Accountant V Paymaster

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

About The Position

The Accountant V – Paymaster is selected by and reports to the HHSC Accounting Operations Support Manager. The Paymaster performs highly advanced (senior-level) professional accounting work of a complex nature to ensure the accurate and timely processing of payroll adjustments for HHSC employees. Work involves preparing and/or overseeing the preparation of payroll-related financial analyses and reports; establishing, maintaining, and/or overseeing accounting systems, procedures, and controls; reconciling payroll processing reports to ensure the Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS) financials and the Uniform Statewide Accounting System (USAS) balance; serving as the HHSC Accounting liaison and subject matter expert regarding problematic payroll issues; provides technical consultation to HHSC Accounting supervisory staff to identify and resolve salary overpayments; serving as the HHSC representative to initiate collection processes and return of funds to the State Treasury; identifying trends and developing recommendations for process improvements to reduce payroll problems and overpayments; and developing communications for HHSC management and employees regarding critical payroll-related processes and issues. Work is performed under minimal direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment within the limits of applicable state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and practices, of capabilities and limitations of computerized accounting systems, and of applicable laws governing maintenance of accounting and payroll records.
Knowledge of finance administration, budget control, and fiscal accounting; and of the agency’s financial program, governmental accounting, budget control methods, policies and procedures, and laws and regulations pertaining to fiscal operations.
Working knowledge of payroll processing as practiced by state government agencies in order to coordinate the resolution of problems as they occur.
Working knowledge of the principles of government accounting.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in applying computer technology to general accounting activities.
Ability to plan, organize, and direct accounting programs; to budget funds; to set up accounting systems; to interpret laws and regulations; to apply accounting theory; and to train, plan, assign, effectively guide and/or supervise the work of others.
Ability to prepare concise and orderly reports.
Ability to communicate and interact effectively with agency employees and staff. Ability to perform assigned work independently with a minimum of supervision.
Ability to plan, develop and implement work schedules, procedures and methods that enhance the attainment of determined objectives.
Ability to interact effectively with peers, managers at various levels, representatives of federal and other state agencies and of private firms.
Ability to analyze problems, identify causative factors and apply actions to effectively resolve current and prevent recurrences of problem conditions. Ability to evaluate technological and administrative products and processes in relation to projected section requirements for mid-range and long-range time frames and to effectively recommend acquisition or implementation of those that have benefits measurable in multiples of total cost.
Graduation from high school or equivalent. Three years of full-time State or Governmental accounting experience OR two years of full-time State or Governmental accounting experience with at least 30 college credit hours towards a Business Management or Finance/Accounting degree.
Experience in the use of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, outlook).

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years of relevant work experience providing customer service, which includes direct correspondence through email and telephone is preferred.
Experience with payroll systems and familiarity with payroll operations is preferred.

Responsibilities

Researches and resolves payroll errors, handles supervisor/employee inquiries, conducts system research, reconciles payroll processing reports; researches and resolves employee overpayments or leave without pay situations; coordinates the payroll processing for employee separations; and identifies trends and develops recommendations for process improvements to reduce payroll problems.
Audits payroll data of multiple monthly payroll transmittals to ensure the reconciliation of payroll processing information to financial system inputs. Ensures CAPPS financials and USAS are balanced. Resolves discrepancies monthly through coordination and follow-up with HHS payroll staff and the Access HR service center vendor staff, as appropriate.
Acts as liaison and HHSC representative for inquiries from employees and/or supervisors regarding employee paychecks and problematic payroll problems. Research CAPPS Human Capital Management (HCM) system for the timing and processing of checks, troubleshoots errors, coordinates pulling employee information for paycheck distributions; and works with payroll warrant distribution to ensure mail codes are current.
Performs other duties as assigned related to the position of HHSC representative and subject matter expert for the accounting functions related to payroll processing. Provides training on paymaster functions; develops methods for the control of cash receipts, deposits, and disbursements and disbursements and the analysis of payroll processing activities for HHSC employees; develops and documents internal procedures and processes; prepares or directs and monitors the preparation of a variety of periodic and special management reports regarding payroll and payroll data for use by HHSC management; and develops communications for HHSC management and employees regarding critical payroll-related processes and issues.

Benefits

comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more

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