Accounting Technician/Payroll

POSITION: Accounting Technician, Payroll (Part-time) - NON-EXEMPT, REPRESENTED

OPENING DATE: September 10, 2026   

CLOSING DATE: Until filled   

SALARY RANGE: New hires typically start at $30.11 - $32.25/hour, DOQ, plus benefit/retirement package. The full salary range for the position is $30.11 - $39.64/hour and as a part-time position will work a 18-hour work week.

ABOUT THE BELLINGHAM HOUSING AUTHORITY:

The Bellingham Housing Authority (BWCHA), an independent municipal organization, is a high performing leader in affordable housing. BWCHA offers opportunities for people to thrive by ensuring access to quality, affordable homes. Our vision is that every person has the opportunity to live in a safe, secure, affordable home.

We are recruiting for a talented, detail oriented, and service focused part-time Accounting Technician for Payroll. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to the highest standards in public service.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Payroll Technician is primarily responsible for providing exceptional customer service to diverse populations and stakeholders in the completion of full cycle payroll. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The Payroll Technician is capable of performing all Payroll Technician duties but will be primarily responsible for those outlined below. The duties of staff in this position may vary in an effort to balance workloads, maximize individual strengths, and provide opportunity for personal and department growth and effectiveness. The essential job functions are not to be considered a detailed description of every duty allocated to this classification but rather an illustration of the more typical functions.

• Provide exceptional customer service to diverse populations and stakeholders including prompt response and follow-through. 
• Interpret and apply HUD regulations, and BWCHA policies and procedures in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Processes, audits, and verifies bi-weekly payroll for all staff using HRIS system. Ensures accurate and timely employee compensation by processing payroll data, calculating wages, deductions, and taxes, including verifying timesheets, managing employee records, processing direct deposits or checks, resolving payroll discrepancies, and preparing payroll reports.
• Coordination, review and filing of all payroll documents following appropriate retention schedules and requirements.
• Prepare payroll-related reports, including the preparation and submission of bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly reports.
• Reconciles and processes monthly benefits invoices.
• Process pension and deferred compensation contributions for the WA Department of Retirement Systems
• Maintains and reconciles leave accruals to ensure accurate balances.      
• Train employees on payroll software, supports software updates in the department.
• Assist with salary budget preparation and on-going administration.
• May reconcile bank statements for the Housing Authorities.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide accounts payable coverage as needed.
• Support co-workers and provide staff training and mentorship as applicable.
• Participate in work groups to identify opportunities for improvement and efficiency.
• Contribute to the development of procedures and forms.
• Participate in special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Cooperatively coordinates work activities with other BWCHA departments.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

This position functions primarily in an office environment. Incumbents must be able to effectively utilize computers and related software, computer printers, adding machine, photocopier, scanner, and telephone system. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to acquire a clear understanding of BWCHA’s programs, policies, procedures, and terminology.
• Ability to interpret and comply with established accounting policies and procedures. 
• Communicates effectively and cooperatively with diverse populations and demographics, as well as persons with limited written and verbal English skills.
• Maintains a courteous, compassionate, and tactful demeanor with clients and coworkers while maintaining confidentiality.
• Contributes to a positive, productive, and collaborative team environment.
• Balances workload and priorities effectively with frequent interruptions. 
• Knowledge of established manual and automated accounting and payroll systems.
• Ability to solve routine technical payroll problems.
• Knowledge of basic English composition, spelling, punctuation, and mathematics.
• Maintains dependable, punctual attendance. 

Education and Experience:

• Preferred Associates Degree with emphasis in accounting and general business curriculum. 
• Minimum of two years accounting experience which may include accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger, and quarterly reports.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Physical

This position requires the incumbent to be able to effectively move about the office environment. May require lifting up to 40 pounds.

Mental

The incumbent must be capable of working closely and cooperatively with employees throughout the organization. The incumbent must be capable of analyzing and resolving routine accounting and payroll problems and be capable of balancing multiple tasks simultaneously.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary Range: $30.11 - $39.64/hour plus exc. benefit/retirement package
• Medical, Dental, and Vision (Employee only)
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability
• Washington State Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS)
• 12 Holidays and 2 Personal Holidays (Pro-rated for part-time)
• Generous Vacation and Sick Leave Accruals
• Employer $95 Monthly Contribution to VEBA Account 
• 18 Hour Work Week