Payroll and Finance Specialist

About the role

To perform and support a variety of semi-skilled accounting and payroll duties in a diverse municipal setting as well as licensing, permitting, cash and deposit transactions and utility billing support.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical, highly detailed payroll functions for the City.
• Oversee the processing of various payroll functions.
• Process employee change information and benefit maintenance.
• Aid other departments as needed.
• Respond to phone calls, customers, mail, inquiries and complaints from the general public.
• Assist with accounting work as needed, utility billing support and reports on financial transactions.
• Under direction, this position will independently perform the preparation and assembly of periodic reports that may require financial analysis or interpretation.
• Support other departments and staff by assisting with customer inquiries and service.
• Safeguard and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive payroll, financial, and employment information, including Social Security numbers, wages, benefits enrollments, tax and deduction data, and other confidential records, in compliance with applicable laws, policies, and internal controls.
• Maintain petty cash account.
• Prepare paperwork associated with the filing of Liens and Memorandums of Judgement.
• Coordinate annual Records Disposal efforts.
• Assist in the identification and resolution of receipt errors.
• Participate in the preparation of daily bank deposit.
• Maintain all employee and human resources records.

Requirements

• Experience: Three years of professional and increasingly responsible payroll, accounting, administrative and/or human resources experience.
• Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements, union workforces and processing payroll in a municipal setting is desired.
• Education: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, business administration or a closely related field.
• Special Requirements and/or Training: A valid driver’s license. CPR, AED and First Aid certification or ability to attain certification within the first 12 months of employment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge: English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation. General principles and practices of human resources administration. Modern office procedures, methods and technology. Financial research and report preparation methods and techniques. Principles and practices of financial record keeping. Principles and practices of municipal budgeting. Business letter writing and basic report preparation. Principles and procedures of records management.
• Ability: Responsible and semi-skilled administrative work involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative. Develop and implement accounting system modifications, spreadsheets and reports. Analyze and interpret financial and accounting records. Perform office management functions in an effective and efficient manner. Understand the organization and operation of the city and of external agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities. Interpret and apply administrative and departmental policies and procedures. Independently prepare correspondence and memoranda. Type at a speed necessary for successful job performance. Identify problems and resolve conflicts in an effective manner. Work independently in the absence of supervision. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Maintain a valid driver’s license and commute between City facilities and other work-related locations. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other City departments, City officials, and external organizations in the completion of work duties.

Skills

• Computer skills: Word processing, spreadsheet and database software. Specialty and cloud solutions may include financial software, payroll system, benefits portals, records management.

Benefits

The City of West Chicago offers a competitive benefits package to full-time employees. The City aims to maintain a generous blend of benefits that supports employees at all career and life stages. Insurance benefits include a choice of PPO or HMO plans for medical, prescription, and vision coverage. Dental and basic life insurance coverage are employer-paid. The City participates in a Police Pension and the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund for eligible employees. Voluntary benefits include flexible spending accounts (FSAs), deferred compensation plans (457b), supplemental life insurance for the employee and dependents, specialty insurance plan options, paid time off (e.g. sick, vacation, and personal time), health and wellness offerings, among other benefits.

Pay

Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Full-time position with flexible hours to accommodate the needs of the City.