Payroll Accountant

JOB TITLE: 

Payroll Accountant

JOB CLASS NUMBER:

PRF346

PAY GRADE:

G15

FLSA STATUS:

Exempt

BUSINESS UNIT NAME:

Finance

REPORTS TO:

Deputy Finance Director

SUPERVISORY WORK:

Supervises

SUMMARY

The Payroll Accountant is responsible jointly with the Payroll Manager, for the production and timely delivery of payroll.  The Payroll Accountant uses an understanding of the City’s in-house payroll system to accurately pay employees in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules and regulations and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).  The Payroll Accountant assures proper tax treatment, accounting, and disposition of withholdings, such as taxes, deductions for benefits, charitable contributions, retirement contributions, other savings, etc.  The Payroll Accountant works closely with the Human Resources department and other departments as well as the Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration, and other receiving proceeds from payroll deductions.  The Payroll Accountant performs special payroll projects and other duties, as assigned. Responsibilities and job assignments are subject to change according to work demands and operational needs.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensures proper payment of wages and salaries by supervising the preparation of each payroll, assuring that the payroll system is correctly processing salaries and reported hours worked, correctly utilizing paid leave and holiday pay, correctly accruing compensatory time, and correctly computing overtime.
• Assures that the payroll system is working as expected and in compliance with federal and state laws, rules, and regulations by establishing controls, monitoring results, and collaborating with Human Resources, Accounting and the IT department to modify and adapt programming, processing methods, and reporting in response to changes in regulations, withholding rates, reporting needs, etc.
• Develops and maintains an official procedure to review payroll variances prior to payroll being completed.
• Assists in generating records of each payroll showing each payee, hours worked, wages paid, associated withholdings for retirement, benefits, and other contributions, and taxes withheld.
• Assists in updating yearly payroll schedule and communicates changes effective with fiscal and calendar year (ex. federal limits on social security and 457 plans, Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) rates, FRRF (Firefighter’s Relief and Retirement Fund) rates, health insurance rates).
• Updates payroll communications to departments when necessary.
• Collaborates with internal personnel to present payroll updates to Timekeepers Users Group and others.
• Supervises the maintenance of payroll records and accounts and manages preparation of journal entries related to payroll in a timely manner.
• Completes and manages the timely completion of all payroll tax reporting requirements to the IRS and other agencies and the issuance of W-2s.  This includes but is not limited to 941 tax payments, Quarterly 941 forms, TWC reporting, etc. 
• Processes payroll from home or remote location due to inclement weather or as part of emergency preparedness.
• Assists in responding to payroll audit requests.
• Identifies and recommends updates to payroll processing software, systems and procedures.
• Develops a competent and efficient Payroll Division staff by assigning and monitoring tasks and preparing employee performance evaluations.
• Develops payroll procedural manual for Workday and other internal procedures.
• Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as required by the Deputy Director of Finance.
• Contributes to the overall success of the Finance Department by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Responsibilities and job assignments are subject to change according to work demands and operational needs.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or a related field is required. Three to five years of progressively responsible in-house payroll processing or payroll tax preparation experience is required. Supervisory experience is preferred. Payroll experience with a major employer is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES. 

• Extensive knowledge of the payroll function including preparation, balancing, internal control, payroll taxes and general ledger entries.
• Knowledge of accounting principles, payroll methods, Department of Labor regulations, and federal and state tax regulations
• Understanding and use of in-house payroll processing systems is required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to meet deadlines under tight time constraints.
• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficient with payroll software.

ADA PROFILE

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is required to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.  The employee must also walk, stand, sit, hear, reach, speak, see, and talk. Also requires the ability to make rational decisions and perform repetitive motions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The employee works in a safe and secure indoor work environment that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands.

REGULAR HOURS OF WORK

Monday-Friday 8am to 5pm. This position may be required to work outside normal shifts including evenings, weekends, and overtime as necessary by the department.

The City of Amarillo is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from eligible and qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.
The City of Amarillo provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case by case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 806-378-4294.