Payroll Accounting Technician

Salary : $32,260. 80 - $38,563. 20 Annually

Location : Alamogordo, NM

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 61000001

Department: Finance

Division: Accounting

Opening Date: 10/25/2024

Closing Date: 11/12/2024 5:00 PM Mountain

Description- The hourly rate advertised represents Step 1 through Step 10 on the pay table. The hourly rate offered depends on qualifications. -

Under general supervision, performs daily work assignments for the Accounting/Payroll Division of the Finance Department in accordance with the Employee Manual, Department Policies and Procedures, City of Alamogordo Ordinances, and any applicable State or Federal authority.

Recruitment QualificationsRequired:

• HS Graduation or its equivalent;
• Two (2) years experience in payroll and benefits administration or similar financial function in a large or high-volume organization or municipal environment; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities; and
• Must successfully pass a basic payroll test that will be required as part of the recruitment process.

• Two (2) or more years of experience with governmental payroll.
• Experience with timekeeping and payroll software.
• College-level accounting classes.
• Certified Payroll Professional Certification.

• Coordinate and work as an effective team with the other Payroll Accounting Technician to share and rotate work; work together as a check and balance for each other's work for accuracy and compliance; be co-responsible for the quality and quantity of payroll efforts by solving routine problems, sharing relevant information, and training where necessary;
• Co-responsible for all aspects of the bi-weekly payroll for 350+ employees;
• Maintain and administer computerized payroll files and software, including the initial setup of various codes;
• Compile and prepare financial, statistical, and operational reports as required;
• Compile annual payroll expense budget estimates for the City's fiscal year budget;
• Monitor and ensure compliance with payroll regulations and procedures & policies and remain informed of current payroll issues;
• Research, recommend, and implement payroll-related activities to achieve departmental objectives;
• Assist in the reconciliation of various payroll reports to the general ledger;
• Prepare, reconcile, and distribute W-2 forms and processes tax records and reports, including 941 deposits, state unemployment, retirement, workers' compensation, etc. ;
• Review payroll timesheets for accuracy;
• Inform the appropriate party when records do not comply with the City of Alamogordo policies and FLSA regulations;
• Prepare final payroll, print paychecks, and prepare and submit electronic direct deposit file;
• Track, reconcile, and remit payment for complex insurance billings, payroll taxes, and benefits;
• Calculate and maintain court-ordered garnishments or other employee withholdings and remit payments as required;
• Input liability payment information for posting to accounting records;
• Calculate retroactive pay and process payment as needed;
• Calculate termination pay and process payments based upon various organizational policies and guidelines, collective bargaining agreements, and associated state or federal requirements;
• Perform account analysis and account reconciliation;
• Maintain payroll filing system and records;
• May perform a bank run as assigned;
• Respond to employee questions regarding payroll-related issues, and assist in completing appropriate forms;
• Monitor, review, and update spreadsheets to track employee non-cash fringe benefit payroll records;
• Perform employee system maintenance for tax allocation as required;
• Review and maintain spreadsheets to track unemployment compensation claims paid;
• Collect proper authorization for charges and initiate payment or process refund requests as required;
• Provide and compile fiscal information for outside auditors;
• Perform monthly audit of departmental timekeeping systems to ensure compliance with City of Alamogordo payroll guidelines;
• Provide timekeeping system training and time entry assistance to City departments;
• Assign and maintain user accessibility of the timekeeping system as required;
• Sort payroll checks and supporting documentation for distribution;
• Verify proper payroll information is reported to the grantor for reimbursement of funds;
• Update control spreadsheets with the latest payroll information;
• Distribution of mail as needed;
• Contribute to a high-quality work culture through participation in training and mentoring to develop skills, including safety-related training and skills;
• Interacts professionally and provides excellent customer service to all levels of City staff and citizens to ensure high operational and service standards; and
• Performs duties in accordance with the Employee Manual, Department Policies and Procedures, City of Alamogordo Ordinances, and any applicable State or Federal authority.

• Maintain the confidentiality of information obtained during the performance of duties.
• Performs such other duties as may be assigned.

• Payroll procedures and reporting requirements;
• Tax filing and payment requirements;
• Generally accepted accounting principles; and
• Insurance and other benefit programs.

• Demonstrate proficiency in both oral and written communication; understand and follow instructions;
• Perform tasks and other daily activities in a positive and professional manner alongside employees of varied backgrounds and personalities;
• Attend work, as scheduled and on a regular basis, to effectively perform the position's essential duties and responsibilities;
• Exercise common sense and good judgment in the performance of essential duties;
• Read and interpret laws and regulations governing payroll operations;
• Handle confidential employee and administrative information with tact and discretion;
• Learn, interpret, and apply city and personnel policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements;
• Apply generally accepted accounting principles;
• Calculate figures and amounts such as salaries, discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages; analyze data, and mainta.