Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, perform a variety of specialized and complex payroll accounting duties to pay employees accurately and timely; prepare and maintain a variety of automated and manual records and reports related to the payroll function; provide consultation concerning payroll processes, policies and procedures. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Perform a variety of specialized and complex duties in the preparation of payroll for employees; receive and audit time reports; process and evaluate the accuracy of a variety of payroll-related forms and applications Process and verify input into an assigned computer system, daily, hourly, per diem, extra duty, substitute, overtime, stipends, and higher duty employee time sheet and pay information including deductions; generate computerized lists and reports accurately; process data accurately; calculate and input salary adjustments, coding, time vouchers and overtime pay as needed; verify proper authorizing signatures, coding, calculations and accuracy of payroll adjustments Establish and maintain detailed automated permanent records regarding personnel; process new hire, rehire, retirement and termination paperwork; input and update a variety of data including pay rates/salary schedule information, tax status, deductions, salaried FTE changes, changes in classification and other employee information Provide consultation concerning payroll processes, policies and procedures; respond to inquiries, resolve issues and conflicts and provide technical information concerning calculations, pay rates, taxes, wage garnishments, and leaves; provide documentation, forms or applications to employees as needed Receive, sort and distribute paychecks and warrants according to established procedures and guidelines; process special payroll transactions such as corrections, awards, professional growth, longevity, shift differentials, bonuses, replacements, final checks and retro-pay as appropriate Compile information and prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports related to employee information, time sheets, pay rates, salary adjustments, voluntary pay deductions/changes, disability, workers compensation, payroll data, and submit payroll reports to appropriate personnel for processing Process and apply payroll changes relative to bargaining unit contracts, PERS, STRS, County, State, IRS, and Social Security rules and regulations Prepare and process a variety of required tax forms accurately and as assigned; perform periodic tax procedures and related payroll reconciliation functions; prepare and distribute mandated tax reports; compile and verify related employee information Research and provide current and past payroll information in response to employee inquiries, subpoenas, workers compensation claims, and inquiries from State and County agencies according to established guidelines; provide employment and wage verification for court orders from County and State agencies Operate a variety of office equipment including a calculator, copier, fax machine, printer, sealing machine, computer and assigned software OTHER DUTIES: Perform related duties as assigned KNOWLEDGE OF: Advanced principles and techniques involved in payroll preparation and processing Tax withholding, voluntary deductions, garnishments and supplemental insurance Preparation, maintenance, verification and processing of payroll records and reports Generally accepted accounting principles, practices and procedures Preparation, review and control of assigned accounts Organizational payroll policies and objectives Financial and statistical record-keeping techniques Preparation of financial statements and comprehensive payroll accounting reports Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures Principles and practices of data processing Modern office practices, procedures and equipment Technical aspects of field of specialty Operation of a computer and assigned software Oral and written communication skills Interpersonal skills including tact, patience and courtesy Arithmetic computations ABILITY TO: Perform a variety of specialized and complex payroll and accounting duties in the preparation of payroll for certificated, classified and/or hourly personnel Pay employees accurately and timely according to established processes and timelines Prepare and maintain a variety of automated and manual records and reports Interpret, apply and explain laws, rules and regulations related to payroll activities Provide consultation concerning payroll processes, policies and procedures Process payroll and related records for payrolls Monitor, audit, adjust and reconcile payroll data Identify, investigate and resolve financial errors and discrepancies Reconcile and balance assigned payroll accounts Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer and assigned software Compare numbers and detect errors efficiently Operate standard office equipment including a computer and assigned software Communicate effectively both orally and in writing Assemble, organize and prepare data for records and reports Work confidentially with discretion Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others Meet schedules and time lines Make arithmetic computations with speed and accuracy EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school supplemented by college-level course in accounting or related field and three years clerical accounting experience including two years involving payroll processing WORKING CONDITIONS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: ENVIRONMENT: Office environment Constant interruptions Contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard Seeing to read a variety of materials Hearing and speaking to exchange information Sitting for extended periods of time