Finance Analyst/HR Assistant

City of College Place•College Place, WA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Analyst/HR Assistant is responsible for the independent management of payroll, benefits administration and core accounting functions for the City. The position requires precision, confidentiality, and technical expertise in payroll processing, benefits coordination, reconciliation, financial reporting, and compliance with state and federal regulations. The incumbent assists the Finance Department and Human Resources Manager in the administration of citywide payroll, accounting, benefits reporting and wellness program coordination, and internal control procedures. Work is performed independently and reviewed through conferences, reports, and audit results.

Requirements

Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
State of Washington Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System.
Cash management, including sound investment practices.
A thorough knowledge of accounting systems and procedures and a thorough understanding of accounting principles and applications.
Experience working with public sector accounting practices and procedures highly desirable.
Internal financial control methods.
Records management requirements.
Oral and written communication skills.
Work independently with little direction.
Effective oral and written communication.
Perform complex payroll and benefits analysis with accuracy; manage sensitive information confidentially.
Strong mathematical ability, including advanced spreadsheets and formulas.
Produce clear, concise, and timely financial reports.
Extensive computer experience is required, with emphasis on having working knowledge of common software programs, such as Excel, Word, Windows, etc.
Accurate and proficient use of a 10-key calculator/adding machine is mandatory.
Must possess the ability to read and interpret documents, to write routine reports and correspondence, and the ability to read and write the English language in a clear and concise manner.
Versatility to enable the performance of a variety of tasks.
Confidentiality is required in handling certain aspects of this position.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with city officials, officials of other agencies, city employees and the general public.
Read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Research and analyze data and develop, evaluate and present recommendations.
Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner.
Set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.
Physical ability to perform the essential job functions.
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or closely related field preferred.
Two (2) years increasingly responsible accounting or governmental finance experience.
At least three to five years’ direct payroll and benefits administration experience preferred.
Experience with public-sector accounting, Washington BARS, and municipal payroll highly desirable.
Valid Washington State Driver’s License.
Must maintain acceptable driving record.
Good vision to read print and a computer screen.
Ability to hear and speak to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.
Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to include repetitive keyboarding, grasping and reaching.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare, process, reconcile, and submit biweekly/monthly payroll for approval, including technical payroll reports, tax deposits, and state/federal filings (W-2, W-4, ACA 1094/1095-C).
Update employee tax, benefit, garnishment, wage assignment, retirement, and deduction information in payroll systems.
Reconcile all payroll deductions and benefit accounts after each payroll cycle; resolve discrepancies.
Administer benefit and leave accounting, including vacation, sick leave, floating holiday, overtime, and other leave categories.
Coordinate with Human Resources on benefit enrollments, changes, orientation, FMLA, WA PFML, Workers Compensation, disability programs, and compliance with leave laws.
Monitor benefit plan accuracy and assist HR with records management and retention requirements.
Prepare salary and benefit projections for budget development and labor negotiations.
Provide employee assistance regarding payroll, benefits, and HR/payroll self-service systems.
Process monthly payroll, maintain payroll profiles, manage timesheets, schedules, payroll templates, and supplemental payments.
Ensure payroll compliance with federal and state regulations.
Maintain internal controls for payroll and benefits processes.
Respond to staff payroll/benefit questions and public inquiries using discretion and professionalism.
Conduct research, analyze data, prepare reports, and support department projects.
Demonstrate punctuality, reliability, professional conduct, and teamwork.
Suggest workflow improvements, maintain documentation procedures, and support internal control audits.
Perform other related duties including HR support, business & occupation tax tasks, utility billing assistance, or cross-departmental support as assigned.
Assist HR Manager with management and operation of the Wellness program.
Assist HR Manager with the management and operation of the Safety program.
Coordinate and prioritize work on special human resource projects.
Assure all communication is handled sensitively and discreetly.