Payroll Coordinator / Human Resources

Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County•Athens, GA

17h

About The Position

The Payroll Coordinator coordinates payroll processing for the ACCGov workforce and ensures compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Working with departments, employees, external entities, and the Athens-Clarke County Human Resources Department, the position delivers timely and accurate compensation. Duties include payroll processing, compliance and reporting, employee-record management, payroll issue resolution, communication and training, payroll-system maintenance and upgrades, and process improvement. The role reports to the Compensation & Payroll Administrator and is classified as exempt professional personnel, with a six-month probationary period. It is designated as an emergency position requiring attendance during emergencies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Accounting/Finance, or a related discipline, with four years of payroll, accounting, financial-management, or related experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Ability to obtain a professional certification in Human Resources or payroll, such as SHRM, PHR, PSHRA, CPP, CCP, or similar, within 24 months of hire.
Valid driver’s license.
Knowledge of governmental accounting, bookkeeping, payroll and HR software, payroll regulations, tax and labor laws, personnel policies, garnishment procedures, and payroll accounting practices.
Knowledge of HRIS, payroll software, and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate with supervisors and staff.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy; excellent organizational and time-management skills; and strong problem-solving abilities.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information discreetly.
Ability to use independent judgment, perform mathematical calculations, and compile, organize, prepare, and maintain records and reports.
Ability to use computer applications and database-management software, plan and prioritize work, and understand and apply office regulations and procedures.
Ability to use standard office equipment, including computers, copiers, and printers.
Regular and predictable attendance; ability to work cooperatively with others.
Ability to work Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; occasional nights and weekends and work on religious holidays may be required.
Ability to attend work during emergencies, including inclement weather, utility failure, fire, forced evacuation, or other emergencies as determined by the Manager.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Judicial and Teachers’ Retirement Systems, including related payroll processing and retirement-benefit requirements.

Responsibilities

Process biweekly, monthly, and retiree payrolls accurately and on time.
Collect, verify, and enter employee work hours, leave, deductions, additions, and other payroll data; review and audit time entries.
Calculate and process salaries, wages, overtime, premium and retroactive pay, overpayments, special adjustments, corrections, and other compensation.
Work with HRIS developers, FIS developers, and IT staff to maintain payroll-system integrity and functionality.
Develop expertise in payroll software and assist with its configuration, maintenance, testing, updates, and improvements, including system codes, controls, and user permissions.
Document and communicate system changes, and assist in establishing payroll-system goals and priorities.
Perform the Compensation and Payroll Administrator’s payroll duties in their absence.
Provide staff support to departments by interpreting payroll-related laws, rules, regulations, and policies and recommending policy or procedural changes.
Maintain current knowledge of applicable state and federal laws and ensure assigned policies and procedures are current and compliant.
Set up new supervisors with appropriate payroll-software permissions.
Administer tax withholding, benefits deductions, retirement contributions, and other payroll deductions.
Prepare and balance monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, including W-2s and federal, state, and other payroll reports, and submit them to appropriate agencies.
Calculate and respond to garnishment, levy, and child-support deduction requests, and serve employee levies.
Generate and distribute payroll reports for internal departments and external agencies.
Generate Corebridge retirement import files for the payroll software.
Maintain employee payroll records, including personal information, tax status, and direct-deposit details.
Monitor employees on administrative leave, suspension, or military leave to ensure accurate time entry.
Respond to employee questions about payroll, deductions, and tax withholding; investigate and resolve discrepancies and errors.
Collaborate with HR and ACCGov departments to address payroll concerns and implement corrective actions.
Communicate payroll policies and procedures to employees and promote understanding and compliance.
Coordinate and conduct periodic training on time reporting in Munis ESS, payroll procedures, and related policies; keep training materials updated.
Manage calendar meetings for biweekly payroll calls.
Audit departments’ payroll procedures and employee-work-time documentation and recommend improvements.
Suggest and implement improvements to payroll processes to increase efficiency and accuracy.