Payroll Specialist

Under general supervision of the Finance Manager, performs accounting clerical work of considerable difficulty in maintaining payroll-related records and reports. Also provides customer service and analytical support for the organization in accordance with department policies and standard accounting practices.
Standard business hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.), but may vary based on business needs.

• Prepares biweekly payroll, including processing and auditing time cards, leave requests and miscellaneous updates, establishes proper deduction amounts, accrual schedules for vacation and sick leave, PERA eligibility and enrollment, direct deposits, retro pay and other adjustments performing computer input and monitoring payroll proof.
• Prepares biweekly checks for withholding and insurance premium payments and processes as necessary. Makes deposit slips for automatic deposits with banking institutions.
• Appropriately handles confidential data.
• Prepares a variety of annual, quarterly and monthly reports relating to FICA, PERA, insurance, retirement, tax withholding and related governmental surveys. Ensures compliance with State and Federal reporting standards.
• Processes all City-paid group medical and life insurance premiums for City employees.
• Processes workers' compensation payments.
• Monitors fringe benefit report to ensure proper accrual and balance of various leaves.
• Coordinates bills for all organizations utilizing City Police Officers on duty for various services[KV1] , Furnishes and distributes payroll-related information as required and to the extent permitted by law.
• Processes monthly State of Minnesota sales tax remittance.
• Manages on a monthly basis, the Utility Billing System interface with the General Ledger. Balances General Ledger Utility to Utility Billing sub-ledgers.
• Responsible for the data entry of fixed assets into the fixed asset accounting system.
• Prepares year-end expenditure accruals and timely audit and reconciles payroll liability accounts.
• Supports and enforces City policies, procedures, operations and safety rules.
• Supports efforts to ensure Richfield is an equitable, inclusive and respectful organization and supports the City's mission, vision and core values.
• Types reports, letters, memoranda, etc. as needed.
• All other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods and techniques used in bookkeeping and general office work.
• Knowledge of basic accounting principles.
• Knowledge of IRS rules relating to payroll processing.
• Knowledge of PERA, workers' compensation, deferred compensation and flexible benefit plan rules.
• Knowledge of payroll process, including insurance and withholding procedures.
• Skill in the use of a personal computer.
• Skill in making mathematical computations of considerable difficulty.
• Ability to do bookkeeping and accounting clerical work of considerable difficulty.
• Ability to follow procedures related to data processing.
• Ability to prepare statistical reports and general correspondence.
• Ability to perform detailed work in an accurate and timely manner.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate ideas and explanations clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, professional working relationships with others.
• Ability to deal effectively and tactfully with the public, vendors and various City employees.
• Ability to work towards making necessary change in work processes and developing efficient workflow.
• Demonstrates ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information and maintain compliance with the Minnesota Data Practices Act, including exercising appropriate judgment in the release or presentation of information.
• Demonstrates ability to understand and respect the diversity of customers and co-workers, effectively communicating with individuals whose first language may be one other than English.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or General Education Development Certificate (GED).
• Three years of progressively responsible governmental accounting experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting or similar field.
• Strongly desire municipal payroll processing experience
• JD Edwards and/or Oracle payroll software experience
• CPP certification.

The physical demands that are described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Must have the ability to:

• Ability to sit, talk and listen for extended periods of time. Ability to bend, stoop, reach, manipulate doors, drawers and locks.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Employment Type: Full-Time