What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accounting Specialist position at Link Transit?
Description
Link Transit is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll & Accounting Specialist to join our Finance team. Under the direction of the Finance Manager, this position performs a variety of accounting and financial recordkeeping functions, including complex payroll processing, accounts payable and receivable support, bank reconciliations, and other fiscal activities that help ensure the accuracy and integrity of the agency’s financial operations.
This role requires strong attention to detail, discretion when handling confidential payroll information, and effective collaboration across departments. Experience with payroll processing and accounting practices is important, and candidates with experience working in the public sector or with public employees are strongly preferred.
This position is on-site and requires in-person work at our location. Remote work is not available for this role.
Examples of Duties
Perform complex payroll processing for 120 bargaining unit and 75 non-bargaining unit employees twice monthly using computerized equipment according to established schedules to ensure timely and accurate payroll. Enter Personnel Action Requests to ensure payroll information and changes are captured. Create digital records retention file for each payroll cycle.
Understand collective bargaining agreement to ensure accurate payments and deductions for employee benefits.
Reconcile and process employee benefit accrual payments.
Responsible to learn proprietary web-based software systems such as Department of Retirement Systems (DRS), MissionSquare, AFLAC, etc.
Ensure timely payment of payroll tax deposits.
Complete employment verifications as needed.
Complete wage garnishment forms as needed.
Crosstrain with agency Accountant on month-end closing and other processes as defined.
Create requisitions as needed.
Audit accounts payable for proper documentation including authorizing signatures, account numbers, requisitions, purchase orders, and other data; verify data against vendor statements; check quantities, extensions and tax calculations; process payments weekly and file documentation according to established policies and procedures.
Perform review of reconciled bank accounts.
Perform backup for accounts payable and purchasing card processing when needed.
Perform backup of bank account reconciliation when needed for advance travel, petty cash, and fare accounts. Must be able to work closely with staff members to obtain documentation and resolve discrepancies.
Process accounts receivable as assigned; prepare deposits; check records for accuracy.
Gather and submit payroll and financial data for various audits and reviews.
Assist in records retention for Finance Department.
Assist the Finance Manager, Accountant and other agency managers with special projects and financial recordkeeping as required.
Prepare and maintain records and reports related to accounts payable and accounts receivable.
Communicate with agency personnel and administrators to obtain and provide information and resolve financial recordkeeping issues and discrepancies.
May perform backup for input of daily fuel reports and inspections as needed.
May perform backup for Maintenance Department payroll time entry.
Perform a variety of general clerical duties including typing, filing, scanning and answering telephones to support the department.
Operate a personal computer, calculator, scanner, copier and other office equipment.
Other Duties
Each employee has an impact on safety in the workplace, and it is the responsibility of all employees to share this commitment and to support Link Transit’s efforts to provide a safe and healthful workplace.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Other Requirements
Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State driver's license and good driving record throughout employment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those required by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment
Duties are primarily performed inside while standing or sitting at a desk or computer terminal. Duties include counting fares or writing orders. This position may also travel around the two-county service area to make deposits. Such positions are also exposed to noise from traffic.
Physical Demands
Essential functions require the ability to see to read fine print, hear to receive information in person or on the telephone, speak clearly and distinctly to provide information, sit at a desk or computer for extended periods of time and lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
Health Insurance
Link Transit provides excellent Medical, Dental and Vision coverage (including prescription drug coverage) for all eligible full time employees and their dependents.
Retirement
All eligible employees of Link Transit are required to participate in the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Employees are not covered under the Social Security System except for a 1.45% payment for Medicare.
Employees are eligible to participate in a 457 savings plan with an employer match of up to 6.2% of annual compensation plus an additional $1 per hour for eligible employees up to a maximum of 2,080 hours annually paid by Link.
Paid Leave
Link Transit provides paid general leave for all eligible employees - accrual starts at 9 hours per pay period at time of hire. Additional leave accrues after every five years of service.
Holidays
Link Transit eligible employees enjoy 6 paid holidays plus 4 floating holidays annually.
Disability Insurance
Link provides short term and long term disability plus life insurance for eligible employees.
Link Transit is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll & Accounting Specialist to join our Finance team. Under the direction of the Finance Manager, this position performs a variety of accounting and financial recordkeeping functions, including complex payroll processing, accounts payable and receivable support, bank reconciliations, and other fiscal activities that help ensure the accuracy and integrity of the agency’s financial operations.
This role requires strong attention to detail, discretion when handling confidential payroll information, and effective collaboration across departments. Experience with payroll processing and accounting practices is important, and candidates with experience working in the public sector or with public employees are strongly preferred.
This position is on-site and requires in-person work at our location. Remote work is not available for this role.
- 2026 Pay range: $33.37- $41.67 per hour (hiring range: $33.37 - $35.06)
- Days/Hours: Workdays are Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm, with flexibility.
- Benefits: Excellent benefit package including full family health benefits, general leave, paid holidays, PERS (Public Employees Retirement System) and 457 Deferred Compensation program with matching. Link Transit does not contribute to the retirement portion of Social Security.
Examples of Duties
Perform complex payroll processing for 120 bargaining unit and 75 non-bargaining unit employees twice monthly using computerized equipment according to established schedules to ensure timely and accurate payroll. Enter Personnel Action Requests to ensure payroll information and changes are captured. Create digital records retention file for each payroll cycle.
Understand collective bargaining agreement to ensure accurate payments and deductions for employee benefits.
Reconcile and process employee benefit accrual payments.
Responsible to learn proprietary web-based software systems such as Department of Retirement Systems (DRS), MissionSquare, AFLAC, etc.
Ensure timely payment of payroll tax deposits.
Complete employment verifications as needed.
Complete wage garnishment forms as needed.
Crosstrain with agency Accountant on month-end closing and other processes as defined.
Create requisitions as needed.
Audit accounts payable for proper documentation including authorizing signatures, account numbers, requisitions, purchase orders, and other data; verify data against vendor statements; check quantities, extensions and tax calculations; process payments weekly and file documentation according to established policies and procedures.
Perform review of reconciled bank accounts.
Perform backup for accounts payable and purchasing card processing when needed.
Perform backup of bank account reconciliation when needed for advance travel, petty cash, and fare accounts. Must be able to work closely with staff members to obtain documentation and resolve discrepancies.
Process accounts receivable as assigned; prepare deposits; check records for accuracy.
Gather and submit payroll and financial data for various audits and reviews.
Assist in records retention for Finance Department.
Assist the Finance Manager, Accountant and other agency managers with special projects and financial recordkeeping as required.
Prepare and maintain records and reports related to accounts payable and accounts receivable.
Communicate with agency personnel and administrators to obtain and provide information and resolve financial recordkeeping issues and discrepancies.
May perform backup for input of daily fuel reports and inspections as needed.
May perform backup for Maintenance Department payroll time entry.
Perform a variety of general clerical duties including typing, filing, scanning and answering telephones to support the department.
Operate a personal computer, calculator, scanner, copier and other office equipment.
Other Duties
Each employee has an impact on safety in the workplace, and it is the responsibility of all employees to share this commitment and to support Link Transit’s efforts to provide a safe and healthful workplace.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- Two-year AA degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Three to five years payroll experience in the public sector preferred.
- Prior accounting experience is desirable.
- Practices and procedures used in accounting and bookkeeping work.
- Financial recordkeeping methods and techniques.
- Basic knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Payroll methods and techniques.
- Operation of computer equipment and software used to maintain financial records and accounts.
- Applicable laws, regulations and requirements related to financial recordkeeping in public agencies.
- Oral and written communication skills.
- Preparation and maintenance of records and reports.
- Modern office practices, procedures and equipment.
- Perform clerical accounting duties related to payroll, accounts payable and receivable, and other fiscal areas with high accuracy.
- Maintain confidentiality of all payroll information and records.
- Understand Collective Bargaining Agreements.
- Work effectively and cooperatively with others.
- Utilize computerized accounting systems.
- Operate office machines and equipment including personal computers and spreadsheet and accounting software, calculators, scanners, copiers and others.
- Prepare and maintain financial records and reports.
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Perform arithmetic calculations quickly and accurately.
- Compare and verify numerical information.
- Assist professional staff with special projects.
Other Requirements
Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State driver's license and good driving record throughout employment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those required by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment
Duties are primarily performed inside while standing or sitting at a desk or computer terminal. Duties include counting fares or writing orders. This position may also travel around the two-county service area to make deposits. Such positions are also exposed to noise from traffic.
Physical Demands
Essential functions require the ability to see to read fine print, hear to receive information in person or on the telephone, speak clearly and distinctly to provide information, sit at a desk or computer for extended periods of time and lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
Health Insurance
Link Transit provides excellent Medical, Dental and Vision coverage (including prescription drug coverage) for all eligible full time employees and their dependents.
Retirement
All eligible employees of Link Transit are required to participate in the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Employees are not covered under the Social Security System except for a 1.45% payment for Medicare.
Employees are eligible to participate in a 457 savings plan with an employer match of up to 6.2% of annual compensation plus an additional $1 per hour for eligible employees up to a maximum of 2,080 hours annually paid by Link.
Paid Leave
Link Transit provides paid general leave for all eligible employees - accrual starts at 9 hours per pay period at time of hire. Additional leave accrues after every five years of service.
Holidays
Link Transit eligible employees enjoy 6 paid holidays plus 4 floating holidays annually.
Disability Insurance
Link provides short term and long term disability plus life insurance for eligible employees.
Salary : $33 - $42