Accounting Associate

Salary: $37.32 HourlyLocation : Port TownsendJob Type: Full-TimeJob Number: 202608Department: FinanceOpening Date: 05/07/2026Closing Date: 5/21/2026 11:59 PM PacificDescriptionPosition represented by: Laborers 252Responsible for processing on-going accounts payable activities, bi-weekly payroll and/or creating miscellaneous receivables invoices, reconciling general ledger accounts, preparing, and posting journal entries to the general ledger and providing accounting support activities.Examples of DutiesWhen performing payroll functions:• Processes bi-weekly payroll, payroll and monitors employee timesheets for completeness and work with supervisors, and HR as applicable, to ensure teams submit their timesheets.• Receives direction from management to process information/data, contractual and policy language. Refers to management for appropriate policy interpretation.• Responds to paycheck-related inquiries as directed by PUD Human Resources Department and to resolve issues when applicable.• Under the direction of management, maintains settings in National Information Solution Cooperative (NISC) for accurate payroll processing and tax reporting.• Completes payroll related reports and processes payments to benefits providers and federal and state agencies timely and accurately. Balances insurance payments against payroll deductions and other data provided by Jefferson PUD Human Resources Director or Coordinator.• Completes month-end closing processes for assigned accounting software modules on a timely basis and verifies accuracy of results. Makes appropriate journal entries.Performs accounts payable functions as follows:• Efficiently and effectively processes accounts payable functions including invoice coding, routing invoices for approval, and check processing.• Monitors compliance with RUS and NARUC prescribed chart of accounts and related accounting standards and coding, alerting supervisor when discrepancies are identified.• Matches invoices to purchase orders and notifies purchasing agent of variances.• Communicates with and instructs other employees on correct accounts payable procedures.• Communicates with vendors as required.• Ensures that payments are processed in a timely manner.• Maintains vendor master file, requests and collects Form W-9 from vendors as required.• Prepares and mails annual 1099 forms.• Ensures that subcontractors/vendors have complied with prevailing wage requirements.• Prepares Check Register for PUD's treasurer and Positive Pay.• Approves and signs Prevailing Wage documentation.• Completes month-end closing processes for assigned accounting software modules on a timely basis and verify accuracy of results. Makes appropriate journal entries.Will perform general accounting functions as follows:• Creates and maintains vendor profiles in the PUD's finance management system.• Prepares and submits monthly, quarterly, and annual reports and taxes• Initiates Automated Clearing House (ACH) payment transfers and prepares check requests for management approval according to Jefferson County PUD policies.• Initiates requests through Jefferson County PUD's financial institute for payment of BPA invoices, loan, tax or other payments.• Prepares check requests for management approval according to Jefferson County PUD policies for check payment and Automated Clearing House (ACH) payment transfers.• Verifies daily cash and check deposits per Customer Service Rep reports to daily transactions in bank accounts. Works with Customer Service Coordinator, Supervisor and/or bank to resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.• Reconciles assigned general ledger accounts and supporting documentation accurately and timely. Prepares adjusting journal entries as required.• Prepares invoices for miscellaneous receivables timely and accurately.• Responds timely and accurately to customer inquiries, requests, or concerns for miscellaneous receivables.• Monitors and maintains petty cash fund and postage meter funds.• Prepares monthly Business and Operations (B&O) Excise Tax Return workpapers for management review. File return after approval.• Processes invoices and receives payments.• Assists with audit preparation and participation.• Maintains files and records as required.• Resolves discrepancies by researching and analyzing information.• Accurately prioritizes job duties and handles a variety of tasks requiring accuracy and attention to detail.• Performs other relevant duties as assigned.Typical QualificationsEDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE • Required: Associate's degree in a related field and three to five (3-5) years of accounting experience, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.• Preferred: A bachelor's degree and payroll processing and accounting, accounts payable or utility accounting experience.• Proficiency in use of personal computers, word processing, Excel and database programs is required.KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS• Possess knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and practices with regard to utility industry, NISC software and RUS accounting standards• Working knowledge of sound customer service practices and PUD policies. Working knowledge of computer application in financial and accounting systems, including spreadsheets, databases, and word processing. Proficient written and oral use of the English language• Working knowledge of NISC software, RUS accounting standards and utility industry accounting is desirable• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to perform both simple and complex mathematical calculations• Ability to maintain sustained attention to detail and to work under the pressure of rigid deadlines. Must possess excellent time management and organizational skills, successfully manage multiple priorities, handle competing deadlines, and accurately set priorities• Ability to learn PUD software system• Ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy in working detail• Ability to maintain confidentialityADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTSMust pass a standard criminal background check. A valid Washington State driver's license may be required. A standard Monday through Friday work schedule is expected to be maintained, but evening and weekend hours may occasionally be required. Supplemental InformationResidency:All Jefferson County Public Utility District employees are required to reside within Jefferson, Kitsap or Clallam County depending on the requirements of the Employee's position. Personnel that are required to report on-site after regular business hours must reside within fifty-five (55) minutes of PUD headquarters in Jefferson or Clallam County. Employees who are not required to report on-site after regular business hours may reside in Jefferson, Kitsap or Clallam County. The residency requirement must be met within six (6) months of hire date.Equal Employment Opportunity and Rural Utilities Service (RUS): Jefferson County Public Utility District No. 1 is an equal opportunity provider and employer. The PUD is a RUS borrower.Jefferson County PUD provides a robust benefit package to all full-time employees. The following summary describes typical benefits available. Actual benefits may vary by position type. Please reach out to our Human Resources team for specific benefit information. Medical, Dental, Vision and Rx InsuranceComprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance plans. Employees pay 5% of the monthly premium, regardless of the number of dependents covered. Insurance is effective the first of month following two months of employment.Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA VEBA): HRA VEBA plan is a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) for employees to use for qualified health care expenses of the employee and eligible dependents while employed and upon separation of employment. The PUD contributes $50 per month to employees HRA.Retirement: The District is a member of PERS and participation is mandatory for employees in eligible positions. Both the employee and the employer make contributions to the PERS system. Employee contributions are made on a tax-deferred basis. New employees may choose between PERS Plan 2 and PERS Plan 3.The PUD participates in the Washington State Deferred Compensation Program (457 plan). DCP allows employees to defer a portion of their paycheck for investment for retirement similar to a 401(k). The PUD matches employee deferrals at 50 cents per dollar, up to a total match of 4% from the PUD.Paid time off: The PUD utilizes a PTO program. New employees are offered 20 days of PTO each year. PTO accrues at 6.15 hours per biweekly pay period. Accruals increase with longevity of service after 3 years.Holidays: The PUD recognizes 11holidays and provides for two floating holidays each year. The second floating holiday is available for use after six months of employment. At 5 years of employment, employees are offered 3 floating holidays each year and 4 floating holidays each year after 10 years of employment.Observed Holidays:New Year's Day Martin Luther King Day Presidents' Day Memorial Day Juneteenth National Independence Day Independence Day Labor Day Veterans' Day Thanksgiving Day Day after Thanksgiving Christmas DayDisability Insurance: The PUD offers a short-term disability policy, beginning on the 41st hour you are unable to work, that pays 70% of your salary for up to 180 days. A separate long-term disability insurance applies after 180 day waiting period.Life Insurance: $5,000 through NW Laborers Insurance.Wellness Reimbursement: The PUD offers up to $300 per year in expenses related to wellness activities and items such as exercise equipment, massage therapy, gym memberships, etc.Please note that all provisions in this summary are subject to change.