journal entries at the fund level and distribute financial reports to City users.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and/or annual reports for the Finance Director, Boards, and City Council including, but not limited to budget variance, finance status, general ledger, and project accounting and progress reports.
• Reconcile all City cash accounts to the general ledger monthly. Retain reconciliations and bank records in orderly fashion.
• Assist the Finance Director and City Staff in the development and update of the Long-term Capital Plan and assist other departments with the development and update of the City's Capital Improvement Plan.
• Set up and maintain project accounting on multi-year projects and serve as a resource to project managers for financial reporting and tracking.
• Participate as a member of the audit team during the City's annual audit by the Washington State Auditor's Office; prepare reconciliations and supporting schedules and respond to auditor requests.
• Administer and maintain the City's chart of accounts in conformance with BARS; set up new accounts and maintain the account structure in the City's financial software.
• Assist the Finance Director and City Staff with the development of the biennial budget, mid-biennial budget update, budget amendments, budget adjustments, and researching budget variances.
• Audit departmental, finance, sales tax, and business license accounts for discrepancies as needed, as requested by Department Directors, or as part of annual verification.
• Participate on the team that manages access to, maintains, and upgrades the City's financial and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software.
• Maintain retention schedule and archives for finance documentation. Apply Washington State Archives local government records retention schedules (including CORE).
• Serve as a financial resource to other City departments and perform duties such as preparing revenue and expense statements, reconciling general ledger accounts, preparing journal entries to record financial transactions, and researching budgetary variances.
• Assist in day-to-day training and coaching and be a resource to department and city staff.
• Cross-train with other departmental staff on accounting and finance duties.
• Perform the duties of the assigned program area.

Program Assignments

While the core responsibilities of the Accountant position remain the same, each Accountant may be assigned specific program areas of focus:

• Program Assignment - Accounts Payable This Accountant will serve as the primary lead for:
• Serve as the City's accounts payable specialist, validate requests and issue accounts payable checks; process void/re-issue checks as necessary.
• Initiate timely transfer of bank funds for A/P procedures.
• Request and maintain W-9 information for vendors and issue year-end 1099. Determine necessity of Washington sales/use tax for out-of-state purchases. Verify correct sales tax for independent contractors. Check if vendor has a City business license.
• Maintain schedule of accounts payable check runs for management and City Council approval. Prepare, enter, and process high-volume of invoices, check processing, ACH payment processing, scanning, reconciling statements, cross-training, indexing, account coding, invoice filing, issue resolutions, and respond to vendor and department inquiries.
• Program Assignment - Payroll This Accountant will serve as the primary lead for:
• Process organization-wide payroll. Compile, input, process and distribute the City's monthly payroll including a semi-monthly draw, calculating necessary deductions. Validate and issue payroll checks and process void/re-issue checks to employees as necessary.
• Finance Department lead for the implementation of the City's Tyler Technologies Enterprise Resource Planning software for the Payroll function.
• Maintain payroll calendar and payroll system.
• Ensure all monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll reporting, including benefits, is completed accurately and timely.
• Set up and maintain employee direct deposit data. Initiate timely payroll direct deposits through specialized banking software.
• Assist the Finance Department to develop and improve the City's payroll policies, procedures, and programs.
• Coordinate with department directors and employees to implement and maintain day-to-day payroll processes, routines and priorities.
• Assist with the genesis and design for other software tools, including Advanced Microsoft Excel workbooks.
• Program Assignment - Treasury and Debt This Accountant will serve as the primary lead for:
• Maintain all debt schedules and assist with Treasury functions.
• Lead finance liaison for the Investment Committee; prepare all documents and coordinate meetings.
• Maintain debt service amortization schedules and ensure timely debt service payments
• Record debt activity, year-end balances, and the Schedule of Liabilities (Schedule 09) for the Annual Financial Report.
• Support bond issuance, arbitrage, and continuing disclosure requirements.
• Assist with daily cash position monitoring, investment reconciliation (including the Washington State Local Government Investment Pool), and allocation of investment interest to funds.

Associated Functions

• Attend various continuing education meetings, seminars, and conferences.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

No direct supervisory responsibilities though may lead the work activities of others.

Performance Requirements (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Knowledge of:

• Generally accepted accounting principles and the fundamental theories in accounting and finance.
• Automated finance and accounting information systems including Artificial Intelligence tools.
• Technical accounting, financial management, investment, audit, and tax practices in a government environment, including BARS, GASB pronouncements, and Washington State laws governing local government finance, utilizing municipal finance and accounting systems or ERPs.

Skill in:

• Written and oral communications.
• Mathematical and analytical methods applied to accounting and financial data.

Ability to:

• Compose complex correspondence and reports as well as ability to research, organize and compile data into meaningful reports.
• Solve problems and provide a decision and/or recommendation and communicate complex information orally and in writing.
• Work under the pressure of multiple projects and deadline situations.
• Be open minded about leveraging technology to enhance processes.
• Perform work activities neatly and accurately.
• Work independently of specific instruction but in conformance with established practices and procedures and the ability to assist in day-to-day training and resource functions.
• Utilize standard office equipment including personal computers and associated City and department-specific software.

Qualifications & Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job functions may be considered.

• Associate degree or equivalent in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Public Administration, or related discipline
• Three (3) years of professional work experience in finance, accounting, budget, statistics, forecasting, or internal audit, preferably in a government setting.
• Excellent computer operation skills and experience with a variety of software programs including Microsoft Office applications, database, customized and menu-driven programs, including finance & accounting and ERP systems. Strong MS Excel and MS Word skills required.
• Valid Washington State driver's license and ability to provide a driver's abstract showing a good driving record.
• Complete a comprehensive criminal background screening to include credit check to be bonded, prior to hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or similar designation.

Working Environment & Physical Demands

The physical demands and characteristics of the work environment described here are representative of those occurring in the performance of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to move or remain stationary for extended periods of time and access all areas of the facility including stairs. Work requires ability to operate a personal computer, telephone, and other equipment; the ability to communicate information and ideas so others understand, ability to observe details at a close range, and occasionally moving items more than twenty-five (25) pounds.

Safety Statement

We expect employees to ensure compliance with all applicable safety practices and policies, including those established by OSHA/DOSH regulations and the City's Accident Prevention Program (APP). This includes, but is not limited to, actively identifying, and correcting potential hazards that may affect employee and public safety, including those identified by co-workers. Leading by example to promote a positive culture of workplace safety through everyday action, emphasizing safe completion of work throughout all aspects of developing and carrying out work plans.

The City of Oak Harbor is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability or any other status protected by law.

The City of Oak Harbor offers a generous benefit package to our employees that include:

Vacation and Sick Leave Accrual

Sick leave accrual is 8 hours per month.

Full-time employees receive vacation accrual on the following schedule.

• 0 to 5 years - 8 hours/month
• 6 to 10 years - 10 hours/month
• 11 to 15 years - 13.33 hours/month
• 16 to 20 years - 15 hours/month
• 21 plus years - 16.66 hours/ month

The vacation accrual rate for a part-time employee shall be pro-rated as a percentage of the full-time rate.

Holiday Pay

The City provides eleven (11) paid holidays per year plus two (2) floating holiday of your choice (total of thirteen (13) days).

Medical Insurance

A choice from three options is provided through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC).

• Kaiser $200 Deductible Health Plan,
• Regence High Deductible Health Plan (with a City funded HSA)
• Regence HealthFirst 250 Health Plan.

The City pays 100% of the premium for a full time, regular employee (32 hours or more) and 90% of the premium for spouse and dependent children. Part time employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible for full benefits but must pay for spouse and dependents coverage.

Vision Insurance

Vision Service Plan - The City provides a paid family vision plan which covers a yearly exam per person and a portion of vision hardware (frames, lenses and contacts) depending upon the use of accepted network providers.

Dental Insurance

Washington Dental Service/DELTA is preventive, incentive-based dental coverage provided through Association of Washington Cities, and pays as follows: 70-100% preventive, 70-100% basic, and 50% major dental to a maximum of $2000/person/year. Included is an orthodontic rider for children of 50% orthodontic expenses to a maximum of $1000 per child/lifetime. The City pays 100% of the premium for a fulltime, regular employee and 90% of the premium for spouse and dependent children. Part time employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible for full benefits but must pay for spouse and dependents coverage.

Washington State Retirement Programs

Required pension plan for all City employees. (Public Employee Retirement System) plans 2 or 3 is for all general City employees. LEOFF (Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters) plan 2 is for safety service employees. PSERS plan 2 is for Public Safety Service Officers (Corrections Officers). (% of gross income) vary for the plans. The City makes a contribution as well.

Basic Life Insurance & Long Term Disability

The City pays for a $50,000 basic group life insurance policy as well as a long term disability policy for employee only through Standard Insurance Company.

Wellness Program

The City of Oak Harbor is committed to promoting employee health and wellness, and offers a Wellness Program with fun and varied activities where regular employees can earn points to qualify for a wellness day off.

Employee Assistance Program

Free, professional and confidential counseling is available through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) via ComPsych. EAP is available to the employee and their immediate family, including their dependent children and anyone living in their household. Guidance counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to arrange an appointment with a qualified counselor in your area. Visit the for more information.

Other benefit options include the following

• Voluntary Group Life Insurance- in addition to our life insurance policy this is a self-paid option.
• Deferred Compensation Plan - Mass Mutual or Wash State DCP- in addition to our city offered pension plan, this is a self-paid option.
• Colonial Life & Disability - This is a self-paid individual and/or family coverage for Cancer Care, Short Term Disability, Life, Accident, Critical Illness and more
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)- Pre-Tax deductions (IRS 125 Flexible Spending Account) for unreimbursed medical expenses and/or dependent day care
• Health Savings Account (HSA)- Funded by the City, $3,500 individual, $7,000 family per year. Must be on the Regence High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)