Finance Specialist - Payroll
South County Fire in Everett, WA is currently recruiting for a Finance Specialist - Payroll.
Core Values: All employees of South County Fire are expected to hold themselves accountable for upholding and demonstrating our core values at all times: Integrity, Humility, Compassion, Family and Trust.
Summary: Finance Specialist - Payroll is the mid-level classification in the series. The incumbent independently performs complex and responsible financial duties such as preparing system control reconciliations, tax and billing calculations, assists staff from other departments to process transactions properly, and other related duties. Under general direction from the Finance Director this position performs accounting duties of average difficulty in the following areas of responsibility: payroll, customer service, cash receipting, or other accounting/budgeting functions as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None.
- Responsible for accurate and timely processing of semi-monthly and special payroll processes in accordance with applicable regulations, policies and union contracts.
- Monitors and maintains employee leave banks, wage garnishments, and child support.
- In partnership with Human Resources, monitors and maintains employee deductions, earnings and benefits.
- Coordinates and performs payroll system maintenance and modifications.
- Prepares, reconciles and submits State retirement transmittal report, as well as other Federal and State quarterly and annual reports to include payroll taxes and W-2s.
- Enters transactions into the accounting system after reviewing for accuracy.
- Reviews transaction journals, control reports, and other system reports to ensure data integrity.
- Assists other departments' staff to assure timely and accurate processing of transactions in compliance with company policies and procedures as well as Federal and State regulations, if applicable.
- Provides back up for Finance Specialist - AR/AP position.
- Files and maintains records and reports in compliance with the State of Washington record retention schedule.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Qualifications:
Knowledge Of:
- Accounting principles and practices and financial accounting systems.
- General office equipment and procedures.
- Perform functions of Finance Specialist – AP/AR position.
- Excellent communication skills including written report preparation and effective oral communication; ability to explain existing policies, practices, and procedures; ability to communicate effectively with staff.
- Experience and proficiency in various computer software applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite, Workforce Ready, Workforce Telestaff and Springbrook.
- Strong mathematical skills and ability to complete detailed work accurately.
- Work under pressure with frequent interruptions to meet stringent deadlines.
- Effectively work with management team and employees as well as vendors, government agencies and the general public.
- Maintain confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive, personal and personnel information.
- Apply a wide variety of clerical skills such as letter composition, report formatting, basic bookkeeping, filing, record-keeping and basic English composition.
- Be flexible and work independently.
- Interact effectively with individuals and groups to achieve cooperation and support of departmental services, goals and objectives.
- Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills.
Additional Requirements
Education and Experience: Associates degree in accounting, bookkeeping or finance-related field AND a minimum of two years of accounting/bookkeeping experience, OR a minimum of five years of experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities. Prior experience in local government finance preferred. Must pass a formal criminal background check as required by RCW 43.43.830.
Physical Demands: Office activities require ability to sit for long periods of time and move throughout the office; ability to perform manipulative skills required for word processing and data entry; ability to lift and carry various office/training supplies and equipment (up to 20 pounds); ability to stoop, kneel and bend; ability to read computer screen, various documents and forms; hearing and speech abilities to effectively communicate and perform duties. Incumbent must be able to effectively operate computers, related software, printers, 10-key calculator, fax machine, multi-line telephone system, copiers, and postage machine.
Working Conditions: While most work time is spent in an office setting, occasional travel may be required to County Courthouse, banks, meetings and trainings. Work is performed in a fast-paced office environment with frequent interruptions requiring close attention to detail. Majority of work centers on technically complex office systems and procedures, including advanced accounting, data entry, database management and related paperwork and organizational skills.
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.