Payroll Specialist

The purpose of this classification is to perform advanced level accounting tasks while preparing, processing and maintaining payroll records and data, tax information and required State and Federal payroll reports. Maintains and reviews accounting and payroll documents and assists with other financial operation tasks.

Note:
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Assists with the maintenance of the automated payroll and personnel system; monitors code assignments and position set‑up in the system; trains new employees on system use; writes desktop help for system users.

Has knowledge of payroll laws and regulations, including federal and state tax laws and wage and hour laws.

Experience with contract/policy interpretation relating to payroll as well as the FLSA Section 7(k) exemption for fire protection and/or law enforcement.

Performs regular processing of the Town's payroll activities; ensures processing is completed within required time frame; determines corrective action and dates for retro changes following Fair Labor laws and Town policy; implements changes to correct benefits, deductions, third‑party sick pay, add‑pays, garnishments, accruals and tax information; familiar with FMLA, provides maintenance and updates to the payroll procedures manual; initiates actions necessary to correct policy deviation or violations pertaining to payroll;

provides input for payroll related training classes for Town employees; prepares quarterly and year‑end reports and required forms.

Maintains a current knowledge of applicable laws/regulations with a focus on Fair Labor laws; reads professional literature; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.

Performs bookkeeping/accounting and clerical work in the maintenance of payroll records and processing of payroll, including but not limited to processing personnel action forms; calculating final paychecks; processing deductions and garnishments; printing checks and payroll reports; reconciling and balancing payroll, vendor, customer and/or general ledger accounts; preparing tax worksheets; and handles W‑2 validation & distribution. Assists with the development of the payroll budget.

May provide some payroll analytics and reports.

Administers deferred compensation, FRS, and Police Pension plan deductions, transmittals and forfeitures.

Reviews and checks new hire information and deductions.

May perform other accounting and financial tasks; reconciles and closes out daily cash receipts; audits, balances, and updates cash reports for receipts collected from all revenue sources; assists in resolving related issues and implementing resolutions such as proper cash receipts system set‑up and accounting codes; assists with the audit process including lead schedules and comprehensive annual financial reports (CAFR); prepares journal entries;

calculates data; balances and reconciles reports; researches financial discrepancies and correct data errors; maintains financial records; generates reports; submits mandatory reports.

Performs related administrative tasks; creates and updates forms as needed; provides back‑up to accounting staff; conducts cross‑training in other fiscal functions; provides information and assistance regarding accounting related issues to employees, other departments, vendors, customers and the public; researches problems and initiates problem resolution; conducts research for special projects.

Operates a personal computer, calculator, copier, postage machine, check signing machine, shredder, or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, to include the use of word processing, financial accounting, spreadsheet, and other system software.

Maintains confidentiality of departmental issues and documentation.

• Associate's degree in accounting or a business related field.
• Three years of experience in payroll functions including payroll processing, tax reporting, and governmental accounting…