Payroll Specialist

Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority•Cincinnati, OH

30d•Onsite

About The Position

Prepare and process the bi-weekly payroll for operators, mechanics, and administrative employees. This role involves reviewing timekeeping systems, researching payroll issues, inputting tax and direct deposit information, assisting employees with pay-related questions, processing manual checks, and ensuring accurate W-2 reporting. The specialist will also handle sick pay claims, import HSA contributions, and perform general administrative tasks. Additionally, the role requires serving as a backup to other payroll staff, contributing to departmental goals, and modeling excellent customer service in a positive and inclusive work environment, while adhering to safety and security policies.

Requirements

Excellent verbal, writing and non-verbal skills. Clear, concise, and persuasive. Excellent grammar and punctuation
Excellent problem-solving skills and a desire to exceed customer expectations
Accurately identifies and measures own skills and knows when to ask for help in completion of tasks and projects
Energetic, takes initiative on projects, committed to continuous improvement
Accountable, honest, fiscally responsible, with the ability to maximize resources
Associate’s degree (two year college or technical school)
Two to three years related experience
Working knowledge of payroll and timekeeping applications (Paycor, Novatime, or Trapeze application a plus), spreadsheets, email applications, and word processing
Working knowledge of Union Contract clauses relating to Payroll

Nice To Haves

FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification) recommended but not mandatory

Responsibilities

Review information from time keeping systems, bringing concerns to manager attention. Research issues in time and attendance, payroll application, and employee requests
Input and update Federal, State, and Local payroll taxes, direct deposit information, garnishments and child support orders
Assist hourly employees in understanding pay issues (paycheck details, contractual progression, calculations, etc.), and providing ongoing education
Research, prepare, process, and track manual payroll checks. Prepare accountability report of manual checks processed to management
Catch up under-withheld employee deductions through arrearage
Ensure vacation in-lieu is paid correctly according to labor contract and direct deposit requirements
Assist in the assurance of correct W-2 reporting, including but not limited to HSA, healthcare, and ACA reporting requirements
Provide information for OPERS (Ohio Public Employees Retirement System) reports
Process claims for sick pay; calculate sick pay due and maintain sick pay eligibility records.
Prepare bi-weekly sick accrual files for import
Import employee and employer HSA contribution files to vendor’s portal. Track and reconcile for W-2 reporting
Perform general administration and miscellaneous tasks including but not limited to answering phones, copying, and filing
Serve as a backup to other payroll specialists and payroll manager
Assist in the development of strategies to meet or exceed organizational and department performance goals and objectives
Model exemplary internal and external customer service
Provide a positive work environment that does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran
Ability to work in compliance with Metro's safety and security policies
Other duties as assigned