Payroll Coordinator, Finance

The Finance Department comprises a dedicated team of 20 full-time employees (FTE) who perform a wide range of crucial functions encompassing accounting, financial reporting, payroll, fund investment, cash management, debt management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, procurement, grant administration, property tax, and room tax collections and distributions, as well as budget management. At the core of its responsibilities, the Finance Department ensures the accurate and timely maintenance and reporting of all financial transactions.

Adhering to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), the department prepares comprehensive financial statements, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).

Deschutes County is one of the largest employers in Central Oregon and the largest municipal government in the region. Our dedicated and passionate workforce of more than 1,250 employees provides County services in a number of departments, divisions, and offices. Located in the heart of Central Oregon, between the towering Cascade Mountain Range to the west and the high desert plateau to the east, Deschutes County is the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon.

We enjoy a renowned quality of life, with big-city opportunities and small-town neighborhoods. We hope you’ll consider joining our talented team.

The Payroll Coordinator position plays a pivotal role in supporting the payroll operations of Deschutes County. They are an integral part of the Accounting team which includes a payroll supervisor, a payroll coordinator, three senior accounting technicians, and two accountants, all under the direction of the Controller. This position will report directly to the payroll supervisor. The Payroll Coordinator, reporting to the payroll supervisor, processes monthly payroll with a focus on accuracy in timesheets, leave calculations and salary adjustments.

This position collaborates closely with HR and departments to maintain data integrity; handle intricate payroll transactions, address inquiries and complaints; and ensure compliance with tax laws and reporting standards, including reconciling payments to various agencies and preparing tax filings and W-2 forms. Additionally, the Payroll Coordinator will contribute to payroll system enhancements, uphold legal and contractual obligations, and should ideally demonstrate self-motivation, strong analytical abilities, and meticulous attention to detail.

Proficiency in efficiently extracting, analyzing, and manipulating financial data is crucial for success in this role. It is worth noting that Deschutes County has a small accounting team, which means each member often handles a wide range of responsibilities. As such, flexibility and excellent communication skills are crucial attributes for the Payroll Coordinator to succeed in this position. The standard schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, with a typical work week of 40 hours.

The flexibility to adjust work hours is available between 7 am to 6 pm. This position is located in Deschutes County and may be eligible for a hybrid of in-office/remote work as allowed by policy and approved by the supervisor. The accounting team works remotely one day per week on Mondays.

• Processes payroll, benefits, and technical transactions in compliance with federal and state rules and regulations, and County policies; works independently to meet precise deadlines and accuracy standards; exercises high degree of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Reviews employee timesheets for accuracy; calculates hours worked, vacation and sick leave hours, and other payroll information; reconciles data entry, and enters information into a confidential payroll computer system.
• Collects payroll, benefits, and administrative information and compiles data for reports; identifies and researches payroll issues, and recommends solutions; prepares and distributes required reports.

• Knowledge of or experience with:
  Payroll accounting rules, regulations, methods, and procedures.
• Customer service standards and protocols.
• General accounting standards, policies, procedures, and regulations.

• Verifying and reconciling payroll information, and maintaining payroll documentation and reports.
• Researching and evaluating payroll and benefits issues, policies, and procedures.
• Interpreting and explaining technical aspects of payroll and benefits policies and…