PAYROLL SPECIALIST at City of Amarillo in Amarillo, TX

PAYROLL SPECIALIST Location: City Hall SUMMARY Performs a wide variety of complex record keeping and payroll processing activities in order to generate a bi-weekly payroll via direct deposit for the City's employees.  This position will have a wide range of responsibilities related to calculating and processing Payroll and assisting with various administrative duties. Will ensure accurate processing and recording of the City’s payroll, provide timely and accurate information, participate in daily data entry payroll processing.  Monitors, audits, and prepares a variety of payroll related reports.  Provides administrative and payroll support services.  These activities include but are not limited to the following: auditing of salary payments, time records, overtime calculations, salary adjustments, child support calculations,  deductions, benefit accruals and balances, and payroll records for compliance with policies, rules and regulations; updating and maintaining payroll data in a computerized payroll system; calculating and recording payroll deductions; processing employee termination pay; addressing timekeeping problems and discrepancies by working with appropriate departments and/or supervisors to resolve them. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES In coordination with the Payroll Manager, processes biweekly payroll Checks payroll information for accuracy and ensure all relevant paperwork is in order. Process other financial compensations or deductions (DRP, severance pay, taxes, tuition reimbursement, etc). Has a working knowledge of principles, practices and terminology related to payroll processing; laws and regulations affecting payroll practices. Communicates with the HR and Benefits Department to ensure the integrity of payroll data including data related to new hires, terminations, transfers, and rate changes.  Makes updates as necessary. Answer employee questions or complaints about salaries and payments. Consult with employees and managers to correct errors. Work with frequent interruptions and the pressure of recurrent deadlines. Assists in special projects as assigned by management. Performs other job-related duties as assigned. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Requires an Associate degree in accounting or related field. Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field preferred.  2 years’ experience with payroll processing or bookkeeping required.  Working knowledge of payroll systems (Krono’s) preferred.  Working knowledge of payroll best practices preferred.  Demonstrating strong communication skills.  Microsoft Word and Excel required.  Must be detail oriented, ability to multitask and have analytical skills.  Able to adhere to tight deadlines.  Ability to handle confidential information. High degree of professionalism.  The City of Amarillo may consider any combination of relevant education and experience when determining an applicant’s minimum qualifications and starting salary. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES. Excellent oral and written communication skills; Make arithmetical computations; understand, interpret, apply and explain rules and regulations related to payroll procedures; Revise, record and verify payroll information with speed and accuracy; Work with frequent interruptions and the pressure of recurrent deadlines; Prepare accurate reports and correspondence; follow written and oral directives; provide friendly, courteous and professional services to employees and vendors; Operate a computer, 10-key adding machine, fax, scanner and other various office equipment. Ability to understand and apply City payroll policies and labor agreement pay rules. ADA PROFILE Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.  While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.  The employee must also walk, stand, sit, hear, reach, finger, grasp, handle, push, pull, speak, see, and talk. Also requires the ability to make rational decisions and perform repetitive motions. The City of Amarillo provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.  In addition, The City of Amarillo will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.  To request a reasonable accommodation or other assistance contact a Human Resources representative at (806) 3780-8294 or mail your request to 601 S Buchanan St, Amarillo, TX  79105 WORK ENVIRONMENT The employee works in a dynamic environment that requires being sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs. REGULAR HOURS OF WORK Monday through Friday 8am - 5pm, other days and hours as needed. The City of Amarillo is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from eligible and qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law. The City of Amarillo provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case by case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 806-378-4294.