Accountant II (Payroll Costing)

Accountant II

Posting expires: Until Filled. Salary Range: $54,863.22- $59,988.60

General Description and Classification Standards:

The Accountant II performs professional accounting and auditing work independently and at the full performance level in support of payroll costing and general accounting operations. Responsible for completing general and technical activities related to the processing of bi-weekly payroll costing, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable governmental accounting standards. Participates in the development, implementation, and application of various financial policies and procedures related to payroll costing processes. Prepares payroll-related reports, runs payroll process and system interfaces. Prepares general ledger account reconciliations, and analyzes financial statements and reports.

This position is an intricate role in the monthly general ledger close process, including but not limited to processing and reviewing account reconciliations from other City departments, preparing and reviewing complex journal entries, and performing monthly trial balance analyses of account variances.

Supervision Received:

Reports to Accounting Manager II for Payroll Costing. Works with a high degree of independence and initiative.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Process and post payroll transactions to the general ledger
• Review and analyze the trial balance on both a modified accrual and full accrual basis.
• Prepare, review, and submit payroll costing reports, reconciliations, work papers, schedules, and supporting documentation for audit purposes.
• Prepare statements and analytical reports related to payroll expenses, accruals, and trends.
• Prepare monthly and annual reconciliations for payroll liabilities and payroll-related expense accounts.
• Provide technical guidance and subject matter expertise to City departments regarding payroll corrections, employee records adjustments, and departmental payroll postings.
• Respond to requests for payroll costing and accounting information in a timely and professional manner.
• Participate in the development, documentation, and implementation of payroll costing policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Analyze existing processes and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Demonstrate strong customer service skills.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. COA may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully, it is not an exhaustive list.

Knowledge of:

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), governmental accounting standards, fund and grant accounting, and internal controls.
• Payroll costing concepts, payroll-related liabilities, and expense recognition.
• Working knowledge of Oracle Payroll, Oracle ERP system, or similar enterprise resource planning systems.
• Experience with Oracle Time & Labor (preferred)
• Advanced Microsoft Excel functions and data analysis techniques required

Ability to:

• Generate system reports and successfully run payroll-related processes and interfaces.
• Research, analyze, and interpret financial and payroll data.
• Apply critical thinking to identify discrepancies, resolve issues, and ensure data integrity.
• Communicate technical accounting information clearly to non-accounting stakeholders
• Manage multiple priorities and meet recurring deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of governmental accounting experience required.
• Minimum of two (2) years using Oracle ERP system or comparable financial systems.
• Minimum of three (3) years of payroll processing or payroll accounting experience.