Description

The job of Payroll/Accounts Payable Accountant is done for the purpose of performing a variety of payroll and financial activities and supporting the department with implementing and maintaining programs and services provided by School Financial Services and NEWESD 101.

This position reports to the director, School Financial Services. 

Functions:

Manages and coordinates the preparation of monthly payroll for the purpose of ensuring timely and accurate compensation of employees, appropriate allocation of funds, and compliance with established financial, legal, and administrative requirements.

Organizes distribution of payroll (e.g. mail, pickup, and delivery, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring payroll receipt in a timely manner in accordance with agency and district guidelines.

Compiles and maintains employee information related to payroll (e.g. pay rates, benefits enrollment, payroll deductions, direct deposits, authorizations, leave time, retirement and benefit data, employee withholding, COBRA eligibility, employment contracts, etc.) and monitors processes and documentation necessary for accurate payroll records and providing an up-to-date audit trail.

Reconciles enrollment forms and billings to employee records (e.g. COBRA, disability, retirement, health, FMLA, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring accurate eligibility and payment information and complying with required provisions.

Responds to inquires regarding a variety of payroll and benefit related issues (e.g. leave status, benefit eligibility, employment verifications, garnishments, child support, etc.) for the purpose of assisting employees, other departments, and outside agencies in the provision of services.

Maintains a wide variety of fiscal information, files, and records (manual and computerized) (e.g. invoices, purchase orders, receipts, bank statements, etc.) for the purpose of documenting  activities, providing information, and an up-to-date reference and audit trail.

Processes and analyzes a variety of fiscal information (e.g. invoices, purchase orders, requisitions, reimbursements, grant receivables/payables, etc.) for the purpose of updating information and/or verifying/initiating final action in compliance with accounting procedures and agency policies.

Assists external auditors in providing requested information (e.g. payroll procedures, contract requirements, time sheets, wages paid, benefit eligibility, etc.) for the purpose of providing necessary documentation for completion of audit.

Researches discrepancies of financial and related information and documentation (e.g. purchase orders, invoices, contracts, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring accuracy and compliance with mandated requirements.

Attend meetings, workshops, and trainings for the purpose of obtaining and gathering information required to perform the  essential functions of the position.

Supports assigned administrator for the purpose of providing assistance with their administrative functions.

 
Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective team.

Attends meetings, workshops, and trainings for the purpose of obtaining and gathering information required to perform the essential functions of the position.

Researches discrepancies in payroll/or accounts payable, and processes corrections and adjustments for the purpose of ensuring accurate reporting.

Performs related duties as assigned. Related duties may not specifically be listed but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's classification of work.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: 

applying pertinent codes, policies, regulations, and laws,
operating standard office equipment including utilizing pertinent software applications,
planning and managing projects,
preparing and maintaining accurate records,
developing effective working relationships through strong interpersonal skills,
performing accounting procedures, 
creating and maintaining multiple data bases, and
training and communicating to clients.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform advanced mathematical functions, review and interpret technical information, write technical materials, compose a variety of documents, analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions, facilitate group discussions, and solve practical problems. Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes: 

accounting/bookkeeping principles,
application of pertinent laws, codes, policies, and regulations,
knowledge of or ability to learn Department of Retirement Systems regulations, and
knowledge of or ability to learn state and federal mandates, GASB, GAAP, and financial statements.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and events, gather, collate, and classify data, and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a variety of circumstances and analyze data utilizing defined but different processes. Ability is also required to communicate with diverse groups in a positive customer-focused manner,  work with data of varied types and purposes.  In working with others, problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines. Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: 

being attentive to detail,
capable of managing multiple projects, and
completing tasks within established timelines,
setting priorities,
working under time constraints, 
communicating with diverse groups,
working with detailed information/data,
maintaining confidentiality, 
working as part of a team, and
having regular and reliable attendance.

Requirements

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and methods, leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others, and tracking budget expenditures. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a some opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, and 10% standing. The job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Experience

Job-related experience is required. Full-charge bookkeeping experience preferred.   

Education

Bachelor's Degree in job related field required; significant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

Certificates & Licenses

Valid driver's license, require auto insurance, and reliable personal transportation.