Sr. Payroll Operations Accountant

State of Oregon • Salem, OR

2d • $6,834 - $10,076 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Sr. Payroll Operations Accountant is part of Oregon Payroll Statewide Services (OSPS), which is within the Office of the State Controller. OSPS is responsible for providing management and operational control, payroll policy and direction, training, and end-user support for Workday Payroll. The role involves establishing and maintaining accounting procedures and controls for all accounting functions within the Payroll Operations section. The accountant is responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of all payroll tax returns for Federal, State, and local tax entities for the enterprise, as well as filing all required returns and verifying compliance with payroll tax regulations. This position provides assistance to the OSPS Payroll Operations manager, staff accountants, and state agency payroll offices in applying proper accounting theory to procedures, payroll system processes, and system-generated reports.

Requirements

• Possession of a Certified Public Accountant or Certified Government Financial Manager certificate AND three years of accounting experience equivalent to Accountant 2 work; OR A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or in any discipline that includes or is supplemented by 32 quarter (21 semester) credit hours from an accredited institution in Accounting AND three years of accounting experience equivalent to Accountant 2 work; OR 32 quarter (21 semester) credit hours from an accredited institution in Accounting AND five years of related accounting experience.
• Accountant 2 work includes designing and modifying accounting systems that require frequent changes in requirements to meet specific business objectives, consulting with program managers or external organizations, and assuring the proper functioning and accountability of fiscal operations.
• Related accounting experience includes a) classifying, analyzing, and reconciling complex financial data and records; b) designing, recommending, and installing modifications of accounting methods, procedures, forms, and records; c) preparing audited financial statements and reports; d) analyzing and interpreting laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances to ensure the legality of financial transactions; and e) analyzing and interpreting complex accounts and account relationships resulting in accounting entries.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and navigate applicable tax laws, payroll rules, state laws, in each state to determine necessary registration requirements and process.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills to work closely with senior financial management officers to ensure compliance.
• Skill and understanding of advanced accounting theory and ability to analyze and resolve difficult and unusual payroll/accounting and reporting issues, and to prevent, detect, and correct errors.
• Strong attention to detail, ensuring the accuracy of the calculations of all payroll earnings, deductions, taxes and adjustments, as well as that all pertinent tax information has been collected and all payroll tax reporting is provided accurately and timely to all subject tax entities, including amended tax returns as needed.
• Technical knowledge of accounting standards as published by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and other recognized authoritative bodies, as well as knowledge of specific state and federal laws and regulations.
• Possesses an in-depth understanding of the principles of governmental accounting and financial reporting, along with standard system testing techniques and documentation practices.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Applicants who require VISA sponsorship will not be considered at this time.
• Employee will be required to possess and maintain a valid driver’s license issued by the state where the employee resides.
• Finalists will be subject to a computerized criminal history check. Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience with Workday or other HRIS/Payroll software is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain accounting procedures and controls for all accounting functions within the Payroll Operations section.
• Ensure the completeness and accuracy of all payroll tax returns for Federal, State, and local tax entities for the enterprise.
• File all required returns with the appropriate tax entity and verify compliance with payroll tax regulations.
• Provide assistance to the OSPS Payroll Operations manager, staff accountants, and state agency payroll offices in the application of proper accounting theory to all procedures, payroll system processes, and system generated reports.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, vision, and dental plans for you and your family.
• Additional benefits include life insurance, short- and long-term disability, deferred compensation savings plans, and flexible spending accounts for health and childcare.
• Optional benefits including life insurance, disability, FSA, and more
• Generous Paid Time Off: 11 holidays, 3 personal business days, monthly sick leave and vacation leave that increases with years of service.
• Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• Get There - Oregon’s easy-to-use carpool matching tool and trip planner.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: You may qualify for the PSLF program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior