Payroll And AP Specialist

Job Title: Staff Accountant 6 month contract to hire Hybrid in Seattle, WA Job Description This hybrid Staff Accountant role with a non‑profit organization in South Lake Union focuses on payroll, accounts payable, and general accounting support in a mission‑driven environment. The position operates on a temp‑to‑hire basis and plays a key role in ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, benefits allocations, vendor payments, and regulatory compliance while supporting broader accounting and audit functions. Responsibilities Process semi‑monthly payroll accurately and on time, ensuring all employees are paid correctly and in accordance with organizational policies. Maintain complete and accurate payroll records, including earnings, deductions, and benefits, and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. Serve as the payroll database administrator and act as the primary liaison with the external payroll service provider. Allocate payroll and benefits across multiple funding sources and prepare related journal entries in the accounting system. Ensure compliance with Federal salary caps and other funding‑related compensation requirements. Reconcile payroll with the accounting system (MIP), including statutory tax filings, deductions, and related entries. Generate payroll‑related reports for Accounting and Human Resources, such as hours worked, accruals, and flexible spending account (FSA) activity. Maintain the payroll calendar, including pay dates and cut‑off dates, and manage employee direct deposit setup. Stay current on tax laws, wage and hour regulations, and payroll system changes, and apply updates as needed. Respond to employee payroll inquiries, research issues, and resolve discrepancies promptly and professionally. Receive, verify, code, and process vendor invoices and employee reimbursements in accordance with organizational policies. Conduct regular check runs and submit positive pay reports to the bank to support secure disbursement processes. Maintain and reconcile accounts payable aging and related general ledger balances, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Ensure vendor records comply with W‑9/W‑8 requirements and support accurate preparation of 1099 and 1042‑S forms. Process credit card transactions and travel reimbursements in line with established policies and procedures. Reconcile vendor statements, maintain positive vendor relationships, and resolve billing or payment discrepancies. Identify and record use tax liabilities as required, ensuring proper tax compliance. Manage accounts payable documentation, including check logs, cash receipt records, and filing systems, to support audit readiness. Prepare monthly, quarterly, and year‑end financial and audit reports as assigned. Document accounting and payroll processes and support internal and external audits, including financial statement, single, and retirement plan audits. Ensure compliance with internal financial policies and external regulatory requirements across payroll and accounts payable activities. Make deposits and maintain an accurate cash receipt log. Monitor and track employee education benefit usage in alignment with organizational policies. Perform other accounting duties and projects as assigned to support the finance team. Essential Skills 4–6 years of experience working as a Staff Accountant within a corporate or similar professional environment. Proficiency with the MIP (Abila MIP) accounting system, including general ledger and reporting functions. Strong knowledge of payroll administration, processes, and procedures, including relevant regulatory requirements and employment laws. Hands‑on experience with accounts payable, including invoice processing, AP aging, and vendor maintenance. Experience with general ledger accounting, reconciliations, journal entries, and month‑end processes. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including spreadsheets and basic analysis. Proficiency with Microsoft Word for document preparation and reporting. Proficiency with Microsoft Access or similar database tools for data management and reporting. Ability to prepare and support financial, audit, and compliance reporting on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis. Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all payroll and accounting work. Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a structured, deadline‑driven environment. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience working in a non‑profit accounting environment, particularly with grant or project‑based funding, is highly beneficial. Familiarity with project accounting and allocating payroll and benefits across multiple funding sources. Experience with preparation and maintenance of W‑9 and W‑8 forms and related vendor compliance. Knowledge of 1099 and 1042‑S reporting requirements and processes. Experience supporting internal and external audits, including financial statement, single, and retirement plan audits. Comfort with electronic data capture and reporting tools used in modern accounting environments. Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with Accounting, HR, vendors, and employees. Commitment to continuous learning and staying current on changes in payroll laws, wage regulations, and accounting standards. Work Environment This role is based in South Lake Union within a non‑profit organization dedicated to supporting efforts to help conquer cancer. The position is temp‑to‑hire and follows a hybrid schedule, with core hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After an initial training period that is 100% onsite, the schedule transitions to a hybrid model with onsite work typically required Tuesday through Thursday. The finance team uses the MIP (Abila MIP) accounting system along with Microsoft Office tools such as Excel, Word, and Access to manage general ledger, payroll, accounts payable, and reporting activities. The organization operates in a professional office setting that supports collaboration with accounting, human resources, and other departments. Once converted to a permanent role, employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes 12 holidays per year (9 stated and 3 floating), 3 weeks of paid time off (15 workdays) with an additional day added for each year of service, and a personal day available after six months of employment. The retirement program includes a 403(b) plan with immediate eligibility for employee contributions and a discretionary employer contribution of 7% of compensation after one year of service. The organization offers medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage with premiums fully paid by the employer, as well as optional buy‑up medical plans and additional voluntary benefits such as supplemental life and disability, flexible spending accounts, transportation fringe benefits, and pet insurance. Employees also have access to expense reimbursement for ongoing education, currently up to $1,200 per year, and an Employee Assistance Program. The culture emphasizes mission‑driven work, professional growth, and a supportive environment that values accuracy, compliance, and collaboration. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Seattle, WA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $34.00 – $36.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital, 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available, Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents), Short and long‑term disability, Health Spending Account (HSA), Transportation benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave). Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 2026. Equal Opportunity Statement The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. Accommodation Requests If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io. Legal Disclosures San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools. #J-18808-Ljbffr