What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Accountant position at Watson?
At Watson, we’re proud of our people, our craft, and our workplace solutions. For over 50 years, we’ve designed and built award-winning, sustainable furniture for some of the most forward-thinking companies in the world. But the magic behind our success? It’s our people- and that’s where you come in.
We’re looking for a detail-driven, systems-curious Staff Accountant who loves turning complexity into clarity. A major part of this role is owning and championing our entire payroll workflow, ensuring accuracy, consistency, compliance, and clean data flow from start to finish. You don’t need decades of experience; what matters most is your willingness to learn, your natural instincts for accuracy, and your drive to make accounting and payroll processes smoother, clearer, and more human.
This isn’t a “heads down in spreadsheets all day” role. It’s a chance to build thoughtful processes, support month-end close, ensure payroll integrity, and help the Accounting team run with precision. You’ll partner with colleagues across the business, bringing clarity, consistency, and calm to the numbers that keep Watson moving.
Welcome to The Orchard
Please note: This role is located at The Orchard our breathtaking Pacific Northwest workplace in Poulsbo, Washington.
The Orchard is more than just a campus. It’s a living, breathing reflection of who we are surrounded by towering Douglas firs, winding walking trails, and mountain views that make every day feel inspired. It’s also where you’ll find dogs wagging their tails down the hallways, team members gathering for our monthly BBQs, and spontaneous brainstorming sessions that turn into real change.
We believe in investing in growth yours and ours. We provide learning and development opportunities that help you stretch your skills, explore new ideas, and turn curiosity into capability.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Champion the Payroll Process
You will serve as the primary owner and subject-matter expert of the full payroll workflow. This includes:
-
Owning end-to-end payroll accuracy from data validation to reconciliation to final journal entries.
-
Ensuring hours, pay types, classifications, deductions, and taxes are correct and compliant before each payroll runs.
-
Partnering closely with Paycom to maintain accurate codes, workflows, and system data.
-
Serving as the central point of contact for payroll questions and troubleshooting across Watson.
-
Monitoring payroll outputs for accuracy and alignment with company policies.
-
Maintaining and documenting payroll processes to ensure clarity, continuity, and compliance.
Support Accurate Accounting Operations
-
Process daily and weekly accounting tasks including check deposits, ACH processing, and GL coding.
-
Prepare standard journal entries and reconciliations for month-end close.
-
Perform credit card coding, reconciliation, and issue resolution.
-
Support sales tax calculations and filings.
Financial Integrity & Continuous Improvement
-
Ask thoughtful questions — Why does this look this way? Does this make sense?
-
Maintain accurate financial records and documentation.
-
Support internal audits and compliance reviews.
-
Identify opportunities to streamline, clarify, and enhance accounting and payroll workflows.
-
Assist with system improvements across Paycom, Salesforce, Frontier, ERP, Divvy, Avid, and related tools.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
-
Serve as backup for Accounts Receivable when needed.
-
Partner with the Accounting and HR teams to improve payroll clarity and cross-departmental communication.
-
Help implement new processes and financial controls.
And most importantly bring your curiosity, your ideas, and your energy. We want to build something great together!
JOB KNOWLEDGE & ATTRIBUTES:
You’ll thrive in this role if you’re:
-
Someone who has a general understanding of accounting principles.
-
Someone with an accounting AA or equivalent experience
-
Someone with some hands-on accounting experience (and we value experience over schooling when it matters).
-
Someone with strong reconciliation skills and a natural instinct for accuracy.
-
Someone who internally asks, Does this make sense? and digs deeper when something looks off.
-
Someone attentive to detail and committed to doing things right.
-
Someone who handles sensitive payroll and financial information with impeccable confidentiality.
-
Someone with experience in or an interest in Paycom, Salesforce, Frontier, ERP systems, Divvy, or Avid (a plus, not required).
-
Someone with sales tax experience or willingness to learn.
-
Someone who is curious, calm under pressure, and eager to improve processes.
ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTES OF WATSON EMPLOYEES
-
Insane curiosity
-
Excited and enthusiastic about your work
-
Embrace and exhibit our values
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Hourly range: $26–$32/hour
(Depending on experience)
-
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
-
401(k) with company match
-
Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
-
Pet-friendly workplace (yes, really — dogs welcome!)
-
On-site walking trails and outdoor spaces surrounded by evergreens
-
Monthly team BBQs and Orchard gatherings
-
Ongoing learning and development opportunities
-
A workplace that believes in continuous improvement, collaboration, and balance
READY TO GROW YOUR CAREER?
If you love clarity, accuracy, and the satisfaction of processes that run better every day, we’d love to meet you.
Bring your curiosity. Bring your reliability. Bring your attention to detail.
Watson is an equal opportunity employer of all qualified individuals, including minorities, women, veterans & individuals with disabilities. Watson will consider for employment qualified applicants in a manner consistent with all federal, state, and local ordinances.
Salary : $26 - $32