Project Accounting Specialist

The City of Port Townsend is seeking to fill one opening within the Engineering and Administration division of the Public Works Department. The position will be classified as either Project Accounting Specialist I, II, or III depending on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. This role supports Public Works by managing grants, capital expenditures, and procurement related to public works projects. The selected candidate will work closely with both engineering staff and the Finance Department to ensure compliance with funding and reporting requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administer public works projects, maintaining project records and documents.
• Manage grants and loans, including tracking contracts, pay requests, and preparing closeout documents.
• Assist with financial analysis and capital reporting.
• Attend project meetings and distribute meeting minutes.
• Perform interfund billing for engineering and fund transfers.
• Provide administrative support to the Engineering Division and Public Works Administration.
• Comply with state bidding, contracting laws, and city purchasing policies.
• Support the Finance Department with capital asset tracking.
• Assist with public records management and project documentation.

Qualifications:

Project Accounting Specialist I (Contract & Grant Support Technician):

• Pay Range: $29.04–32.97 base, up to $36.93 with longevity pay.
• Requirements:
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Three years of administrative office experience, including accounting or bookkeeping.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and computer systems.
  • Preferred: College degree in accounting and public works/municipal government experience.

Project Accounting Specialist II (Capital Project Accountant):

• Pay Range: $33.92–38.54 base, up to $43.16 with longevity pay.
• Requirements:
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Two years of college-level courses in accounting.
  • Five years of accounting experience.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
  • Preferred: College degree in accounting and public works/municipal government experience.

Project Accounting Specialist III (Public Works Accounting Analyst):

• Pay Range: $35.53–40.36 base, up to $45.20 with longevity pay.
• Requirements:
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Two years of college-level courses in accounting.
  • Eight years of accounting experience.
  • Advanced skills in Excel and computer operating systems.
  • Preferred: College degree in accounting and public works/municipal government experience.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily an office-based position with occasional work from home as needed.
• Occasional movement and physical activities such as lifting light objects and navigating construction sites.

Benefits:

• WA State PERS retirement, optional 457 Deferred Compensation.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life & AD&D insurance, short-term disability.
• Sick leave, vacation, and paid holidays.
• Longevity pay, overtime, jury duty pay, and more (subject to the Collective Bargaining Agreement).

Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Port Townsend is committed to equal employment opportunities, treating all employees and applicants based on job-related qualifications and in accordance with applicable laws.