What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accountant, Payroll/Financial position at Tulsa Health Department?
Description
The Payroll/Financial Accountant serves as the primary backup for processing monthly payroll for about 350 Tulsa Health Department (THD) employees. This position is also responsible for assisting the Chief Financial Officer in the budgeting, auditing, and financial reporting process, as well as preparing and maintaining accounting systems and procedures for the THD.
Examples of Duties
The following functions represent the duties performed by the position, but are not meant to be all-inclusive or prevent other duties from being assigned when necessary:
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (100% of Time):
- Works with the Payroll Coordinator to manage payroll processes including processing payroll, verifying payroll data, and ensuring accurate and timely payment of employees.
- Responsible for completing payroll as needed or in the event the Payroll Coordinator is unavailable.
- Ensures compliance with federal and state regulations related to payroll, including tax withholding, benefits, and payroll deductions.
- Assists with issuing and filing Form W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement), Form 941 (Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return), and other forms as required.
- Collaborates with HR to ensure accurate employee data and maintains complete confidentiality of all payroll records and reports.
- Reviews and ensures accuracy of approved timesheets; maintains and updates the payroll distribution/charge codes database for timesheet processing.
- Communicate with employees regarding payroll-related inquiries and issues.
- Assists the CFO in monitoring expenditures of federal, state, and local grants, as administered by THD, and in preparing billings for reimbursement to various government grantors.
- Assists in maintaining financial systems for purchasing, budgeting, general ledger, deposit, accounts receivable, payroll, and fixed assets.
- Assists the CFO in the annual THD budget development process.
- Assists with coordinating the annual independent audit process.
- Assists with other accounting and finance functions as needed.
- Completes required training in support of the duties and responsibilities of this position.
- Other duties as assigned including those required to fulfill activities in support of public health emergency operations.
Typical Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is required.
Experience: Three or more years of payroll experience required, and five or more years of accounting experience preferred. Experience in using MIP/Abila software is a plus.
Skills:
- Strong understanding of payroll accounting principles and practices.
- Highly detail-oriented and excellent proofreading skills.
- Ability to deal sensitively with confidential information and behave ethically.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Good organizational and time-management skills.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong understandingof accounting principles and use of ERP systems(e.g., MIP/Abila, Microix).
- Governmental accounting experience is a plus.
- Management skills to analyze programs, policies, and operational needs and prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
- Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook, 10-key calculator by touch and data entry.
- Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with accounting standards and technologies.
Licenses: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA)preferred.
Supplemental Information
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
- Frequent internal contact with Department personnel to verify information related to payroll matters.
- External contact with software system support, IRS or governmental agencies and Tulsa County Treasurer.
PHYSICAL EFFORT:
- May be asked to lift materials, boxes of records, and equipment weighing up to 25-30 pounds.
- Some stooping, bending, and squatting may be required when retrieving files.
- Repetitive computer and telephone use.
- Sitting for long periods of time.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY/ACCOUNTABILITY:
Direct Supervision –None
Indirect Supervision – None
Budget/Money/Material – Assist in monitoring about $12,000,000expenditures per year in grant funds
Reports to – Chief Financial Officer
Work Location – On-site
WORKING CONDITIONS: The position will be located at the THD James Goodwin Health Center. Conditions include those found working in an office environment.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must maintain THD record confidentiality including compliance with HIPAA regulations.
- Must possess skills in communicating with diverse groups using tact and diplomacy.
- Ability and willingness to assume responsibility for work product.
- Ability and willingness to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
- Ability and willingness to follow established policies and procedures.
FLSA Status: Exempt
