Payroll Accountant

ABOUT THE ROLE

CSET is seeking an experienced, service-oriented, dedicated, and responsive individual to join our team in the Payroll unit of the Finance Department as a Payroll Accountant. The selected incumbent should possess strong leadership skills and the interest, drive, and ability to operate efficiently within a very fast-paced, complex environment.

The Payroll Accountant performs a variety of advanced professional and confidential accounting work under limited direction to carry out complex, confidential accounting and auditing assignments. The incumbent leads and participates in the preparation of a variety of accounting reports and assists in the preparation, organization, and management of CSET's centralized bi-weekly payroll.

Salary Range: $25.76/hr to $35.11/hr

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Maintain payroll information by collecting, calculating, and entering data
• Verify timekeeping information for all staff and participants
• Print and issue paychecks and direct deposits
• Update payroll records by entering changes in iSolved
• Prepare reports by compiling summaries of earnings, taxes, deductions, leave, disability, and non-taxable wages
• Determine payroll liabilities by calculating employee federal and state income and Social Security taxes, and employer Social Security, unemployment, and workers' compensation assessments
• Resolve payroll discrepancies by investigating, collecting, and analyzing information
• Provide payroll information by addressing inquiries and requests
• Maintain payroll operations by following established policies and procedures and federal and state laws, regulations, and rules
• Maintain employee confidence and protect payroll operations by keeping information confidential
• Maintain and process wage garnishments
• Prepare and submit various payroll information and reports to the Director of Finance – Controller
• Prepare payroll-related journal entries and adjustments
• Analyze and prepare bi-weekly retirement contributions for upload to the retirement portal
• Prepare retirement contribution adjustment journal entries, as needed
• Analyze, prepare, and upload monthly workers' compensation premiums to the workers' comp portal
• Track, prepare, and upload escheat checks for accounts payable and payroll bank accounts
• Serve as a backup in other areas of the Finance department as needed, such as accounts payable

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not supervise.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Advanced computer skills and familiarity with various office equipment
• Ability to maintain priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to learn quickly; highly organized
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with co-workers and members of the public

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Two years of related experience preferred, or a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Business with an emphasis in Accounting.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Uphold agency principles and practices to the utmost degree of integrity
• Represent the agency in a positive and professional manner
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state payroll legislation, policies, and regulations
• Ability to maintain a fast-paced work schedule
• Extremely detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret financial reports and documents
• Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, customers, and staff
• Ability to comprehend and apply accounting principles and practices
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Excellent computer skills, including accounting software programs and MS Office (especially Word and Excel)

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Possession of a valid California driver's license and proof of auto insurance is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position is typically situated in a standard office environment, resulting in little exposure to the weather and requiring no unusual physical abilities. Positions may be required to sit for lengthy periods of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COMPENSATION

Pay Range: $25.76 – $28.56 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience. This position is classified as Non-Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with California and federal law.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

CSET is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

CSET complies with the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Fair Chance Act. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants and employees with disabilities upon request.