Accounting Specialist

SUMMARY The Accounting Specialist III (Payroll) position processes, handles and maintains payroll data and records to substantiate payroll transactions for the City’s 800+ employees. Maintains a working knowledge of governmental accounting related to their duties and a strong knowledge of city policies. Works to actively promote ideas that strengthen and streamline departmental operations. The ideal candidate will have strong attention to detail and accuracy, high standards of quality and personal integrity, be a self‑starter and good at managing deadlines, able to communicate professionally via telephone, email and in person, be proficient in Microsoft Office Programs (Excel, Word), and possess a strong ability to work collaboratively with varying personalities and work styles. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Reporting relationships, work assignments, and work schedules may be subject to change in order to meet City needs or operational requirements. Attendance at work and the ability to get along with the public, supervisors, and co‑workers are essential elements of this position. Other duties may be assigned. Input changes to employee master files from information provided by human resources and employees (for qualifying deductions). Serve as the primary processor of bi‑weekly payroll and special payrolls as needed. Perform all necessary steps in the Payroll software to set up and complete the payroll process. Review records in the City’s time‑keeping software to ensure that all necessary approvals are obtained before transmitting data into the Payroll software for processing. Review wages computed and correct errors accordingly. Issue paychecks. Maintain all information to ensure the City’s time‑keeping software and payroll system are complete and accurate. Schedule federal and state tax payments. Prepare bi‑weekly APERS report. Serve as Administrator for Employee Self‑Service (ESS) and time‑keeping software and respond to employee requests for password resets and other questions. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES None. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE High School Diploma or GED equivalent required; college‑level business classes or degree preferred. 4+ years in a professional office environment with increasing responsibilities; prior payroll experience preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization. Ability to correspond with co‑workers and the public in a professional manner. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. REASONING ABILITY Able to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS None. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr