Finance Manager

Salary : $88,764.00 - $110,952.00 Annually
Location : Kelso, WA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2023-072
Department: OAS - Finance
Opening Date: 12/04/2023
Job Description
General Position Summary:
The budget officer is responsible for the day-to-day management of overseeing employee position controls, details for every employee's earning rates related to their progressive salary steps, payroll combo codes for proper allocation of payroll to funds and accounts and the technical application or set up of earnings and deduction codes in PeopleSoft to assure effective compliance with IRS and other state required guidelines. This position has the authority to make decisions that will keep the PS systems earning codes and deduction codes functioning effectively and compliant. The Budget Officer requires considerable knowledge of the Peoplesoft HR application system in order to lead project development or modifications necessary due meet necessary changes in earnings or deduction codes utilized for payrolls. This position will support future implementations, on-going analysis, and daily interactions with the following PS modules: Budgeting, Payroll, and HR/Benefits. This position is responsible for communicating with Elected Officials, Department Heads, and other County management members regarding PS and other services provided by Administrative Services support staff.
First review date will be 12/15/2023.
Benefits Information:
Cowlitz County offers a generous benefits package which includes:

• Medical/Dental/Vision (includes dependent coverage)
• VEBA/Health Retirement Account for those who qualify
• Retirement through Washington State Public Employees Retirement System
• Life Insurance
• Deferred Compensation plans available (457b)
• Vacation, Bonus and Leave Days Paid
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Reasonable work hours

The County
Cowlitz County is a great place to live and work. Located along the Columbia River less than an hour from the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Cowlitz County provides an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities and easy access to the Arts. The I-5 corridor runs right through Cowlitz County providing quick access to the Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon metropolitan areas.
Job Duties
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Administer salary changes into the County payroll system for employee annual step increases, cost of living adjustments and longevity pay as they occur and when union contracts are settled (wage increases and cost of living adjustments).
2. Administer changes to salary combination codes in the county payroll system as necessary as changes occur.
3. Assist Human Resources with wage calculations and payroll administration efficiencies during contract negotiations and salary surveys.
4. Calculate retro-pay for payroll corrections and contract settlements.
5. Analyze current system status, to assure payrolls are processed with correct earning step increases or those that are part of collective bargaining contracts. Work with technical support to troubleshoot and resolve or facilitate resolution of system or application problems; collaborate with programmers in problem resolution; be responsive to human resources and other departments.
6. Develop recommendations for enhancements to Peoplesoft in order to maintain effective earnings and deductions for accurate payroll processing.
7. Develop and maintain appropriate and adequate documentation of processes and procedures that support accuracy of earnings and deductions for employees.
8. Prepare recommendations and plans to deploy budgeted salary details and access to county departments.
9. Recommend, supervise, and oversee those aspects of maintenance and/or upgrades to the earnings or deduction areas of PeopleSoft system as needed.
10. Review County business practices: research and evaluate new and better ways to perform processes; provide performance tuning as needed.
11. Collaborate with Human Resources and make recommendations in the County's benefits administration and annual analysis of benefits structure.
12. Conduct briefings to keep interested parties of Human Resources, Information Technology and payroll informed and provide status reports of any new changes in payroll tax earnings or deductions.
13. Collaborate with Administrative Services Directors in developing, proposing, and implementing office administrative systems and procedures to enhance the efficiency of the Administrative Services support systems, staff utilization and the services provided by the Administrative Services to its divisions and other County departments.
14. Maintain positive working relationships with Elected Officials, appointed Department Heads, and other parties of interest.
15. Perform office administrative work directly related to general business management and operations.
16. Attend meetings with the Board of Commissioners, Dept. Heads and Elected Officials, own Dept. staff, and others.
17. Consult with third party vendors regarding products, services, implementation, and operations to provide appropriate levels of support. Work with steering committees to achieve accurate analysis, maximum and successful outcomes.

Other Duties:

1. Perform other functions and duties as assigned.
2. Attend educational meetings, conferences, and seminars.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's Degree in a related field, or five years of relevant experience, or a combination of education, training and experience that would ensure the effective executive of the duties of the job.
2. Experience in payroll tax compliance and administration of a compensation and personnel management requisition system.
3. Demonstrated professional competency in the field of personal computers and software use and applications.
4. Experience developing and maintaining effective position tracking systems, earnings, and deduction programs, preferably with PeopleSoft.
5. Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Supplemental Information
Required Skills and Abilities:

1. Skilled in modern management and supervisory practices, theory and techniques. Proficient at team building and public relations.
2. Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of generally accepted governmental accounting practices.
3. Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of computerized accounting systems.
4. Able to perform detailed analysis of applicable systems.
5. Able to develop short- and long-term plans and evaluate outcome of established goals.
6. Apply multi-tasking and organizational skills to demonstrate flexibility with shifting priorities and ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines.
7. Able to effectively develop and deliver clear and concise information and recommendations in oral and written form at a professional level.
8. Able to work effectively in a demanding and political environment. Able to establish and maintain effective working relations with Department Heads and Managers, Elected Officials, administrative staff, vendors, contractors, and other parties of interest.
9. Ability to perform the essential job functions independently as well as work well in a team environment.
10. Ability to exercise judgment and discretion with sensitive or confidential matters.

Cowlitz County offers a competitive benefits package for Full-Time employees, including:

• Health Insurance: Variety of Medical, dental, life, vision, and prescription insurance for employee and family. Employees who are covered under another person's medical plan have the option of an HRA (Health Retirement Account) in lieu of medical insurance. HSA and FSA plans are also available, depending on eligibility.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: All full-time employees must participate in a Washington State Retirement Services plan, and may participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan, if desired.
• Employee Assistance Program employees and family members for help with personal or family issues.
• Group Life Insurance: Basic life and Accident insurance is provided to employee, with additional insurance available to purchase.