Job Details
Job Description

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.