Payroll Accountant
Payroll Accountant
Salary: $33.99 - $39.59 Hourly
Location: Seattle, WA
Job Type: Classified Civil Service, Regular, Full-Time
Department: Seattle Information Technology
Job Number: 2021-01470
Closing: 11/2/2021 4:00 PM Pacific
Position Description
Seattle Information Technology (IT) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of a Payroll Accountant with the Finance office.
As a city, Seattle is known as a progressive leader in technology, innovation, and the environment. As an employer, the City of Seattle is leading local government in environmental stewardship and social justice amongst other things, making our City what it is today and shaping our exciting future. The organization's workforce plays a critical role in making this possible.
Seattle IT is the technology backbone of the City of Seattle's complex operations and its ability to deliver a wide array of services for the residents of Seattle. The 600+ strong professionals in Seattle IT are involved in the full spectrum of a modern IT enterprise offering many dynamic career opportunities. Our vision is simple: be a Best-in-Class digital services delivery team and set best practices for others to follow.
Job Responsibilities
Position Description:
The Payroll Accountant will serve as Seattle IT's payroll & timekeeping subject matter expert (SME) to all staff within the department. The Payroll Accountant is an experienced professional who will act as a key member of Seattle IT Accounting Team, ensuring 600+ regular and temporary employees are paid accurately and on-time, and complex issues are resolved with the highest level of customer service. This team member will act as the primary contact for ITD employees in handling complex payroll and timekeeping issues, while proactively identifying and resolving potential problems. Qualified candidates must be able to work in a dynamic, high volume, fast-paced environment and demonstrate prioritization and time management skills.
This position will perform various aspects of Seattle IT's payroll and other accounting functions, which may include accounts payable, fixed assets, billing, month end, yearend, physical inventory, and other duties as assigned. This position's responsibilities will include inputting complex payroll data; maintaining, auditing, and troubleshooting timekeeping issues; and providing management with semi-monthly payroll reports and ad-hoc reporting. In addition to all general payroll/timekeeping duties, this position will be required to update a variety of spreadsheets and assist in special projects at the direction of the Accounting Manager.
Job Responsibilities
- Process bi-weekly payroll for 600+ Seattle IT employees, including two labor groups.
- Process payroll under strict deadlines while ensuring all entries and system outputs follow guidelines; including the following payroll related functions that support the business such as audits, Annual Wage Increases, reclassifications adjustments, and salary adjustment pay calculations, as well as any additional tasks relating to payroll processing and reporting requirements.
- Respond to Seattle IT employee payroll inquiries.
- Analyze and process off-cycle pay, special payments, adjustments and reversals.
- Determine root cause of payroll errors by collecting and analyzing information under strict deadlines.
- Ensure all errors and issues are being resolved in a timely manner.
- Calculate, process and recorded overpayment repayments.
- Assist the development of payroll policy and procedures, contingency plans, and process improvement initiatives by leveraging existing tools and processes.
- Review timekeeping for hours worked discrepancies and follow up with managers.
- Monitor timekeeping to ensure staff are accurately recording their time, advise staff as appropriate to ensure time is captured accurately.
- Analyze payroll issues as they arise and recommend corrective actions.
- Calculate and process retro payments, termination payments, lump sum payments, and other miscellaneous adjustments.
- Work closely with the HR team on benefit, compensation, and various HR initiatives including salary adjustments, recognition program communication, reporting, and other efforts with payroll impacts.
- Work closely with accounting team on timekeeping project/activity codes and other matters impacting payroll and payroll processing.
- Work with manager to provide historical and current payroll information.
- Perform all calculations related to wage changes in union contract bargaining agreements.
- Identify, calculate and override rates when necessary for employees in temporary jobs.
- Ability to handle sensitive materials and maintain confidentiality.
- Research special projects that have financial impact on the department.
- Prepare ad hoc reports to assist with finance and/or auditing needs, including the annual audit.
- Perform various duties as assigned commensurate with Accountant level and other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
NOTE: Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered for the required qualifications except where specifically noted.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or closely related field.
Desired Qualifications:
- Intermediate Excel skills using spreadsheets; creating ad-hoc reports.
- Advanced skills using City of Seattle payroll system/ADP
- Knowledge of/familiarity with HRIS (EV5)
- Ability to review/interpret/apply Collective Bargaining Agreements and Personnel Rules. The ability to work independently for significant periods of time and meet deadlines
- Proven self-starter with high standards for accuracy and attention to detail.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to work well with others.
- Excellent numerical and analytical skills
- Work independently, exercising discretion and independent judgment, with strong problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work within matrix management organization
- Understand Fair labor Standards Act (FLSA)
Additional Information
How to Apply:
Submit cover letter and resume by applying online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle/
Employees of the City of Seattle enjoy competitive pay and comprehensive benefits package generous leave programs, and the satisfaction of doing work that helps make Seattle a great place to live, work, and play. Explore City of Seattle – Benefits at a Glance (Download PDF reader) for more information.
Employment contingent upon successful completion of comprehensive background investigation in compliance with Seattle's Fair Change Employment Ordinance 14.17. This position is open to all candidates who meet the minimum qualifications. The Seattle Information Technology Department values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status.
The City of Seattle is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity in the workplace.
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- Agency
- City of Seattle
- Address
- Seattle Municipal Tower
700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500
Seattle, Washington, 98104
- Website
- http://www.seattle.gov/jobs