Accountant II - Payroll

About the role

Full ownership of the district's payroll cycle and supervision of the payroll department, including developing reporting procedures and internal controls; implementing procedures and processes; ensuring accuracy of payroll-related data and compliance with district and regulatory requirements; and monitoring employee performance to achieve department objectives.

Minimum required qualifications

• Fingerprinting and successful criminal background check
• Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of payroll-related experience OR 3+ years of payroll-related experience with a master's degree
• Experience applying accounting principles and pertinent federal, state, and local tax codes, policies, regulations, and/or laws
• Experience using electronic payroll software systems to regularly issue pay to 50+ employees
• Intermediate level of Microsoft Office Suite skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)
• Ability to speak, read, write, and present professionally in English; analyze and interpret written and verbal communications
• Ability to operate standard office equipment (phone, copy machines, etc.)

Preferred qualifications

• CPA certification or CPA candidate
• Experience using Business Plus
• Experience working in K-12 education or other government entity
• Experience using UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) for processing payroll
• Experience using Microsoft Access
• Experience supervising two or more staff

Responsibilities

• Process payroll checks and associated withholdings for employees, taxes, withholdings, garnishments, and vendors; collaborate with Human Resources Services to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing
• Authorize supplemental payroll checks to meet special compensation requirements and resolve payroll errors in a timely manner
• Understand contract pay and correctly calculate pay for incoming and outgoing employees and other contract variance circumstances
• Collect and analyze research material and data (e.g., financial information, state and federal mandates) to evaluate, make recommendations, and report on the effectiveness of financial, budgetary, receipts, revenue, and payroll accounting
• Implement reporting procedures and internal controls to maintain accurate records and comply with standard accounting practices, district policies, and regulatory requirements; monitor and implement changes in payroll laws and regulations to ensure compliance
• Inform district stakeholders and provide necessary information for completing transactions and procedures, taking appropriate actions, and complying with established fiscal guidelines
• Monitor financial activity to ensure accurate allocations and adherence to fiscal practices
• Attend department and district meetings, workshops, and seminars as needed to support payroll and department functions
• Maintain a variety of documents, files, and records (e.g., accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, contracts) and prepare written materials (e.g., reports, W-2, 941, memos, letters, procedures, manuals) to provide up-to-date reference, documentation, ensure compliance, and convey information
• Assist auditors by providing required information and coordinating necessary project activities
• Reconcile related general ledger payroll accounts and prepare journal entries to ensure contributions and deductions are properly recorded and remitted; analyze, summarize, interpret, and review data to make appropriate recommendations
• Research discrepancies of payroll information and/or documentation to ensure accuracy and implement corrective measures
• Train payroll personnel on proper operation of electronic systems and other payroll-related topics
• Transfer funds electronically through the bank to pay federal income, FICA, and Medicare taxes
• Present information on a variety of topics to communicate, gain feedback, and ensure adherence to established internal controls
• Provide technical expertise and direction on internal processes, accounting procedures, etc., to convey pertinent information to appropriate parties
• Respond to inquiries from staff, administration, vendors, etc., to provide information, direction, and referral
• Supervise and provide leadership to assigned personnel, including workload assignments, training, evaluations, performance management, quality and quantity monitoring, scheduling, technical assistance, coaching, employee relations, time approval, etc.
• Support a team environment by collaborating with own and other work units to effectively perform duties
• Communicate effectively with diverse individuals while maintaining confidentiality and building positive working relationships
• Adapt to changing work priorities and work with frequent interruptions
• Work under limited supervision, utilizing time management and prioritization strategies, accurately processing detailed information and meeting deadlines
• Speak, read, write, analyze, understand, and follow written and verbal communication in English; listen to and understand information presented verbally or in writing
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance to fulfill job requirements efficiently and effectively
• Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure efficient and effective functioning of the work unit

Employee supervisory responsibilities

Yes