Payroll Technician

Navajo Technical University•Crownpoint, NM

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll Technician computes and enters hours worked, overtime, deductions, paid time off, status changes, and other payroll data into a computerized payroll system to support accurate payroll preparation. The role reviews and processes timekeeping records and personnel forms, verifies and corrects payroll data, resolves payroll questions and discrepancies, and prepares payroll reports and related financial information. It also handles electronic fund transfers, employee deductions, tax compliance, year-end reporting, benefit-related payroll records, and communications with employees, departments, and government agencies. The position supervises a Payroll Assistant and requires strict confidentiality of financial records. Work is generally performed in an office setting, where tight deadlines and multiple demands are common; evening or weekend work, extended hours, and irregular shifts may be required.

Requirements

Associate degree in Accounting or a related field.
Four years of accounting and payroll experience.
Valid state driver's license.
Must pass a background check and have no prior felony convictions.
Knowledge of accounting procedures and financial systems.
Knowledge of payroll practices, policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
Knowledge of business English, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic arithmetic.
Ability to operate word-processing, spreadsheet, payroll, and database software in a Windows environment, specifically Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals from varying social and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to analyze situations and select appropriate courses of action.
Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with coworkers at all levels.
Ability to work independently and meet strict deadlines.
Ability to interpret applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, and requirements.
Ability to be highly organized, maintain confidentiality, prepare routine administrative paperwork, and sort, check, count, and verify numbers.
Ability to analyze and solve problems.
Ability to communicate effectively in Navajo and English.
Ability to work as a team member in a structured working environment.
Ability to sit for prolonged periods, walk, use hands for dexterity and repetitive movements, and occasionally lift or move up to 15 pounds; normal auditory and visual acuity and verbal communication skills are required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

Receive timekeeping records from departments and review and process them for payroll.
Compile and analyze payroll data, make recommendations or determinations, and prepare reports.
Coordinate with departments to verify attendance and resolve discrepancies in hours worked or missing signatures.
Receive and process personnel forms for paid time off, leaves of absence, transfers, status changes, new hires, and separations.
Review payroll reports for accuracy and make corrections or adjustments through journal entries or other established procedures.
Research and resolve payroll issues, including difficult or technical questions from employees, staff, faculty, and outside agency representatives.
Calculate and process deductions such as taxes, child support, garnishments, student loans, and other deductions.
Prepare direct-deposit information, payroll fund transfers, and electronic transfers for federal and state tax payments; verify that transfer files arrive as requested.
Assist with check requests for wage garnishments, state payroll taxes, and other miscellaneous deductions.
Maintain accurate payroll records and file supporting documentation.
Coordinate with federal and state agencies on employee compensation and deductions.
Prepare reports, audit information, income verifications, and year-end financial data for W-2s and other financial reports.
Respond to employee questions and concerns about payroll.
Prepare accurate quarterly Workers' Compensation reports for the Navajo Nation and ensure timely payments; prepare Labor Department monthly and annual reports.
Coordinate biweekly reporting and payments with Nationwide/Legacy Benefits and coordinate retirement true-up reporting and payment at year-end, including posting the final amount.
Monitor tax law changes and ensure payroll complies with applicable state and federal requirements; send iSolved current Workers' Compensation and Arizona/New Mexico unemployment rates.
Review payroll reports to confirm updated rates and other changes are reflected.
Calculate and process final payments for separated faculty who leave before their contract end date.
Maintain insurance plans for full-time employees.
Review payroll entries generated in iSolved before posting them to the accounting software.
Ensure biweekly payroll is issued on time.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervise the Payroll Assistant.