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 timesheets 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‑2s;
• 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 of Finance.

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

• Analytical – Collects and researches data; uses intuition and experience to complement data; designs workflows and procedures; synthesizes complex or diverse information.
• Customer Service – Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; responds promptly to customer needs; solicits customer feedback to improve service; 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; reads and interprets 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; builds 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 a timely manner; strives to increase productivity; works quickly.
• Professionalism – Approaches others tactfully; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and…