Payroll Accountant

Responsible for the accurate and timely management of University accounting records, including but not limited to journal entry recording and maintenance/reconciliation of general ledger accounts.  Position is responsible for bi-weekly payroll processing operations.  Will collaborate regularly with the Human Resources Department. Provides leadership within the department, has frequent contact with units and assures accuracy and timeliness of accounting records. Routinely interacts with staff, faculty, students, parents, as well as individuals external to the University environment seeking assistance.

Essential Functions:

• Establish and maintain accounting records for assigned accounts, including recording of journal entries and account maintenance/reconciliation, in a timely and efficient manner.
• Reconcile assigned accounts monthly.  Resolve any account discrepancies promptly.  Assure the timeliness and integrity of all data and information.
• Monitor accounts to identify issues with expenditure obligations of the University, or a specific unit or funding agency/group, and make recommendations based on account review findings.
• Assist in the preparation of financial information/statements/reports for specified periods. Prepare month-end reports, calculations, and reconciliations for payroll/benefit related accounts.
• Administer bi-weekly payroll operations, including processing of payrolls on the PAYCOM platform, with a high degree of confidentiality.  Payroll processing includes monitoring system updates, payroll preparation, payroll processing, coordination with key payroll contributors, and preparation for the next payroll cycle.
• Maintain regular interaction and responsibility with others concerning payroll related questions.  Serve as the primary payroll contact with PAYCOM.  Understand and administer payroll as a part of the overall HRIS system.  Stay abreast of available payroll system updates and attend training updates to maintain currency with systems.  Work closely with the University Human Resources Department in carrying out these duties.  Provide cross-training as needed.
• Maintain standard payroll procedures, understand and work within the requirements and variables of payroll processing as a part of employee relations/services.  Refer employee benefit offering questions to Human Resources. 
• Apply basic principles of accounting to analyze accounts and operations to assure compliance with proper accounting procedures, applicable laws and regulations, in assigned area of responsibility.
• Provide assistance to departments and individuals in interpreting reports, accounting procedures, controls and in resolving associated problems.
• Prepare special reports and analyses as requested.
• Analyze and monitor financial systems of the department, as requested, and recommend improvements.
• Responsible for daily operational support to other departmental positions to assure duties are completed accurately and effectively and clients are served with superior customer service.  Work with others in the department to understand the integrated view of the accounting support function and assist others as needed in times of uneven workload.  Cross train with other departmental positions to assure coverage of the department in the absence of others.
• Provide assigned support to the annual financial audit process by providing schedules, information and support to the external auditors under the direction of the Controller.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field, or substantial equivalent experience required. Master’s degree preferred.

Required Experience: Three to Five years (minimum) progressively responsible experience in accounting required.

Additional Eligibility Requirements:

• Ability to think critically and provide options for sound solutions
• Ability to manage complex tasks
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills.
• Thorough understanding of laws which govern accounting practices.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Team, and other enterprise accounting and database systems.

Working Conditions:
(Physical attributes required to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation - examples: sitting, lifting, bending, driving, environmental factors or elements, noise level, stairs in a building, or other factors that will affect working conditions)

• Prolonged periods of sitting must be able to lift 5-15 pounds at times.  Office building requires daily use of stairs.

Travel Requirements: 

• If travel is required, list type and approximate percentage: None
• Responsible for driving students and University vehicles as part of job duties: No

Standard University Expectations:

• Be mindful and supportive of the Mission of Ottawa University
• Understand and follow the University’s policies and procedures and exercise good judgment accordingly. Assure that University and student information is managed in a confidential and ethical manner in accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct and Ethics.
• Manage your staff in accordance with University personnel policies. Encourage collaboration among the staff, provide regular evaluation and feedback, and facilitate developmental opportunities.
• Model and encourage collaboration among University offices and campuses assuring effective communication and operations.
• Provide leadership through conduct, attitude, and professionalism. Represent the University to students, external groups, faculty, and staff in a way that reflects positively on the University.
• Exercise inclusivity in your daily actions in accordance with the University’s Mission Statement, Statement of Spiritual Identity, and Statement of Inclusion, Openness, and Community.

Our University

Ottawa University “prepares professional and liberal arts graduates for lifetimes of personal significance, vocational fulfillment, and service to God and humanity” from residential campuses in Ottawa, Kansas (established 1865) and Surprise, Arizona (established 2017) and from professional and online campuses in Kansas City, Phoenix, and Milwaukee.

Ottawa University is a regionally accredited, church-related, student-centered, private comprehensive university that strives to integrate faith, learning, and life in the academic experiences of students.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Ottawa University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate in recruitment or employment on the basis of race, age, sex, color, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.