Payroll Specialist

Position: Payroll Specialist

Terms of Employment: FT (12 months)

FUNCTIONAL PURPOSE:

Under general supervision, performs technical bookkeeping and fiscal-clerical work in the Finance Department. Work involves administration and preparation of employee payroll records. The employee within this position is also responsible for maintaining personnel files related to payroll, leave and retirement programs; and answering inquiries pertaining to payroll programs.

Reports to the Chief Finance Officer.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Computes proper payment according to employees' status (i.e., 10-month, 12-month employee) and shows all statutory and voluntary deductions, special payments, such as retroactive salary adjustments, longevity, annual leave and bonus leave payoffs, and compensation bonus payments, contributions, and special withholdings.
• Processes all classified payroll checks.
• Maintains employee payroll records, including data such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, retirement numbers, employment anniversary, years of state service, deduction information, direct deposit requests, and tax forms, entering data into computer records and updating as necessary, including verifying changes in salaries and employment status as authorized by Human Resources; records 12-month salary option for employees on the school year calendar, as appropriate.
• Maintains accounting of employee sick, personal and annual leave balances, and certifies leave balances for employees transferring employment to other state agencies. Verifies employees' salary and years of employment for financial institutions, as requested. Answers employees' inquiries pertaining to payroll calculations, checks, payroll policies and procedures and related matters.
• Works closely with schools and department heads to ensure accuracy in payment. Reviews all electronic time records of non-exempt employees for accuracy and processes non-exempt employee payroll using the electronic timekeeping system.
• Communicates with school secretaries and/or employees if questions occur. Processes all adjustment cards for all central office employees.
• Ensures that appropriate voluntary deductions are withheld from employee checks. Reconcile voluntary payroll deductions with vendor invoices and remits payments. Reconciles and remits federal and state tax deposits.
• Prepares monthly retirement reports.
• Prepares all required federal and state tax reports.
• Uploads to Social Security Administration and NC Department of Revenue all W-2 forms.
• Submits employee reimbursements.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Generates reports as needed and requested.
• Verifies present and past employment including completion of forms from other State agencies and local agencies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Chief Finance Officer or designee.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Associate’s Degree in Finance or Accounting or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job functions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to utilize software and work with databases; experience preferred
• Ability to multitask, meet pressing deadlines and anticipate needs
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work independently and autonomously
• Ability to meet deadlines and coordinate work with others
• Excellent verbal, written, and in-person communication skills
• Excellent computer skills and superior knowledge of all MS Office Suite programs (Excel skills essential)
• Excellent planning, organization, interpersonal, and customer service skills ? Excellent problem solving, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail
• Ability to adapt and adjust in changing environment

DISCLAIMER

This job description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within the classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees in this job. It is not a contract or guarantee of employment, salary or benefits.

Avery County School System is an equal opportunity employer. Our goal is to provide equal employment opportunities for all employees and prospective employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, or national origin.