Payroll Specialist

GENERAL DEFINITION

This position is responsible for the preparation, compliance (tax; payroll changes and FLSA) and maintenance of fiscal and related federal and state payroll records. Collaborates with the School System regarding payroll, timing and tax updates. Reviews the input of administration of personnel records to include pay, employee changes, and all fringe benefits in the Munis Finance/Payroll System. Prepares monthly payrolls and/or special payrolls as required. Reviews/approves all input/time/leave records and accrual benefits; reviews and approves personnel action changes. Ensures that payment to vendors matches the reconciliation and verifies check output with deductions from the Munis System. Prepares additional checks as required for reconciliation. This position involves detailed research, analysis, and operations in a variety of financial and personnel areas. Work is performed according to the policies of the County and management objectives of the Director of Finance. Responsible for the implementation of the payroll function and corresponding reports for the Munis Finance/Payroll/HR system. The work requires considerable initiative and independent judgment. Assists with the finance and budget processes as requested. Serves as a backup to the Human Resources Department for various employee requests and/or needs as required. Provides critical advice and support to the Assistant Director of Finance in management of the Payroll Division.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of Finance. This employee serves as a back-up to the Human Resources Department position for clerical compensation, benefits, employee relations, job codes, and Workers Compensation.

TYPICAL TASKS

• Administers the activities relating to the County payroll function, including developing, implementing and monitoring internal audit and control procedures to ensure that all wages and taxes are accurate.
• Responsible for gathering and organizing timesheets, preparing and processing documentation, updating databases, preparing and processing invoices, and maintaining records of all transactions.
• Presents a positive and professional message to employees as well as external customers using experience and professional knowledge to support others.
• Implement and maintain payroll best practices to improve efficiency and consult with human resources team to improve processes.
• Respond to all unemployment claims in a timely manner.
• Fulfills all governmental regulatory mandates and ensures filings are performed as required.
• Prepares statistical summaries and reports involving payroll information.
• Maintain accurate information concerning stop payments and manually written payroll checks for auditing purposes.
• Respond to and assist employees with questions related to their specific payroll and benefits.
• Assist all active and retired employees in County payroll matters.
• Responsible for implementation and processing of all monthly payrolls, related fringe benefits, and leave accounting functions for County departments, ancillary departments, Constitutional Offices, and Social Services.
• Maintain paperwork and verification records for previous employees to include paid wages, employment dates and retirement contributions.
• Runs special payrolls and maintains/updates all criteria tables and calculations for payroll processing.
• Assists Assistant Director of Finance in year-end audit process as it relates to payroll for all entities for which the County is fiscal agent including preparation of leave and salary accruals, payroll agency fund related accounting reconciliations.
• Maintains personnel files, benefits, and payroll records as required by Federal and State regulations.
• Processes, prepares, and files payroll federal and state reports, annual W-2’s, and related financial/tax reports (VEC, 941 reports, IRS, unemployment, etc.).
• Responsible for providing appropriate reports/information for payroll, benefit, and worker’s compensation audits and maintaining monthly payroll reports/records/documentation etc.
• Reviews the departmental converted time sheets that are input into the Munis Time/Entry system including various pay types and leave records for County personnel in accordance with Personnel policies and FLSA regulations. Monitors Exempt/Vs Non-Exempt comp accrual status.
• Responsible for maintaining and updating employee accruals and payouts according to policy/department information & prepares accurate monthly payroll and leave reports for department heads.
• Develops and implements required tables, codes and reviews/authorizes payroll changes according to policy and/or County Administrator/Director to process monthly payroll.
• Assists with coordination and review of employee programs/benefits.
• Assists in the development and communication of personnel policies, employee benefits, payroll policies/practices, provides requested reports and makes recommendations.
• Assists with employee special recognition events (including service awards) and wellness events.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Position requires specialized and thorough knowledge of current personnel policies, benefit and insurance administration, and employee training techniques. Also requires considerable knowledge of computerized accounting and payroll systems, office machines, and extensive typing ability. Position requires skills and abilities to follow oral and complex written instructions. Position requires the ability to provide information to the employees and public in a courteous manner. Position requires a self-starter who works independently with no direct daily supervision. Position requires an understanding of the role and corresponding timeline to ensure payroll is timely and accurate, and that all federal and state payments are made. Must have strong knowledge of a variety of computer software applications including payroll, benefits, time & attendance, and human resource self-service systems. Experience with Munis is a plus.Must have a high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations. General understanding of Human Resources processes and terminology, payroll and benefit processes and procedures, including eligibility and enrollment rules and benefit procedures. Demonstrates exceptional analytical skills and ability to create useful and actionable reports from data. Possess strong written and verbal communications skills. Possess strong organization skills and ability to complete multiple tasks and high volume of work while meeting deadlines. Strong attention to detail and ability to edit and proofread. Possess a creative outlook with a problem-solving attitude. Shows ability to respond quickly and accurately to requests for data and ability to provide excellent customer service is a must. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications. Ability to react well under pressure, handle and balance multiple demands at one time, work with frequent interruptions, and perform duties and tasks at expected levels of professionalism.

TRAINING, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to an associate degree in business administration; supplemented by course study and experience in public finance and personnel management, bookkeeping, business communications, computer operations, and accounting. Five or more years’ experience involving the maintenance of complex financial and personnel records is preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job the employee must be able to sit for long periods of time. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is generally performed in a high traffic office environment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND RELATED OBLIGATIONS

None

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

Franklin County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Franklin County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with the employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,948.00 - $66,232.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,948 - $66,232