Payroll Specialist

$42,578 - $58,053/Yr

City Of College Station - College Station, TX

Full-time

College Station, TX

Food and Beverage Retailers

About the position

The Payroll Specialist position at the City of College Station is a full-time role that operates under the general direction of the Payroll Administrator. This position is crucial for the accurate processing of payroll functions, which includes payroll calculations, check preparation, and maintaining related records. The Payroll Specialist is responsible for filing tax and voluntary deduction reports, processing involuntary deductions such as levies and garnishments, and preparing accounting transactions and documents. Additionally, the role involves documenting and updating procedures and preparing special reports for senior management. The Payroll Specialist also provides backup functionality to vendor management, accounts payable, accounts receivable billing, and payment processing. This role requires extensive attention to detail and the exercise of independent judgment, initiative, and discretion based on knowledge of administrative policies and procedures of the Fiscal Services Department and the City. The incumbent will perform daily tasks related to the operation of the City's payroll system and time and attendance system, ensuring the accuracy of payroll information and maintaining confidentiality of employee records. The position also involves reviewing compensation and benefit information entered by the Human Resources Department against pay records, ensuring compliance with City policies, procedures, and regulations. The Payroll Specialist will enter payroll into the system, process various payroll actions, prepare bi-weekly ACH payroll transfer files, and submit all quarterly and year-end reports including tax deposits and W-2s. Furthermore, the role includes responding to employee inquiries regarding payroll, researching regulatory updates, and assisting with the development of payroll policies and procedures. The Payroll Specialist will also participate in Citywide payroll training and assist with the development of training materials.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily tasks related to the operation of the City's payroll system and time and attendance system.
• Review all additions, deletions, and changes in payroll information for accuracy.
• Maintain payroll system including updating and/or adding earnings codes, deduction codes, and cost centers.
• Ensure confidentiality of employee and payroll records.
• Review compensation and benefit information entered by the Human Resources Department against pay records for accuracy.
• Enter payroll into the system and process various payroll actions including IRS wage garnishments and benefits withholding.
• Prepare, balance, and correct payroll reports.
• Prepare bi-weekly ACH payroll transfer file and bank transfer; prepare and check payroll and cash transfer journal entries.
• Prepare and submit all quarterly, fiscal year-end, and calendar year-end reports including tax deposits and W-2s.
• Respond to and resolve employee and department payroll-related inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Research and analyze regulatory updates impacting the payroll system and implement required changes.
• Assist with the development of payroll policies and procedures.
• Maintain unclaimed property check databases and prepare annual reports for the state.
• Participate in Citywide payroll and time and attendance training and assist with the development of training materials/resources.
• Provide general finance support and assistance, including month-end and year-end closing, annual audit assistance, and continuous improvement of accounting services.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• Two (2) years' experience in accounting or finance.
• Three (3) years related customer service, clerical, or function-specific experience.
• Knowledge of computerized financial applications (AP, AR, Payroll).
• Customer service orientation.
• Continuous improvement orientation.
• Teamwork focused.
• Self-starter with a professional attitude.
• Well organized and detail-oriented.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills (written and oral).

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's Degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• Knowledge of municipal management or governmental accounting experience.