Accounts Payable Specialist

Job TitleThis position is with the City of Bremerton.Job DescriptionNestled along the shores of the Puget Sound and just a scenic ferry ride from Seattle, the City of Bremerton offers an exceptional blend of career opportunity and quality of life. From the vibrant Harborside district—featuring the Kitsap Conference Center, waterfront hotels, dining, and the Port of Bremerton Marina—to the creative energy of the Bremerton Creative District and Quincy Square, there's something here for everyone. Enjoy local attractions like the Puget Sound Navy Museum, stroll the waterfront Bremerton Boardwalk, or relax at Harborside Fountain Park. Cross the iconic Manette Bridge to explore charming shops and cafés, or unwind at Evergreen Rotary Park. Outdoor enthusiasts and golfers alike will appreciate the city-owned Gold Mountain Golf Course, while arts and culture thrive at venues like the Admiral Theatre and events such as the Bremerton Blackberry Festival. With its strong sense of community, natural beauty, and growing opportunities, Bremerton is an ideal place to build your career and make a lasting impact—explore our openings and discover your future here.General FunctionThe salary indicated above includes longevity (1% earned after five years and increases to a maximum of 4% after 20 years). Additionally, a 3.8% cost of living increase has been approved for 2027.Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Financial Services, performs and coordinates specialized Citywide finance and accounting functions with limited supervision. Areas of assignment may include accounts payable and fixed assets, utilities and accounts receivable, payroll, and related financial matters. Compiles, monitors, verifies, and reconciles accounts payable financial data and applies established fiscal management policies, procedures, and internal controls.Representative Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesThis list is intended to illustrate the types of work that may be performed. The omission of a specific duty does not exclude it from the position.Monitors assigned financial activities, prepares appropriate accounting entries, and verifies contract compliance. Activities may include fiscal agent activity, contracted parking enforcement, contracted block grant loan servicing, tenant payments, and golf course revenues.Provides accounting support for special projects and grants.Prepares monthly general journal entries and labor distribution reports.Initiates purchase order requests and reviews, audits, verifies coding, corrects, processes, and posts Citywide vendor claims and accounts payable invoices in the City accounting system in accordance with Washington State Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System (BARS) guidelines.Reviews, verifies coding, corrects, and posts Citywide procurement card transactions in accordance with City and State guidelines.Researches and analyzes expenditure and revenue information for accuracy and compliance with City policy and applicable laws and regulations; prepares and provides related reports to City departments, the City Council, and outside agencies.Maintains required records, documents, and files within the assigned area and archives records in accordance with State records-retention requirements.Maintains cash and other assets received on behalf of the City.Prepares and completes required federal, state, and local reporting in accordance with applicable laws and established deadlines.Maintains vendor files, including current address and account information.Documents processes and procedures necessary for successful job performance and trains new department or division accounting support personnel and backup staff.Maintains the confidentiality of work-related matters, client records, and City information.Serves as backup to the Payroll Specialist. Processes pay runs for City personnel and Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System Plan 1 (LEOFF 1) retirees; receives, audits, and processes employee payroll information; corrects identified discrepancies; reviews payroll edits, fringe benefits, employee deductions, leave slips, and pay rates for accuracy; processes personnel status-change forms for pay changes, new hires, and terminations; and prepares and submits required state and federal payroll reports.Maintains regular attendance.Performs related work as assigned or required.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge of:Basic accounting principles and practices, including cash receipting.Washington State Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System (BARS) requirements and guidelines.Computer systems and software applications used in accounting and financial administration.Skill in:Reviewing, auditing, coding, correcting, processing, and posting financial transactions.Reconciling financial information and identifying and correcting discrepancies.Preparing journal entries, financial reports, graphs, and supporting accounting documentation.Using accounting systems, spreadsheets, databases, and related financial software.Ability to:Communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing.Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, other agencies, and the public.Operate standard office equipment.Work independently and exercise appropriate judgment when making decisions.Establish and maintain accurate recordkeeping and filing systems.Perform mathematical calculations and understand financial concepts and relationships.Organize and prioritize accounting assignments and projects with minimal supervision.Qualifying Education and Experience (Minimum Requirements)Associate degree in Accounting.Four years of accounting experience involving the use of computer applications.An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.Four years of municipal general-ledger experience may substitute for one year of the required education. Equivalencies do not apply where a license or certification is required by law.Examination Process and Required DocumentsApplicants must apply on-line at Application Materials:A completed City application and personal résumé are required. Incomplete applications packets will not be considered. Required application materials must be submitted online by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure their application materials reflect the minimum qualifying experience, knowledge, skills and abilities as listed on the job posting.Important Application Note: Please do not attach copies of certifications or transcripts to your application unless they are listed as a requirement for the position.Application process after submittal - What to expect :Initial screening – Once the position closes, the HR Department will review and evaluate your application materials to determine whether your materials reflect and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience required to meet the minimum qualifications.Invitation to Interview – After initial screening and additional review by the hiring department, if it is determined that you exceed the minimum qualifications, you may be contacted and invited to interview with a hiring panel.References – After the interview, if it is determined that you are the most qualified candidate for the position, references will be sent electronically to the individuals listed on your application.Pre-employment Requirements – If/when applying for safety-sensitive positions, pre-employment physicals and/or drug testing may be required prior to any final offer of employment.NOTE TO APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES : If you require an accommodation at any point during the application process, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io Employment Opportunity StatementThe City of Bremerton is committed to integrating diverse perspectives into our workplace culture and encourages our employees to bring their whole, authentic selves to work. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under applicable law. We strive to create a diverse team that allows us to effectively connect to the community we serve.If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.ADA Statement The City of Bremerton does not discriminate on the basis of disability in programs and activities, which it operates pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and ADA Amendments Act. This policy extends to both employment and admission to participation in the programs, services and activities of the City of Bremerton. Reasonable accommodation for employees or applicants for employment will be provided.