Accountant-Payroll

Performs payroll and professional accounting functions for the Finance Department. Coordinates accurate and timely biweekly payroll processing, with approximately 50% of the position dedicated to payroll responsibilities. Performs reconciliations, audits financial information, prepares journal entries, supports financial reporting, and provides backup for accounting functions.

This position is critical to the continuity and accuracy of the City’s financial operations. Success requires ownership, initiative, sound judgment, attention to detail, and effective collaboration across departments. The position advances the City’s organizational pillars by delivering exceptional service, building and maintaining strong relationships, and empowering people.

Payroll Administration

• Independently coordinates and processes the City’s biweekly payroll accurately and on time. Payroll processing generally requires approximately 50% each biweekly pay period. 
• Reviews payroll information for completeness, accuracy, appropriate authorization, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and collective bargaining agreements. 
• Reconciles payroll, deductions, benefits, taxes, liabilities, insurance invoices, and related general ledger accounts. 
• Prepares and submits payroll taxes, retirement contributions, garnishments, benefit payments, and other required remittances and reports by established deadlines. 
• Maintains accurate payroll and employee records.
• Completes quarterly and annual payroll reporting, including W-2 processing, tax filings, PERA reporting, and year-end reconciliations. 
• Researches and resolves payroll discrepancies and responds to employee and department questions with accuracy, professionalism, and confidentiality. 

• Prepares and posts journal entries and completes assigned account and general ledger reconciliations. 
• Reviews and audits financial information to identify discrepancies, ensure proper coding, and support accurate financial reporting. 
• Prepares schedules, workpapers, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for the annual audit, financial report, and budget. 
• Collaborates with Finance, Human Resources, and other departments to research issues, exchange information, and improve financial processes. 
• Provides backup support for accounting functions to maintain continuity of operations during absences or periods of increased workload. 
• Performs other accounting, cash-management, reporting, and administrative responsibilities as assigned. 

• Maintains current knowledge of federal and state employment and payroll laws, tax requirements, PERA regulations, City policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable accounting standards. 
• Maintains current payroll knowledge through American Payroll Association resources, training, and other relevant professional development. 
• Protects confidential payroll, employee, and financial information. 
• Documents payroll and accounting procedures and participates in cross-training to support consistent service and effective role coverage. 

• Takes ownership of assigned responsibilities, anticipates needs, follows issues through resolution, and consistently meets required deadlines. 
• Demonstrates initiative by identifying potential concerns, recommending solutions, and improving processes. 
• Builds and maintains effective relationships across departments through responsive communication, collaboration, and shared problem-solving. 
• Delivers exceptional service by providing accurate, timely, and practical assistance to employees and departments. 
• Supports and empowers others by sharing knowledge, providing clear guidance, and contributing to a collaborative team environment. 
• Uses technology and automation appropriately to improve accuracy, efficiency, internal controls, and service delivery.

The characteristics listed below are representative of the physical demands, physical agility, sensory requirements, and environmental exposures required by an individual to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
Employees sit most of the time but may walk or stand for some periods of time.
Sensory requirements include standard vision requirements, ability to express and exchange ideas and ability to hear information at normal spoken word levels.

• MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  •  Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field  or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the role.
  • Two years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, payroll, finance, or a related administrative support function,  including some exposure to payroll processes.
  • Ability to independently manage recurring deadlines, maintain confidentiality, identify and resolve discrepancies, and collaborate effectively with employees and departments.
• PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience with Enterprise ERP
  • Government accounting experience
  • Experience with using GAAP (General Accepted Accounting Principles)
  • Experience with creating journal entries, Accounts Payable, and Accounts Receivable
  • Experience preparing budget estimates and financial reports