Payroll Specialist I-II

Muscatine Power and Water•Muscatine, IA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Primarily responsible for maintaining the payroll system, troubleshooting issues, collaborating with IT and external payroll software partners, processing end-to-end payroll, filing tax returns, balance sheet account reconciliations and posting adjusting journal entries. Level I and II are differentiated by overall knowledge, skill level and specific responsibilities as outlined below as well as the ability of the Level II to train and mentor other department members.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and listening skills, with ability to build productive professional relationships and promote a team atmosphere.
Proficiency with use of Microsoft Office Word and Excel at an intermediate level; proficiency with a computerized accounting and/or payroll system desired.
Good judgment and critical thinking skills.
Problem identification, analysis, and solving.
Ability to work as part of a team, either as team leader or a member of a team.
Ability to drive results and ensure work is accomplished properly, safely, and in a timely manner.
Ability to work independently, effectively prioritize work, manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adjust work priorities as needed to meet department/organizational objectives.
Ability to use discretion in maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information.
Ability to operate office equipment, including 10-key, fax machine and copier.
Ability to use discretion in maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information.
Must be able to attend work on a regular basis and work overtime as requested.
Must maintain a method of communication to be contacted by MPW outside normal work hours.
Work environment is primarily an office environment.
Must comply with all safety and site rules at all locations.
Payroll Specialist I is an entry-level position with a minimum 1 year of payroll or accounts payable and receivable experience preferred.
Minimum 3 year of payroll experience and knowledge of Iowa and Illinois payroll laws preferred for level II.
Knowledge of GAAP regulations required for level II position only.

Nice To Haves

Associate's Degree in accounting, finance or business administration preferred for a level II.
Payroll and/or Employment Law certifications preferred for a Level II

Responsibilities

Maintain and troubleshoot the payroll system, ensuring it operates efficiently and accurately, including collaborating with IT and external payroll software partners to resolve system issues and implement updates.
Process end-to-end biweekly payroll for all employees, including: Calculating wages, deductions, and benefits. Validating timesheets for hours by category and obtaining approvals. Working with time-entry personnel to resolve issues.
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including filing payroll tax returns and ensure timely payment of payroll taxes.
Post adjusting journal entries and payments related to payroll in the accounting system.
Process payments to life insurance, health insurance, dental insurance, LTD and other benefit vendors.
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual withholding tax reports for payment and reporting.
Prepare monthly benefit journal entries (health, dental, vacation, and other payroll accruals).
Prepare and distribute payroll and other reports to management as needed.
Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll and resolve any discrepancies.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date payroll records and reconciliations, including assisting with audits and providing necessary documentation as required.
Process employee additions, promotions, terminations in collaboration with HR.
Coordinate year-end payroll close activities with Human Resources and IT to include W-2 preparation and submission.
Prepare board level AP reporting for review and approval.
Act as a backup for Accounting Specialist I/II, processing accounts payable invoices and employee expenses.
Other duties as assigned
Assist with preparation and updating of reports as needed.
Review, or assist review of, all travel expense processes.