PAYROLL SPECIALIST

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for processing payroll for the City of Texas City and associated functions related to the preparation, remittance, and reconciliation of payroll reports, benefits, and payments.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Prepares, reviews and executes payroll on a bi-weekly basis. Ensures compliance with all payroll tax regulations and requirements, and timely and accurate processing of payroll transactions including salaries, adjustments, overtime, leave use, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions. Reviews, processes and issues bi-weekly and out-of-cycle payrolls, terminal pays, and retroactive payments. Reviews timesheet entries, approvals and processes corrections as needed.
• Responsible for uploading direct deposit files to the bank, and printing checks as needed, and solving other payroll-related issues.
• Performs timely reconciliation of various payroll related general ledger accounts.
• Reviews and processes benefits and garnishments for each payroll, including: Medical, Dental, Vision, LTD/STD, FSA and HSA Accounts, Life Insurance, FICA/FIT, 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, wage garnishments, and deferred plans.
• Reviews and processes TMRS retirement withholdings on a monthly basis.
• On a quarterly basis, prepares 941s and SUI.
• On a yearly basis, prepares, distributes and uploads W-2s and ACA 1095s to the Social Security Administration and IRS, calculates Group Term Life amounts, and inputs all rate adjustments to payroll and benefits.
• Invoice and process payments from retirees and COBRA participants.
• Prepares journal entries required for payroll. Edits and journalizes transactions for posting of general ledger.
• Provides information to and communicates with departments and employees regarding payroll issues.
• Assists with various audits including a year-end audit and annual workers’ compensation audit.
• Performs annual leave balance rollover and reports loss time.
• Organize payroll records according to retention schedule.
• Researches and gathers information that improve or automate payroll functions and internal processes.
• Performs preliminary research of IRS and DOL regulations related to payroll, and prepares draft responses to inquiries by outside agencies. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:
• Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field;
• Three (3) years of payroll processing experience required, with knowledge and experience of accounting and/or bookkeeping principles in computerized finance;
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) and experience in governmental payroll with Munis and/or TimeClock Plus software experience strongly preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
• Advanced knowledge of payroll practices, procedures, and laws regarding deductions, taxes, garnishments, and workers compensation.
• Knowledge of Department of Labor's FLSA rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of overtime and compensatory time for public sector employees.
• Skill and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and various government financial reporting systems, including Munis and TimeClock Plus.
• Skill in following municipal payroll and tax codes and regulations. Skill in performing multiple tasks and meeting payroll deadlines.
• Skill in resolving customer complaints and concerns.
• Ability to use computers and related office equipment for data entry and reporting.
• Ability to solve problems and research information independently.
• Ability to communicate in a clear, professional, and congenial manner, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to follow instructions and perform work accurately and thoroughly which requires performing multiple tasks simultaneously under time pressures and deadlines.
• Ability to regularly interact with others to exchange and receive information, providing effective and tactful customer service, and work independently with a high level of discretion.
• Ability to work with constant interruption.
• Ability to effectively manage their time with a proven ability to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Ability to be punctual and attend work regularly.