Payroll Specialist

City of College Station•College Station, TX

14d

About The Position

Under general direction of the Payroll Administrator, the Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate processing of the payroll function, including payroll calculations, check preparation, maintaining related records, filing tax and voluntary deduction reports, processing involuntary deductions such as levies and garnishments, preparing accounting transactions and documents, documenting and updating procedures and preparing special reports for senior management. The Accounting Operations Specialist also supplies backup functionality to vendor management and accounts payable, accounts receivable billing, and payment processing. This role involves contact with personnel within and outside of Fiscal Services and requires extensive attention to detail, the exercise of independent judgment, initiative, and discretion based on knowledge of administrative policies and procedures of the Fiscal Services Department and the City.

Requirements

Associate's Degree in accounting, finance or related field, and two (2) years’ experience in accounting or finance with three (3) years related customer service, clerical, or function-specific experience or, an equivalent combination of education and experience
Knowledge of computerized financial applications AP, AR, Payroll knowledge
Customer Service
Continuous improvement orientation
Teamwork focused
Self-starter
Professional attitude
Well organized
Detail oriented
Problem solving skills
Communication skills (written and oral)

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance or related field
Knowledge of municipal management or governmental accounting experience

Responsibilities

Perform daily tasks related to the operation of the City’s payroll system and time and attendance system; review all additions, deletions and changes in payroll information for accuracy; maintain payroll system to include, but not limited to, updating and/or adding earnings codes, deduction codes, cost centers, etc; and ensure confidentiality of employee and payroll records.
Review compensation and benefit information entered by the Human Resources Department against pay records to ensure accuracy and set year-end deadlines for HR and Payroll functions.
Receive and review payroll records ensuring compliance with City policies, procedures, and regulations; enter payroll into system; process, calculate, and post a variety of payroll actions including IRS wage garnishments, child support checks, benefits withholding, overtime hours, and worker’s compensation claims; prepare, balance and correct payroll reports.
Prepare bi-weekly ACH payroll transfer file and bank transfer; prepare and check payroll and cash transfer journal entries.
Prepare monthly reports and check request as needed.
Prepare and submit all quarterly, fiscal year end and calendar year end reports including tax deposits, 941 quarterly filings, TMRS contributions, W-2's and year-end reports.
Respond to and resolve employee and department payroll-related inquiries in a timely, effective, and professional manner while communicating effectively and courteously with employees, management, and vendors.
Research and analyze regulatory updates and other information impacting the payroll system and implements required changes to system; assist with development of payroll policies and procedures.
Maintain unclaimed property check databases; prepare annual report and submit to the state; research returned unclaimed checks for correct address.
Participate in Citywide payroll and time and attendance training and assist with the development of training materials/resources.
Perform a variety of accounting operations support of the City’s accounting system to include but not limited to vendor setup and maintenance including 1099 processing, auditing voucher packets, processing void/stop payments, acting as purchasing receiver, maintaining accounts receivable customer files and processing billings, processing daily cash receipts.
Provide general finance support and assistance, to include, but not limited to assisting with all aspects of month-end and year-end closing, including reviewing operational reports and reviewing and preparing entries; assisting with the annual audit; and working with staff and other employees on the continuous improvement of accounting services ensuring consistent integration of the accounting system and utilizing in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Perform other duties as assigned.