Payroll Analyst

Payroll Analyst

The city of Las Vegas invites applications for Payroll Analyst within the Finance Department. This position under general direction, performs a variety of complex payroll and accounting functions including financial reconciliations, audits, payroll system testing, analyzing complex pay policies and bargaining agreements, and general processing to ensure an accurate and timely payroll.

Ideal candidate is an experienced, analytical, and solutions-oriented professional with a strong background in payroll processing, payroll reporting, and tax compliance, preferably in an organization utilizing Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS). The successful candidate will be highly proficient in Microsoft Excel and able to audit, balance, reconcile, and analyze payroll data, reports, invoices, bills, pension and statistical reporting, and general ledger activity, including identifying discrepancies and making appropriate adjustments or journal entries. This position requires the ability to understand and apply complex requirements related to federal and state tax regulations, wage garnishments, FLSA, PERS, personnel rules, Collective Bargaining Agreements, and memoranda of understanding. The ideal candidate will also be a strong problem solver and critical thinker who enjoys researching issues, identifying root causes, and developing effective solutions.

This position works closely with IT in the development, testing, implementation, and troubleshooting of payroll-related system changes, software patches, and requests, and works collaboratively with Position Management and PERS reporting to ensure the accuracy and integrity of payroll and employee data. SQL or VBA experience is a plus. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, resourceful, adaptable, and able to learn new systems, processes, and requirements quickly, while also being comfortable working independently and documenting solutions and processes. A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in payroll processing and payroll records/reporting is desirable, with experience in an Oracle EBS environment preferred.

Receives direction from the Payroll Section Manager and Financial Data and Payroll Manager. The selection process will include a review of all applications to identify the most qualified candidates, who will be invited to participate in a hiring interview. Any individual offered employment must successfully complete a pre employment drug test and all required background checks for the position.

Audits, balances and prepares a variety of payroll related reports/reconciliations, including quarterly and annual federal reports; monitors bank activity. Reconciles reports, bills, and invoices to payroll report and the general ledger, and makes any needed adjustments and journal entries. Answers payroll related questions from city employees, timekeepers, and time managers and provides guidance; researches and resolves payroll issues, explains city payroll policies and procedures; ensures conformance with contracts, policies, regulations and laws. Prepares and maintains a variety of statistical data and records. Performs fiscal and calendar year-end processes and prepares related reports. Participates in the preparation of the city's payroll for all employees; assists in the computing and processing of payroll adjustments. Reviews and verifies work of Payroll Specialist on specific tasks. Uses the city's Enterprise Resource Planning Software, documentation and other resources to research issues and identify problems concerning the calculation and recording of salaries, benefits, and other provisions of employment. Coordinates and performs thorough parallel testing of system upgrades/updates to ensure proper functionality prior to release for city utilization. Ability to read, understand and apply information within legal documents related to payroll including tax regulations, FLSA, PERS, personnel rules, Collective Bargaining Agreements, and memorandum of understanding. Works with both city staff and outside consultants on new system requirements as well as identifying cause(s) of issues and resolving. Trains users on software, system access and processes, and data integrity. May assist in maintaining position control and staffing levels. May assist in the preparation and reconciliation of Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) monthly reports, including researching and adjusting discrepancies. Assists in the development and processing of staffing budget.

Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Three (3) years of experience preparing and processing payroll records and reports for an agency or organization, preferably utilizing Oracle E-Business Systems. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in accounting, finance, business administration, computer science, information systems or a field related to the essential functions. A combination of formal education and directly related work experience may substitute for the degree. The city assesses 1.5 years of fulltime experience as equivalent to one year of education.

Knowledge of federal and state regulations concerning payroll practices and issues Payroll best methods and practices. Personnel administration. HRIS/Payroll software. Business software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. Advanced skills in Excel including formulas, VLookup, and macros. Budget Staffing/Budget Planning. Modern office practices and procedures. Ability to perform accurate mathematical calculations and financial reconciliations. Review data to verify the accuracy and completeness of payroll records and reports. Identify and resolve errors and discrepancies found in payroll records and reports. Understand and become familiar with the city's personnel and payroll processes, salary & benefits structure and collective bargaining agreements. Analyze, decipher, interpret, and understand the HRIS/Payroll software program. Research and troubleshoot programmatic issue and problems. Devise, apply, and test adjustments, corrections and improvements to the application. Recognize and anticipate the effects of changes in one area on a variety of other fields within the system. Develop and maintain appropriate documentation. Interpret legal documents, collective bargaining agreements and federal and state payroll guidelines and regulations. Work well both independently and as part of a team. Operate with discretion while performing duties which involve confidential data and access to decision-making processes. Communicate clearly and concisely verbally and in writing; use correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.