What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accounting Specialist position at NorthWest Senior and Disability Services?
Accounting Specialist - Payroll 059-11-25
- Job Tracking ID: 512378-904980
- Job Location: Salem, OR
- Job Level: Mid Career (2 years)
- Job Type: Full-Time/Regular
- Date Updated: November 26, 2025
- Years of Experience: 2 - 5 Years
- Starting Date: ASAP
Job Description:
We look for individuals in our organization who are passionate about our mission and values, and providing excellent customer service.
We value our employees, working closely with them to help them be successful. We value the people we provide services to, ensuring they receive the highest quality of customer service.
Recruitment #: 059-11-25
Closes: December 5, 2025 (Internally) December 10, 2025 (Externally)
Location: Salem
Salary: Starting at $4,609 with excellent benefits. (See below)
Agency Sponsored: Medical/Dental 100% paid for employee and 90-98% for dependents, generous Paid-time off, Public Employee Retirement (PERS), Employee Assistance Plan, Long Term Disability, great culture.
Employee paid: Deferred Compensation, Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, Colonial Life Supplemental Plans, Legal Shield.
Purpose of Job
Meets agency Mission by providing technical payroll processing and support.
Essential Functions
1. Provide accurate paychecks to employees
2. Process payroll taxes and other financial reports
3. Support Lead Fiscal Analyst, Executive Director (Operations), and other managers
4. Facilitate confidence in Accounting Specialist, and therefore the Agency and programs
5. Protect consumers and reduce Agency risk
6. Provide excellent customer service in a professional manner
1. Provide accurate paychecks to employees
Review employee timesheets for accuracy and compliance
Enter TED information accurately and timely
Process and monitor employee benefit deductions, including PERS/EDX entry/processing/reporting
Process W-4, annual W-2, direct deposit and other pay related forms/processes
Process and monitor wage garnishment and child support orders
Process pay changes as notified
Work closely with HR in identifying, processing and providing review of changes
Respond to employee wage and pay questions, concerns and research
Transfer payroll, process and distribute paychecks
Monitor payroll advances.
2. Process payroll taxes and other financial reports
Maintain master payroll records, data entry and reports for taxes
Electronic transfer of taxes
Prepare and file financial reports, including 5500, AATRIX, 941, New Hire Report, Worker’s Comp Audit, Multiple Worksites, Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Voya reporting, etc.
Process address changes to appropriate external entities
Reconcile billing with CIS and Life Map
Work with Accounting Specialist – General and HR to reconcile benefit and deduction payments
Prepare general reports for managers and others in the Agency
3. Support lead Fiscal Analyst, Executive Director (Operations), and other managers
Assist with general payroll research, such as unemployment reconciliation, reviewing past practices, employee pay history, etc.
Prepare annual audit and audit comparison schedules as requested
Review files and reports to confirm adequate supporting documentation
4. Facilitate confidence in Accounting Specialist, and therefore the Agency and programs
Embrace and exhibit the Agency Mission and Core Values
Provide excellent customer service
Meet the needs of internal and external customers by following through, meeting deadlines, and interacting with others in a respectful and culturally appropriate manner
Maintain the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively perform duties
Provide suggestions for improvement
Be aware of Agency programs and services
5. Protect consumers and reduce Agency risk
Follow policies, regulations and requirements of the program and Agency
Provide documentation as set forth by Federal, State, funding regulations and Agency policy
Confirm evidence of accurate and appropriate supporting fiscal documentation
Serve as Mandatory Reporter of suspected abuse of vulnerable populations according to and as required by policy regulations
Maintain and share information according to privacy regulations
6. Provide excellent customer service in a professional manner
Apply the required knowledge and skills
Exhibit sound decision making and problem solving
Meet quality standards in accuracy and timeliness
Follow policies and procedures
Work independently, but seek and offer assistance as needed
Exhibit the technology skills related to the required work (word processing, spreadsheets, database, internet research, mail, email and IM communications, electronic scheduling, phones, and copiers
Exhibit a positive attitude towards consumers, co-workers, supervisors, and other constituents
Supervisory Responsibilities
None
Experience and Skills:
Qualifications
Any equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job will be considered; however, the following is preferred:
- Completion of two years of college or business school training in bookkeeping or accounting, including payroll
- Four years of responsible experience in processing payroll, including some time in a similar size organization
- Ability to secure and maintain a driver’s license valid in the state of Oregon, or an acceptable alternative means of transportation
- Successful completion of a background check
Job-Specific Skills
Considerable knowledge of general and public sector payroll practices and principles
Strong mathematical and analytical skills
Ability to identify, track and correct errors
Strong experience with payroll processing software
Ability to understand and apply general policies
Intermediate excel or similar spreadsheet skills
Knowledge of payroll tax requirements and reporting
Ability to learn specialized reporting programs such as PERS/EDX, etc.
Knowledge of documentation requirements
Ability to audit, in relation to payroll
Knowledge of rules around mandatory reporting
General Skills
Good interpersonal skills
Ability to interact with others in respectful and culturally appropriate ways
Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of individuals and small groups
Oral presentation skills
Exhibit good judgment
Speak, read, write and understand English
Ability to follow verbal and written instruction.
Other Requirements
The successful applicant must have the following skills, including the ability to:
Support the agency’s mission, ethics, and values
Secure and maintain a valid driver’s license in the state of Oregon, or an acceptable alternative means of transportation
Commit to regular attendance as it is required to meet the demands of this job
Pass a criminal background check successfully
Maintain and share information according to privacy regulations
Serves as a mandatory reporter of suspected abuse of vulnerable populations as required by policy and regulation
Complete necessary work as assigned
Work Environment/Physical Demands
This job is performed primarily in the office with little public contact.
Office work will be conducted using general office equipment and includes substantial sitting. Work is performed primarily in a cubicle/office environment with typical office noise and interruptions. The position will require occasional travel within the five county service area for meetings or interaction with vendors, etc. Travel requires the employee to drive an agency or employee car, use a laptop computer, and use audio-visual equipment.
The essential outcomes require the employee to:
- Regularly sit, talk, hear, and use a computer
- Use frequent, repetitive hand motions
- Handle or feel, stand, walk, reach, bend, and lift up to 35 pounds
Contact with the public in home or office environments may risk exposure to irrational/hostile behavior, contagious diseases, or contact with domestic animals.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Classification: Accounting Specialist - Payroll
Position Number: 59
Salary Range: UN20
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Unit: Administration
Location: Salem
Reports to: Budget & Fiscal Services Manager
Union Status: Unrepresented
Last revision: November, 2025
This job description is a general guide for the job to be performed and does not cover everything. Employees may be required to perform other duties, including covering for, and in, other offices. Employees are expected to follow and perform other job-related duties requested by their manager.
Reasonable accommodations will be made as needed.
Job descriptions are subject to change.
Salary : $4,609