Public Sector Payroll & Accounting Specialist

Port of Skagit; Mount Vernon (WA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

PERS Retirement Plan

Deferred Compensation Plan

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid Holidays and PTO

Job summary

The Port of Skagit seeks a Staff Accountant – Payroll & Accounting Operations to ensure accuracy and completeness of payroll activity, accounting records, and related operations. You will handle payroll, accounts payable, reimbursements, and documentation within a public-sector environment.

Based in Burlington, WA, the role requires meticulous attention to detail, confidentiality, and collaboration with Finance to maintain audit-ready records and robust internal controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field required.
• Five (5) or more years of accounting, payroll accounting, or related finance experience required.
• Experience with payroll coordination, benefit reconciliations, onboarding workflows, or employee finance programs required.
• Municipal government, port district, utility, or enterprise‑fund organization experience preferred.
• Experience supporting paperless workflows, system implementation, or internal control improvements preferred.

Responsibilities

• Execute payroll accounting processes including inputs, approvals, changes, and deadlines.
• Reconcile payroll, benefits, retirement, deductions, and leave activity to support accurate reporting.
• Prepare or support payroll-related journal entries, reconciliations, and schedules for review.
• Maintain employee master data and supporting documentation in BambooHR and related systems.

Skills

Payroll coordination

Accounts payable

Internal controls

Documentation

Data accuracy

Analytical skills

Process improvement

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

BambooHR

HRIS/Payroll system

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Port of Skagit seeks a Staff Accountant – Payroll & Accounting Operations to ensure accuracy and completeness of payroll activity, accounting records, and related operations. You will handle payroll, accounts payable, reimbursements, and documentation within a public-sector environment.

Based in Burlington, WA, the role requires meticulous attention to detail, confidentiality, and collaboration with Finance to maintain audit-ready records and robust internal controls.