Payroll Specialist

Performs accounting and paraprofessional work in the County Finance Department relating to payroll and other financial duties.  An employee in this class is responsible for administration and preparation of employee payroll records and related payments and withholdings, and processing the County payroll.  Employee is also responsible for posting payroll, payroll disbursements, and other payroll-related entries to the general ledger. Considerable independent judgment, initiative, and attention to detail are required to ensure accuracy of various figures and data. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Payroll Manager.

• Reviews timesheets, enters hours worked and leave taken into computer payroll system; generates and processes payroll direct deposit on a bi-weekly basis; and submits payroll tax payments through the use of EFTPS.  
• Uploads retirement withholdings and completes monthly retirement reports through the State ORBIT system.  
• Balances voluntary payroll deductions, such as insurance, flexible spending and supplemental insurance, garnishments, 401(k), etc. and disburses to the proper agencies.  
• Reconciles insurance invoices (health, dental, life, disability, etc.) to payroll deduction records on a monthly basis.
• Posts payroll, payroll disbursements, and other payroll-related journal entries to the general ledger.  
• Updates the payroll system with current information on all employees.
• Assists with the preparation of quarterly federal and state payroll reports.  
• Assists with the preparation of annual W-2 tax statements for all County employees and reconciles these totals to year-to-date payroll information.  
• Maintains confidentiality of all confidential documents and/or information.
• Performs other related work as required.

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws governing payroll administration. Considerable knowledge of employee benefit programs and federal and state laws governing Section 125 benefits.  
• Knowledge of accounting practices used in the finance office, including double-entry bookkeeping procedures. 
• Ability to work independently and without constant supervision in all areas of job duties.  
• Knowledge of office administrative practices and techniques, including use of computer for word processing, spreadsheet applications, data retention and retrieval, and other office practices.
• Knowledge of the organization, structure, functions, and programs of county government.
• Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records and reports.
• Ability to establish priorities for the completion of work in accordance with required deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively with other employees, department heads, and management, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge and ability to use correct grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and perform basic math skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, department heads, management, and the general public.
• Ability to use 10-key calculating machine, Microsoft Office, and computerized accounting software for the maintenance of payroll records.
• Willingness to attend various training seminars in order to stay current with federal and state payroll requirements.

• Associate’s Degree in business administration, accounting, office management or related area with at least two years of experience in administrative office duties that include one year in participation of payroll-related activities. or 
• High school diploma or GED and three years of experience in administrative office duties and one year of experience in participation of payroll-related activities. 
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.  
• Possess a valid NC driver’s license.

Salary : $42,410 - $59,924