Payroll/Accounts Payable Accountant

Jackson County ISD•Jackson, MI

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Payroll / Accounts Payable Accountant I will be responsible for performing a combination of payroll processing and accounts payable processing for the ISD or certain assigned local districts for which the JCISD provides financial services. Payroll responsibilities include the verification of data, balancing of accounts and distribution of funds as necessary to fulfill the payroll. Additional payroll responsibilities include maintaining accurate, up-to-date files of all payroll information in accordance with district and ISD procedures, GAAP, and other applicable laws, preparing government reports, and working with representatives of government, unions, retirement agencies and the HR departments as required. Accounts Payable responsibilities include the processing of requisitions, generating of Purchase Orders, receipt of invoices and processing of payments from the JCISD on behalf of the assigned local districts. An orientation toward customer service must be obvious in the performance of all job duties.

Requirements

Associate degree in accounting, finance, or business and three years of related finance work experience in a multi-faceted organization are required.
Valid Michigan driver's license and good driving record required.
Demonstrated knowledge of GAAP and good understanding of current trends in accounting, particularly related to public finance, is required.
Knowledge and experience in sound business operations of a multi department organization is required.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required along with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Must be "proficient" or "master" user of Microsoft Word and Excel.
Must have successful experience in using a current financial software package/technology.
Must be organized and dependable.
Must work well within given time and cost constraints.
Must respect and maintain confidentiality.
Must carry-out all responsibilities with awareness of all requirements and standards established by the Board of Education.
Background check, pre-employment physical, and drug test required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business is preferred and may be considered in lieu of associate degree and work experience.
Proficiency in Munis financial software is preferred.
Selected candidate should hold or will be expected to attain MSBO Business Office Specialist and / or School Payroll Specialist certifications.

Responsibilities

Process payroll data and maintain accurate, up-to-date files of all payroll information in accordance with district procedures, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and other applicable laws and rules.
Balance payroll and withholding accounts.
Prepare required governmental reports, including retirement, IRS, W-2's, etc.
Distribute payroll deductions in compliance with local, state and federal laws.
Work with representatives of government, employee unions and retirement agencies to provide information.
Process employment verifications and final salary affidavits.
Implement changes in current employees' deductions or withholdings as needed, and process pay adjustments or other changes which affect payroll.
Submit retirement payments and retirement reports, as dictated by the Office of Retirement Services.
Process all contracts, contract changes and adjustments as approved by the Board of Education.
Assist with medical insurance and other benefit related issues including deductions and open enrollment.
Assist with and serve as a resource for other benefit / HR-related issues such as FMLA, unemployment, retirement, etc.
Process disbursements in payment for goods and services received by the assigned district(s).
Assemble invoices to be paid, check accuracy of amounts and accounts to be charged, in accordance with procedures established by the employer.
Prepare list of payments due for management approval, post to accounts, and process payment to vendors.
Maintain vendor files.
Research and answer inquiries regarding status of accounts payable accounts.
Establish rapport with employees and key personnel from the districts they support in order to respond to questions or issues related to payroll and / or payables.
Assist with the day-to-day administration of the purchasing card program.
Establish limits and purchasing profile for each card holder.
Serve as reference and provide assistance to card holders.
Ensure all card purchases are properly controlled and accounted for in the payables system.
Perform other accounting tasks as may be assigned by Financial management.
Perform bank reconciliations.
Assist in month end closing.
Assist in year-end closing.
Assist with annual audit.
Assist in budget preparations.
Assist with the continuous improvement process related to financial best practices and internal control procedures.
Occasionally be required to perform duties at other sites.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance.