Payroll/Accounting Specialist, CURRENT CITY OPEIU EMPLOYEES ONLY, (closes 02/03/26)

Job Title:  Payroll/Accounting Specialist

Open Date:  January 27, 2026

Close Date:  February 3, 2026

Salary:  $5,206- $6,832/month plus benefits

View job posting here, Payroll/Accounting Specialist OPEIU Posting

RECRUITMENT DESCRIPTION:

The Finance Department has a vacancy for a Payroll/Acccounting Specialist.  This is a full-time position with benefits.  This recruitment is for INTERNAL OPEIU APPLICANTS.  If you do not currently work for the City of Ellensburg in an OPEIU represented position, please do not apply.  Your application will not be processed.

This position is responsible for processing the semi-monthly payroll for the City, providing timely and accurate payments to state/federal agencies and benefit vendors, performing research, analyzing data, preparing periodic reports, reconciling payroll general ledger accounts, and other payroll/benefit related activities. This position performs complex, paraprofessional-level accounting duties with accuracy while meeting critical deadlines.

CORE VALUES:

All employees are expected to model and foster the City of Ellensburg’s core values in the performance of their duties and their interactions while representing the City and serving the community. The values of Compassion (we care), Courage (we do the right thing), and Conviction (we work hard) promote and maintain a high level of service and are the tie that binds all City employees together, across departments.

QUALIFICATIONS:

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.

REQUIRED EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college in accounting or related field


• A minimum of two (2) years payroll preparation experience


• Please Note: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of some of the requirements above, as determined by Management.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Applicants must agree to a credit check and be in good credit standing, have no debts currently assigned to collections. The applicant/employee must not have or receive a pending garnishment or judgment which may cause undue hardship while employed with this agency, with the exception of child support.  The hiring authority shall review the applicant’s credit history and determine eligibility for employment on a case-by-case basis.  Prior to hiring, the candidate is required to pass a background check.

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

• Washington State Driver’s License


• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)


• First Aid/AED/CPR certificate

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Prior Experience working for a governmental entity performing similar payroll duties


• Bilingual English/Spanish

Miscellaneous:

Any member of O&PE Union Local #8 who wishes to be considered for this position will need to submit a completed application by February 3, 2026.  Applications are available through the City website or through Human Resources.  Interested employees are encouraged to obtain a complete copy of the job description from the Human Resources Department.