Payroll Accountant

Annual Salary: $70,442.66 - $84,037.51

Full Time

The Accountant II – Payroll provides professional ownership over the City’s payroll operations and related financial reporting to ensure absolute accuracy and fiscal integrity. This role requires technical expertise to independently interpret and apply complex regulatory frameworks, including federal and state laws, city ordinances, and various employee agreements.

A successful incumbent must exercise a high degree of independent judgment and analytical skill to manage the sensitive intersection of rules governing employee pay and governmental accounting with a strong commitment to confidentiality. Beyond primary payroll, the position serves as a technical resource for general ledger maintenance, bank reconciliations, and audit preparation. This position reports directly to the Assistant Finance Director.

Essential Job Functions:

A Payroll Accountant may be called upon to do any or all of the following: (These examples do not include all of the tasks which the employee may be expected to perform.)

Payroll Administration (Primary Focus)

• Process and verify payroll data, including time exception reports and payment adjustments.
• Lead calculations for complex payouts (e.g., longevity, retro-pay, bank payoffs) and collaborate with Human Resources for accuracy.
• Partner with department supervisors to proactively audit records and resolve authorizations or coding discrepancies prior to processing. Compile, review, and validate payroll for accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain rigorous pre- and post-payroll audits to catch deduction, benefit, and garnishment errors before they affect employees. Prepare and submit payroll reports and payments for taxes, benefits, and deductions to appropriate agencies.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, as well as city policies and labor agreements.
• Maintain payroll database (BS&A) integrity, partnering with Human Resources on updates as necessitated by regulatory or contract changes.
• Serve as a neutral and confidential point of contact for payroll inquiries, maintaining strict professional boundaries to ensure all interactions and data handling are guided by policy and authorized channels.
• Serve as a technical specialist for labor-related meetings and collective bargaining sessions to advise on the payroll impact of proposed wage and benefit items.

Tax & Compliance

• Prepare and reconcile monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll tax filings.
• Maintain current knowledge of all payroll-related laws and regulations to ensure timely updates and compliance.

Bank Reconciliations (Secondary Focus)

• Reconcile bank accounts and ensure accuracy of related financial transactions.
• Collaborate with the City Treasurer to maintain accurate records of payroll transactions.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare, examine, and analyze accounting records and financial statements for accuracy and adherence to city standards.
• Maintain and reconcile payroll-related accounts.
• Assist with annual audits, including single audits and workers’ compensation audits.

Process Improvement & Support

• Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Assist in training staff on payroll and finance procedures, includingBS&A time entry and interpreting notices of deposit.
• Support additional finance functions such as budget preparation, general ledger maintenance, and accounts payable.
• Identify payroll risks and collaborate on process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Other Duties as Assigned

KSA:

A Payroll Accountant, upon application, shall have the following experience and training:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in accounting or finance with similar responsibilities (municipal experience preferred).
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) preferred. 

Qualifications for Employment: 

• Strong knowledge of payroll systems, accounting principles, and applicable laws.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas, data analysis) strongly desired.
• Experience with BS&A or similar financial software preferred.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities under shifting deadlines.
• Ability to maintain strict ethical and confidential boundaries in a close-knit municipal environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a focus on professionalism and confidentiality.