HomeMy WebLinkAboutSenior Accountant - PayrollCITY OF IOWA CITY – Job Description
Job Class #11-03 FLSA Exempt
Civil Service
Identification
Position Title: Senior Accountant - Payroll
Department: Finance
Division: Accounting
Supervisor: Assistant Finance Director
Job Summary
Under limited direction, coordinates and performs payroll activities, which include a variety of
administrative and general accounting duties in accordance with applicable laws. This position has the
primary responsibility for the maintenance and support of the payroll and timekeeping systems.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
Processes bi-weekly payroll for all City employees; verifies and reconciles payroll balances for each
payroll cycle.
Calculates and processes payments for employee deductions, direct deposits and employer-share
expense payments.
Reviews and analyzes bi-weekly payroll, looks for errors and resolves discrepancies.
Processes quarterly and annual Federal and State payroll tax reports; reconciles payroll bank
account monthly, quarterly and year to date.
Maintains and supports the Munis payroll module.
Implements and maintains the Kronos timekeeping system.
Trains and supports City employees on the Kronos timekeeping system.
Updates and balances employee status and payment information with City's disability, AD&D and life
insurers; balances Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) and retiree accounts;
processes monthly journal entries.
Calculates, processes, monitors and maintains employees' garnishment and child support records
in accordance with State and Federal laws.
Responds to questions and provides information to City staff to assist them in understanding payroll
laws and procedures; researches employee questions.
Maintains system deduction codes and tax tables, updating as necessary for changes in union
contracts, administrative policies, pension contributions, retirement plans and federal and state
withholding tables.
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Prepares payroll-related audit work papers.
Balances year-end payroll system procedures; coordinates, processes and distributes year-end
W2s and other income-reporting forms.
Updates and maintains payroll procedure manual.
Verifies and reconciles automated bank clearinghouse totals.
Calculates wages, deductions and tax withholdings and produces manual checks upon request.
Maintains on-line employee payroll records; enters payroll information including new employees and
changes for existing employees.
Balances payroll cycle totals, wage bases and tax withholdings on bi-weekly basis.
Maintains working knowledge of all City government union contracts and administrative policies.
Participates in continuing education to maintain knowledge of current state and federal laws and
regulations related to payroll, retirement systems, local garnishments and levies.
Maintains compliance with Internal Revenue Service and state rules for appropriate tax calculations
and appropriate filings.
Receives training as back-up in other accounting functions; trains coworkers for back in these job
duties.
Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the workplace
and community.
Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Physical and Environmental Conditions
The physical demands and work environment conditions described here are representative of those
that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job and are
encountered while performing those essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made
to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger,
handle, or feel; and talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and
arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk or stand. Specific vision abilities required by
this job include close vision.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Minimum Education, Experience and Certification
Bachelor’s degree in accounting from an educational institution accredited by a DOE recognized
accreditation body and four years’ experience in payroll required. Or equivalent combination of
Job Class #11-03 Accounting
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education and experience. Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience and Certification
Two years of governmental accounting preferred. Two years’ experience with Munis ERP financial
system and Kronos, Workforce Ready, timekeeping system preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of Federal and State payroll laws and practices, electronic timekeeping systems, payroll
systems and clerical and financial record keeping procedures. Skills in data analysis, problem solving
and spreadsheet development. Ability to manage numerous deadlines. Ability to perform mathematical
calculations, review records, determine proper entries, and prepare reports. Ability to operate standard
office equipment. Strong customer services skills and ability to communicate well with appropriate
departments and employees at various levels of understanding regarding complex payroll-related
issues. Ability to reconcile accounts and ability understand and apply generally accepted accounting
principles.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by
individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties,
and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.