Payroll/Benefits Clerk

Apply ONLINE at www.twinfallscounty.org

Testing is required for this position. We must receive your test results by the posting deadline for you to be considered for this position. Testing is conducted by the Idaho Department of Labor Magic Valley Office. Their hours are Monday –Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. To receive the testing links; call 208-735-2500, email magicvalleymail@labor.idaho.gov , or visit the Department of Labor Magic Valley Office at 420 Falls Avenue in Twin Falls.

Please note: If you took tests through the Department of Labor for a company other than Twin Falls County, your tests scores are not automatically sent to us and you will need to mail, email, or fax them to our office before the posting deadline to be considered for this position.

Tests Required:  TF Data Checking, Typing Contact Data, and Payroll Technician.
CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY
The Payroll/Benefit Clerk performs a variety of technical and accounting duties associated with the County’s payroll and benefit programs. Typical duties include processing the County’s payroll; completing payroll reports in accordance with strict timelines; electronically transferring direct deposits and payroll taxes; and administering insurance and other County benefits. Employees in this class perform using independent judgment in applying existing policies and procedures to complete assignments, involving knowledge of multiple procedures and program guidelines to make decisions. Employees respond to non-routine inquiries and explain department services, policies, procedures and rationale for decisions to customers. Employees typically utilize a variety of computer operations and/or specialized software to complete daily assignments. The Payroll/Benefits Clerk reports directly to the Chief Deputy Clerk. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment.
  ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (illustrative only and may vary by assignment)

•  Assists in maintaining accurate and complete payroll, personnel, and benefit records for all employees;
• Processes payroll calculations, and conducts audit review of timesheets, reports and paychecks; ensures accuracy, completeness, authorization, and adherence to Federal, State and County administrative regulations and guidelines;
• Maintains complete confidentiality, within guidelines, of all payroll and employee records and reports;
• Assists in calculating withholding deduction;
•  Responds to payroll-related requests for information from County departments, employees, and from outside agencies;
• Processes and monitors payroll garnishments;
• Reports new hire information to the Department of Labor, insurance companies and other benefit vendors;
• Assists in the administration of health, dental, vision and hearing insurance, short-term disability, life insurance, retirement accounts, COBRA and PEHP plan;
• Completes bi-weekly and quarterly payroll reports;
• Makes bi-weekly premium payments;
• Tracks accumulated leave balances and provides supervisors with updated reports;
• Compiles and calculates employee wages and benefits for annual budget;
• Researches and remains current on federal and states payroll tax law changes, pension, benefit and other applicable laws and regulations affecting payroll administration;
•  Reconciles payroll liabilities to the general ledger and processes payments;
• Responds to Commissioners’, elected officials’, County employees’ and citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner;
• Performs time management and scheduling functions, meets deadlines, and sets project priorities;
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate co-workers to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities;
• Maintains strict confidentiality in all cases;
• Assists other department and County employees as needed or requested;
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists with elections;
• Provides backup to staff as needed or requested;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for an individual to satisfactorily perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be successful in the position.
 
Knowledge of:

• Federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to payroll administration and reporting;
• Principles and procedures of payroll processing;
• Benefits administration and reporting;
• Government accounting standards and regulations;
• Current office practices and procedures, including data entry;
• Record keeping and filing practices and procedures;
• Operation of a personal computer and job-related software;
• Customer service procedures and techniques.

Skill and Ability to:

• Process payroll and benefit in accordance with federal and state rules and regulations;
• Administer benefit programs;
• Speak clearly and communicate accurate information to others;
• Use English to communicate effectively with others;
• Proficiently operate computers, software programs, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or similar office software to create documents and other materials, maintain information, and generate reports;
• Listen carefully to, understand, and effectively communicate through oral, written, and interpersonal communication channels;
• Follow verbal and written instructions;
• Work independently and exercise initiative, with general guidance and supervision; 
• Use good judgment to make sound and reasonable decisions and problem-solving skills to respond to customer service needs in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations and established policies;
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times;
• Maintain confidentiality;
• Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
• Demonstrate integrity and ingenuity in the performance of assigned tasks and solving problems;
• Perform all duties in accordance with County policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and that of other employees and the public.

 
ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• High school diploma or GED is required and an Associate's Degree is preferred;
• Three years' experience processing payroll and benefits, preferably in a government organization;
• An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.
• Must successfully pass background investigation relevant to the position and remain in good standing for the duration of employment with the County.

 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT: 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
 
While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to keyboard or type, handle materials, or manipulate tools used in performing the essential functions of the classification, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must (occasionally or frequently) lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and, infrequently, up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this classification include close vision, distance vision, color vision peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing abilities required by this classification includes those which permit the employee to discern verbal instructions and communicate effectively in person, by telephone. While performing the duties of this classification, the employee works in an office setting where the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Salary : $21