Payroll Accounting Assistant Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Potelco, Inc., a subsidiary of Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE: PWR), was founded in 1965. We specialize in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services, which include designing, estimating, material acquisition, project management, construction, emergency power restoration, system maintenance, and similar services. Our expertise is in power, transmission, distribution, and substation projects. We are a leading full-service provider of power infrastructure, construction, and support services in utility and energy contracting throughout the Pacific Northwest and neighboring states.

We are proud to be working with some of the region's largest energy companies as we continue to modernize their electric systems, move towards de-carbonization, and maintain thousands of miles of overhead and underground lines serving millions of residential and commercial customers. We uphold high safety, productivity, and reliability standards as we work with our customers to provide both current and strategic, forward-thinking energy infrastructure, delivery, and solutions.

If you enjoy working with a great group of professionals, are accurate, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and enjoy using your financial and organizational skills, then we have a role for you! Potelco, Inc. seeks a great Assistant Controller to join our team at our headquarters in Sumner, WA.

The Assistant Controller supports the Controller in overseeing all accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, compliance, and financial management activities. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintaining strong internal controls, supporting operational decision-making, and managing accounting staff across multiple projects, business units, and locations. As a key partner to the Controller, this role serves as a backup for critical financial functions and helps ensure continuity across the accounting organization.

The anticipated compensation for this position is $130,000-$150,000/year, depending on experience and qualifications. 

Financial Reporting & Accounting

• Assist in managing all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and job cost accounting.
• Oversee equipment costing, depreciation schedules, and fixed asset accounting.
• Lead month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Prepare and deliver monthly and quarterly corporate reporting schedules.
• Analyze financial results, identify trends, and provide recommendations to management.

Construction Accounting & Project Controls

• Oversee project accounting activities, including revenue recognition, percentage-of-completion accounting, work-in-progress (WIP) reporting, and job cost analysis.
• Ensure accurate accounting for subcontractor payments, retainage, change orders, claims, and project accruals.
• Partner with operations and project management teams to strengthen financial visibility and drive project performance.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Maintain and enhance internal control systems to safeguard company assets.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax regulations, company policies, and industry standards.
• Coordinate internal and external audits.
• Support implementation of accounting policies and process improvements.

Team Leadership

• Manage, directly supervise, and mentor a team of accounting professionals.
• Establish performance expectations and support employee development.
• Write and conduct training for accounting and operational teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Drive operational efficiency through automation and process standardization.
• Partner with IT and operational teams on ERP system enhancements and financial reporting tools.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 7-10 years of progressive, relevant accounting experience, including 3-5 years in a leadership role (Accounting Manager, Accounting Supervisor, or similar).
• Significant construction, engineering, EPC, or project-based industry experience.
• Experience supporting accounting operations in mid-to-large organizations.
• Advanced knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting.
• Experience with construction ERP systems.
• Working knowledge of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance, segregation of duties, and internal control requirements.
• Familiarity with multi-state union payroll and Washington sales/use tax.
• Experience with intercompany accounting and transactions.
• Advanced Excel and financial analysis skills, including comfort working with large data sets.
• Proven experience managing audits and complex accounting transactions, with strong knowledge of construction accounting, WIP schedules, revenue recognition, and job cost reporting.
• Strong leadership and team development abilities.
• Strategic and analytical thinking with strong communication and presentation skills.
• Process improvement mindset and strong interest in adopting AI tools.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong business partnership skills with operations and executive leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA license.
• Experience with JD Edwards (JDE).

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Eligible for a discretionary bonus

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company's Human Resources department.