Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant – Accounting And Payroll Operations

Office: Treasurer's Office

Reports To: Assistant Treasurer

Salary Range: $65,000 – $85,000

Position Summary

The Senior Accountant plays a vital cross-functional role in the Treasurer's Office by overseeing the District's financial accounting operations and providing direct support for payroll-related financial activities. This position is responsible for receiving and disbursing funds, maintaining internal controls, managing both accounting and payroll tax processes, and ensuring regulatory compliance with financial reporting and retirement systems. This position supports strategic efficiency by absorbing payroll compliance and reporting tasks to allow the Executive Director of Payroll to focus on broader operational goals.

Essential Responsibilities

• Accounting Operations
• Establish and maintain internal controls to ensure compliance with applicable statutes, policies, and procedures.
• Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to state and federal agencies.
• Train central office and building administrators in financial systems and policies.
• Payroll Financial Support & Compliance
• Monitor, process, and submit payroll-related payments including: federal, state, and local payroll taxes; STRS/SERS retirement contributions; insurance withholdings and direct deposits.
• Maintain payroll-related internal controls and ensure timely disbursements.
• Assist in payroll data analysis and reconciliation of payroll accounts within the financial management system.
• Submit payroll reports and payments to applicable agencies as required by law.
• Read and interpret tax regulations, plan documents, labor agreements, and policies as they relate to payroll.
• Collaborate with Payroll and HR departments to resolve discrepancies and support cross-departmental integration.
• Systems, Policy, and Compliance
• Operate and maintain the financial management system (Business Plus or similar).
• Participate in the development and implementation of financial and payroll-related policies and procedures.
• Assist with audit preparation and provide documentation related to both accounting and payroll processes.
• Analyze data to support strategic financial decisions and ensure accuracy and integrity of system outputs.
• Work collaboratively with internal departments and external agencies to troubleshoot and resolve issues.

Qualifications

Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively communicate, orally and in written form, with District staff, internal and external stakeholders, and others in the exchange of information. Computer skills necessary to effectively manage and operate the District's payroll/human resource management software applications. Analytical ability and mathematical aptitude to perform a variety of payroll/benefit tasks and resolve discrepancies as necessary. Ability to prioritize, provide guidance, training and review of the work of assigned staff. Capability to mentally handle pressure related to meeting deadlines and working on tasks requiring accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to interpret and implement tax regulations and plan documents. Thorough knowledge of those activities associated with statistical record and confidential record keeping. Advanced knowledge in Microsoft office (Excel, word and P/point) Excellent data collection and report writing skills. Effective management, organizational and communication skills. High level of accuracy and attention to detail