Payroll Specialist - Chattanooga, TN

SUMMARY

Responsible for payroll functions; applies principles of accounting to analyze financial information and prepare financial reports by performing the following duties.

• Monitors compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and company procedures;
• Reviews, investigates, and corrects errors and inconsistencies in financial entries, documents, and reports;
• Compiles payroll data such as garnishments, vacation time, 401(k) deductions, hours worked, sales or piecework, taxes, insurance, and employee identification number, from time sheets and other records;
• Prepares computer input forms, enters data into computer files, or computes wages and deductions and posts to payroll records;
• Responds to employee/client questions regarding pay;
• Reviews wages computed and corrects errors to ensure accuracy of payroll;
• Records changes affecting net wages such as exemptions, insurance coverage, and loan payments for each employee to update master payroll records;
• Records data concerning transfer of employees between departments;
• Prepares periodic reports of earnings, taxes, and deductions;
• Prepares weekly, monthly and year-end reports (gross payroll, hours worked, vacation accrual, tax deductions, benefit deductions, etc.) for management;
• Keeps records of leave pay and nontaxable wages;
• Prepares and issues paychecks;
• Responsible for mailing W-2’s;
• Handles duties of Billing Accountant in their absence;
• Performs other office duties as needed to ensure smooth financial processes.
• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
• Payroll Staff Accountant is subject to supervision by the Controller and VP, Finance.

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies (minimum of
5):

• Analytical – Collects and researched data;
  Uses intuition and experience to complement data;
  Designs work flows and procedures;
  Synthesizes complex or diverse information;
  Uses intuition and experience to complement data.
• Customer Service – Manages difficult or emotional customer situations;
  Responds promptly to customer needs;
  Solicits customer feedback to improve service;
  Responds to requests for service and assistance;
  Meets commitments.
• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner;
  Gathers and analyzes information skillfully;
  Develops alternative solutions;
  Works well in group problem solving situations;
  Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Technical Skills – Assesses own strengths and weaknesses;
  Pursues training and development opportunities;
  Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills;
  Shares expertise with others.
• Interpersonal Skills – Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming;
  Maintains confidentiality;
  Listens to others without interrupting;
  Keeps emotions under control;
  Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication – speaks very clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills; participates in various meetings. Written
• Communication – Writes clearly and informatively;
  Edits work for spelling and grammar;
  Varies writing style to meet needs;
  Presents numerical data effectively;
  Able to read and interpret written information.
• Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities;
  Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views;
  Gives and welcomes feedback;
  Contributes to building a positive team spirit;
  Puts success of team above own interests;
  Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives;
  Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Ethics – Treats people with respect;
  Keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others;
  Works with integrity and ethically;
  Upholds organizational values.
• Organizational Support – Follows policies and procedures;
  Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization’s goals and values;
  Benefits organization through outside activities;
  Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
• Quantity – Meets productivity standards;
  Completes work in timely manner;
  Strives to increase productivity;
  Works…