Payroll Accounting Specialist

City Of Moses Lake - Moses Lake, WA

Full-time - Entry Level

Moses Lake, WA

Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities

About the position

The Payroll Accounting Specialist is responsible for managing the payroll and benefits functions of the City of Moses Lake, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws. This role involves processing bi-weekly payroll, maintaining payroll records, coordinating benefits, and preparing various financial reports. The position requires strong accounting skills and frequent interaction with city departments and employees.

Responsibilities

• Process the City's bi-weekly payroll and ensure timely payments to benefit vendors and agencies.
• Monitor payroll-related issues and maintain compliance with changing requirements.
• Enter, verify, and reconcile employee information in the payroll system.
• Coordinate benefits enrollments, terminations, and changes with Human Resources.
• Prepare monthly and annual balancing reports, including 941 quarterly and W-2 reporting.
• Respond to garnishment inquiries and track disbursements for reporting requirements.
• Maintain leave requests and associated accrual files according to City policies.
• Compile payroll statistics and costs as requested.
• Review Personnel Action Forms and make necessary changes in the payroll system.
• Review computed wages, correct errors, and ensure payroll accuracy.
• Run payroll and process checks, direct deposits, or electronic fund transfers.
• Configure payroll software to meet City and state requirements.
• Develop specifications for automated system features and verify functionality.
• Research, test, and evaluate payroll system errors and upgrades.
• Review billings from benefit providers for completeness and compliance.
• Maintain central files and ensure confidentiality of payroll records.
• Provide payroll and benefit information to employees and resolve inquiries.
• Collaborate with Human Resources and Finance to troubleshoot payroll processing issues.
• Compose and edit various correspondence and reports.
• Serve as liaison for payroll-related records management.
• Prepare and process various payroll actions, including retro payments and leave cash-outs.
• Assist in budgeting, financial reporting, and year-end reports.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Accounting preferred.
• Two years of payroll preparation experience required.
• Experience in full-cycle payroll administration with complex integrated payroll/accounting systems.
• Knowledge of internal control procedures and management information systems.
• Ability to operate personal computers using financial and word processing software.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with public sector payroll and reporting requirements.
• Familiarity with Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System (BARS).

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Retirement savings plan (401k)
• Paid holidays
• Flexible scheduling options