Payroll Analyst

Why Kirkland?

• Oversees the timely and accurate preparation of the City's semi-monthly payroll and related information; audits employee hours submitted by department timekeepers. Audits payroll register for completeness, resolves discrepancies, and corrects errors.
• Assures that all state and federal payroll and related tax regulations and laws are followed and that reporting requirements are met.
• Maintains automated payroll system database. Verifies payroll system is updated for new hires, terminations and transfers, wage and payroll deduction accounts for a variety of benefit programs, deductions, and taxes. Notifies management of payroll-related accounting system problems and recommends changes and improvements.
• Troubleshoots HR/Payroll and timekeeping system problems, reports technical issues to IT, tests system upgrades and reports functionality concerns to IT, assists with testing and implementing vendor solutions. Provides instructions to users in use of applications.
• Responsible for coordinating the implementation and maintenance of all payroll related vendor software programs.
• Tests and implements new payroll system pay, accrual and deduction codes. Updates existing codes as required by contract changes.
• Analyzes and interprets state and federal legislative impacts on payroll and implements changes in coordination with Human Resources to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
• Ensures the timely and accurate preparation of payments and reporting to various agencies including; IRS, pension providers, insurance carriers, state industrial insurance, unemployment security department and other retirement plan providers.
• Coordinates with Human Resources to ensure successful implementation of new benefit plans and plan changes.
• Works closely with timekeepers, HR, and Management to identify specific needs for payroll and timekeeping system enhancements.
• Reconciles and balances all deductions and benefits, including semi-monthly medical insurance payment transmittals for current employees.
• Responds to various external agencies' requests for information. Creates various payroll reports for management, including statistical analysis upon request. Retrieves and researches payroll-accounting records and data as requested by auditors.
• Interprets and implements provisions of bargaining unit agreements to assure that salary and benefit packages settled in labor contracts are accurately reflected in the payroll and timekeeping systems and consistent with City policy.
• Maintains and monitors accrued vacation, sick, holiday, overtime, and types of employee leaves and provides timely reports to departments.
• Assists in analysis by gathering and summarizing numerical and statistical data as directed; analyzes reasonableness of data and independently resolves discrepancies or inconsistencies.
• Coordinates and processes federal W-4 tax information to employees and year-end information to balance, print, and distribute W-2 forms. Responsible for accurate and timely reporting of year-end information to other government agencies.
• Processes employee wage assignments and garnishments; determines amount to be withheld and disburses funds to various agencies as required.
• Coordinates with and provides technical support and procedural information to department timekeepers and Human Resources Division.
• Answers employee payroll-related inquiries regarding payroll and labor contract information. Coordinates with Human Resources to ensure the accuracy of personnel information on the Human Resources system.
• Creates and maintains procedural documentation related to all payroll functions, duties, and tasks.

• Performs functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.
• Assists in preparing annual budget by extracting financial records.
• Prepares specialized reports to assist in preparation of annual financial statements.
• Provides guidance and training to other finance staff responsible for payroll preparation.
• Responds to survey requests and verifications of employment data.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, including the ability to apply complicated procedures in a variety of different situations.
• Ability to work accurately and efficiently, with attention to technical details during rush situations and deadlines.
• Ability to create and implement working procedures for payroll staff and for department timekeepers.
• Ability to communicate technical financial information effectively both orally and in writing to employees, vendors, and other governmental agencies.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and communicate sensitively and effectively with employees and co-workers concerning individual payroll matters.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations necessary to process payroll and perform related accounting work.
• Ability to analyze technical system issues and recommend and implement solutions.
• Ability to mentor and train payroll personnel and provide instructions to end users in use of applications.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Four-year degree in accounting or related field, or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) Certification
• Experience: 3 years' experience in public sector payroll or 5 years' experience in general payroll environment. Experience in the use of automated financial systems and use of office automation software, with special emphasis on spreadsheet software.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above

Physical Demands and Working Environment:

• Work is performed in a standard office environment.