Payroll and Accounting Specialist

Job Title: Payroll/Accounting Specialist

Department: Finance

Reports To: Finance Manager

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Safety Sensitive: No

Classification: Full Time; Non-Exempt

Job Level: 3

Driving Status: Yes

Work Environment: The position primarily works in an office environment. Occasional travel to interoffice Township sites.

Summary: This position is responsible for performing a variety of payroll, accounting, financial, and administrative functions to support the Finance Department. Key responsibilities include processing payroll, maintaining payroll and timekeeping systems, and performing related accounting and financial activities. Strong attention to detail, organization, customer service, and payroll knowledge are essential for maintaining accurate payroll records and compliance with Township procedures.

Essential Functions

1. Process biweekly payroll and related payroll activities for Township employees.

2. Review and process payroll transactions, including employee pay changes, deductions, leave payouts, overtime, special pays, and other payroll adjustments.

3. Maintain payroll, timekeeping, and related system configurations, including pay rules, deductions, leave accruals, earnings codes, and other payroll system settings.

4. Research and resolve payroll discrepancies, payroll system issues, and employee payroll inquiries.

5. Coordinate with Human Resources to ensure personnel actions, compensation changes, benefits, leave administration, and other employee transactions are accurately reflected in payroll.

6. Ensure employee compensation, deductions, and wage scales are administered in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements, Township policies, and payroll procedures.

7. Assist Township employees, supervisors, department heads, and Human Resources with payroll questions, payroll procedures, documentation requests, and other payroll-related matters.

8. Process payroll deductions, retirement contributions, deferred compensation, garnishments, and other payroll withholdings.

9. Prepare payroll reports, tax filings, retirement reports, remittances, and other required regulatory reports.

10. Prepare documentation and reports for payroll audits, pension reporting, workers' compensation wage reporting, and other compliance activities.

11. Assist with workforce budgeting, payroll forecasting, and other budget-related activities.

12. Perform assigned accounting, reconciliation, audit support, financial reporting, and other Finance Department functions as assigned.

13. Provide professional customer service and support to Township employees, residents, vendors, and outside agencies by phone, email, and in person.

14. Perform general administrative and office support duties within the Finance Department.

15. Provide backup support and cross-training for other Finance Department functions.

16. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Other Functions

1. Attends training seminars and participates in professional development as needed.

Physical Requirements

1. Able to stand, sit and walk for extended periods of time and intermittently.

2. Dexterity is mandatory as this job requires frequent use of hands and fingers.

3. Ability to complete keyboard entry for extended periods of time.

4. Ability to reach with hands and arms, push items overhead, occasionally stoop, kneel, or crouch.

5. Ability to talk, hear, and see.

6. Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs.

7. Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Knowledge/Skills/Qualities

1. Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet recurring payroll deadlines, and adapt to changing operational needs.

2. Thorough knowledge of payroll administration, payroll processing, payroll reporting, payroll regulations, and payroll system administration.

3. Ability to review payroll transactions, identify errors or discrepancies, and ensure the accuracy, completeness, and confidentiality of payroll records.

4. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and accountability for the accuracy and reliability of payroll and financial data.

5. Ability to interpret and apply Township policies, payroll procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

6. Working knowledge of accounting principles and practices, including reconciliations, financial reporting, and related accounting functions.

7. Ability to communicate professionally and provide effective customer service to Township staff, residents, vendors, and outside agencies.

8. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment and providing backup support for other Finance Department functions.

9. Proficiency in payroll systems, financial software, and Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.

10. Ability to learn and adapt to changing processes, software systems, and departmental operational needs.

Required Education and Experience

Associate's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, human resources, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant payroll experience.

Minimum of 2 years of experience in payroll administration or related payroll functions.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.

Preferred Education and Experience

Experience processing payroll for multiple employee groups with varying pay rules and compensation structures.

Minimum of 5 years of experience in payroll administration or related payroll functions.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

Must possess a valid Pennsylvania driver's license.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.