Payroll & Accounting Specialist

Performs a variety of professional and technical accounting, payroll, benefits administration, and financial support functions for the City. Responsible for accurately processing employee payroll and maintaining payroll records; administering employee benefit programs; assisting with accounts payable and general ledger functions; preparing financial reports and reconciliations; and providing responsive customer service to employees, department heads, vendors, and the public. The position requires a high degree of accuracy, confidentiality, organization, and discretion due to the nature of payroll, personnel, and financial information handled. Excellent benefit package including Wisconsin State Retirement, paid Vacation and Sick time, 11 paid Holidays and generous Health Insurance benefits. Years of Service at WRS agencies will be credited to the Vacation schedule. Starting wage $25.00-$27.00 DOQ Payroll Administration Processes the City's biweekly payroll in an accurate and timely manner. Reviews employee time records, leave usage, overtime, compensatory time, call-in pay, stipends, allowances, and other payroll-related information. Verifies payroll information submitted by department supervisors and resolves discrepancies. Calculates and processes payroll deductions, including taxes, retirement contributions, insurance premiums, deferred compensation, garnishments, and other authorized deductions. Maintains accurate payroll records and employee payroll files. Prepares payroll reports, registers, journal entries, and related documentation. Processes payroll tax filings and payments and assists with year-end payroll reporting, including W-2s and other required forms. Assists with implementation and maintenance of the City's timekeeping and payroll systems. Responds to employee questions regarding pay, deductions, leave balances, and payroll procedures. Employee Benefits Administration Administers the City's employee benefit programs in accordance with City policies, applicable collective bargaining agreements and state and federal requirements. Coordinates employee enrollment, changes, and termination of health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, deferred compensation, and other benefit programs. Conducts and coordinates annual open enrollment activities. Maintains accurate employee benefit records and verifies eligibility and coverage. Serves as a liaison between employees, insurance providers, retirement systems, and benefit administrators. Assists employees with benefit questions and directs complex issues to appropriate providers or City personnel. Coordinates required notices, forms, and benefit-related communications. Assists with reconciliation and payment of employee benefit invoices. Accounts Payable Reviews invoices for accuracy, proper authorization, appropriate account coding, and compliance with City policies. Verifies supporting documentation and obtains necessary approvals. Assists with processing vendor payments and maintaining vendor records. Responds to vendor inquiries regarding invoices and payments. Accounting and Financial Administration Assists with maintaining the City's general ledger and accounting records. Prepares and posts routine accounting entries. Assists with monthly and year-end financial closing procedures. Prepares financial schedules, reports, spreadsheets, and supporting documentation. Assists with audit preparation and responds to requests for financial documentation. Assists with monitoring departmental expenditures and budget balances. Reviews transactions for proper account classification and supporting documentation. Maintains organized and accurate financial records in accordance with applicable retention requirements. Recordkeeping and Compliance Maintains confidential personnel, payroll, benefits, and financial records. Ensures records are maintained in accordance with City policies and applicable laws and regulations. Assists with required state and federal reports, filings, and financial documentation. Maintains appropriate documentation for audits and financial reviews. Protects confidential employee and financial information and exercises sound judgment regarding disclosure of information. Administrative Support Assists with financial and personnel-related projects. Prepares correspondence, spreadsheets, reports, and other documents. Assists with developing and maintaining financial procedures and internal controls. Assists with annual budget preparation and monitoring as assigned. Assists with special projects involving payroll, benefits, accounting, purchasing, or financial administration. Provides backup support for other administrative and finance functions as needed. Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Associate degree in accounting, finance, business administration, human resources, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in payroll, accounting, finance, human resources, or municipal administration. Two years of experience in payroll, accounting, benefits administration, or a related field is preferred. Experience with the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) and/or Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) programs is preferred. Previous municipal government experience is preferred but not required. Experience with payroll and accounting software is preferred. Must be bondable. Thorough knowledge of payroll processing, accounting principles, and financial recordkeeping practices. Working knowledge of employee benefit programs, payroll-related requirements, and applicable state and federal regulations. Working knowledge of the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), including employee participation, retirement contributions, benefit eligibility, and related payroll requirements. Working knowledge of Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) programs and employee benefits, including the ability to assist employees with WRS and ETF-related questions and enrollment or benefit processes. Knowledge of accounts payable, general ledger, and reconciliation procedures. Ability to accurately perform mathematical calculations and reconcile financial records. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding employee, payroll, personnel, benefits, and financial information. Strong attention to detail and ability to identify errors or discrepancies. Ability to organize and prioritize multiple assignments and meet established deadlines. Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word. Ability to learn and effectively utilize the City's payroll, accounting, and financial management software. Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with employees, supervisors, vendors, elected officials, and the public. Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment regarding financial and personnel matters. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, department heads, vendors, auditors, financial institutions, benefit providers, and the public. #J-18808-Ljbffr