Accountant III - Budget Officer (Ellesnburg)

Open Date: August 4, 2025 Close Date: Open Until Filled – First Review will be August 18, 2025 Salary: $8,554 - $9,677/month plus benefits – FLSA Exempt RECRUITMENT DESCRIPTION: The City of Ellensburg has a vacancy for a full-time Accountant III – Budget Officer in the Finance Department. The Accountant III – Budget Officer works independently under the general supervision of the Assistant Finance Director and will assist in providing technical guidance to City employees across all departments. This position will assist in the development and administration of the City’s budget and accounting processes. Duties include, but are not limited to, preparation of financial and budget reports, performance of internal audits, and the maintenance of the general ledger; support, participate in, and/or lead policy and financial analytical assignments; provide labor forecasting for budget estimates, etc. This position will also provide leadership and direction to maintain and improve customer service and departmental efficiency, will administer and perform complex accounting and financial analysis functions requiring a high degree of professional judgment, and will make policy recommendations. 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. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. REQUIRED EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE: • Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with emphasis on accounting and/or finance • Five (5) years of position-related experience • Three (3) years of supervisory 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. REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, and/or REGISTRATIONS: • Valid State Driver’s License or ability to obtain one by time of hire; must maintain an insurable driving record. • First Aid/CPR/AED certification, or ability to obtain. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be bondable. Applicants must agree to a credit check and be in good credit standing with no debts currently assigned to collections, and a credit history that reflects no pattern of instability. The applicant must not have 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 hire, the candidate is required to pass a background check. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: • One (1) or more years of experience as an Accountant II • Experience with BARS and GASB • Bilingual English/Spanish NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: • Thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and Budget and Accounting Reporting Systems for municipalities (BARS). • Thorough knowledge of methods, procedures, and terminology used in accounting activities; financial and statistical record keeping techniques, internal control procedures, and management information systems; laws, rules and regulations related to assigned finance and accounting activities. • General knowledge of collective bargaining contract administration; skilled in handling confidential matters of high sensitivity; extensive knowledge of City policies and procedures and State/Federal laws. • Ability to organize and prioritize multiple concurrent work assignments on a regular basis and meet deadlines; able to maintain accurate accounts and records. • Proficient skills with modern technology and equipment, including desktop/laptop computers, Microsoft Office Suite, financial and other required software, calculators, and office equipment. • Ability to apply independent professional judgment in the preparation of financial information and complex analysis. • Ability to apply accounting principles to prepare financial reports and detailed accounting records; must be able to make mathematical calculations rapidly and accurately; ability to interpret, train and implement financial procedures conforming to state and federal regulations. • Ability to positively and effectively interact with diverse individuals to accomplish a common goal and establish courteous and collaborative working relationships with City employees and the general public; communicate in a clear and confident manner, orally and in writing, including group presentations; ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a busy team environment. • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations; ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals; ability to present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public in a clear, concise, and professional manner. Benefits include Public Employees Retirement System and Social Security; Medical/Dental/Life/ Disability Insurance, VEBA, paid time off (PTO bank), exempt leave, holidays, and employee choice days. To apply for this position and view a complete job posting including detailed duties, responsibilities, and qualifications please visit the employment section of our website at www.ci.ellensburg.wa.us. This position is Open Until Filled – First Review will take place on August 18, 2025. EOE.