Position: Payroll Specialist/Accountant
Status: Exempt, Full-time Regular
Reports to: Director
of Finance and Accounting
Position Summary:
Northwest Housing Alternatives
(NHA) is seeking a payroll specialist/accountant who will process payroll
and benefits for a 50-person organization approximately half time and support
other functions of the accounting team the remaining time. The position must possess a strong understanding
of federal and state laws pertaining to labor, payroll taxes, and
benefits. The position will work closely
with Human Resources to ensure compliance with laws and with organizational
policies. The position should have a
thorough knowledge of accounting practices and also will work closely with the
accounting team.
Responsibilities
·
Payroll
& Benefits Processing
o
Establish payroll records for approximately 50 employees; assuring
accurate documentation, wage entry, benefit eligibility, deductions, assigned
schedule, budget codes, leave accruals, worker comp codes, and other payroll
related provisions using an on-line human resources management system (HRMS)
o
Coordinate with Human Resources regarding new employees to address any
questions concerning compensation, benefits, effective dates, etc.
o
Process semi-monthly payrolls to include monitoring automated payroll
entries, verifying/entering/auditing timekeeping data, personnel action notices
to determine employee status, and verify payroll computations
o
Coordinate garnishments
o
Provide employment verifications to such sources as federal and state
government agencies, banks, and mortgage companies
o
Receive, research, and respond to employee and supervisory inquiries
o
Advise supervisors on procedures, timelines, and reporting requirements
as they relate to payroll and benefit practices
o
Research payroll discrepancies, calculate and adjust pay and leave when
necessary
o
Confirm leave accruals regularly
o
Monitor payroll and leave reports; coordinate with supervisor and human
resources if potential discrepancies are noted; determine and implement
resolution if employee over/under payment is identified
o
Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information
o
Maintain current knowledge of payroll/accounting system, contracts,
payroll-related laws and regulations and NHA personnel and payroll policies
·
Benefits Administration
o
Develop employee benefit procedures in collaboration with Human
Resources
o
Maintain employee benefit records through the HRMS
o
Update system with renewal information (plan overviews, rate sheets,
deductions, etc.)
o
Respond to employee inquiries on benefit information and eligibility
o
Maintain up to date knowledge of benefit compliance and learn all
aspects of basic payroll
·
Accounting Support
o Accounts Receivable cash receipts entry, depositing, invoicing
support as needed
o Accounts Payable invoice and payment processing support as needed
o Prepare journal entries as needed
o Reconcile general ledger accounts as required
o Participate in internal and external audits as needed
o Perform special projects as assigned
Knowledge,
Skills and Abilities
o
Minimum 3 years’ payroll processing
experience
o
Expertise with automated payroll systems;
experience with Krono is a plus
o
Working knowledge of federal and
Oregon payroll laws and regulations
o
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or
equivalent experience
o
High level of proficiency with
Microsoft suite, including Excel, Word, and Outlook
o
Working knowledge of accounting and
financial reporting software; Sage 100 software a plus
o
Attentive to detail, thorough and
accurate with strong analytical skills and the ability to identify, clarify and
resolve, and follow through to completion
o
Excellent verbal and written
communication skills as well as customer service skills
o
Must be able to pass a background
check
o
Must be able to maintain
confidentiality
o
Must be able to work independently and
also as part of the accounting team
Interpersonal Contacts
Contacts are normally made with others
both inside and outside the organization. External contacts occur with outside
vendors, compliance contacts, attorneys and consultants. Internal contacts
occur with all levels and areas of the organization. Contacts are usually made
on own initiative and often concern confidential or sensitive matters requiring
the use of discretion, negotiation or persuasion. Contacts occur both
face-to-face and via telephone. Clear, courteous and effective communication is
expected as is a collaborative effort in problem solving.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
The work environment and physical demands described here are
representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform
the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
May require overtime hours to meet deadlines. Requires extensive close work.
Regular attendance is required in accordance with a regular schedule
established for the position by the supervisor. While performing the duties of
this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is
occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands, tools, or controls; reach with
hands and arms; and readily and effectively communicate. The employee must
occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Vision abilities required by
this job include ability to effectively see within an office environment, which
may include long term computer exposure, and to adjust focus accordingly. The
duties of the job are primarily performed in an office environment. There is
some exposure to noise in the work environment, which is usually mild to
moderate.
Disclaimer Language
The
above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work
being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not
intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties
and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may be required
to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time-to-time,
as needed.
The company reserves the right to modify,
interpret, or apply this job description in any way the company desires. This
job description is not an employment contract, implied or otherwise. The
employment relationship is “At-Will”. The job requirements are subject to
change to reasonably accommodate qualified disabled individuals.
Northwest Housing Alternatives is committed to
supporting a diverse workforce and does not discriminate in employment based on
race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital
status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other status protected by
law.