Payroll Specialist I (87.26)

Golden State Water Company is one of the largest investor-owned water utilities in the United States.  We deliver quality, reliable water to more than 1 million people in over 80 communities throughout California.  Golden State Water has been in business for more than 90 years because we put customers first.

POSITION DEFINITION: The Payroll Specialist I assists in the process functions relating to payroll to include, but not limited to, weekly, bi-weekly and interim payroll processing, payroll taxes submission, 401(k) contribution limit tracking, monthly 401(k) trust statement reconciliation, monthly payroll journal entries, labor costs flux analyses, quarterly payroll tax returns preparation, automated time-keeping systems and annual W-2 reconciliation and issuance. This includes maintaining all employee payroll records, entering payroll information for all employees, recording tax withholding information, as well as making appropriate changes in compliance with internal policies and external local, state and federal income tax regulations.

The incumbent in this position also assists in the processing of payment to employees on a scheduled basis, to include creating paper checks as well as direct deposits. Along with payroll processing, the Specialist reviews previously created reports to ensure accuracy of payroll processing.

Accountability: Reviews and checks payroll reports for accuracy and makes necessary adjustments or corrections through journal entries or other established procedure.
Under general supervision, the employee must work collaboratively, exercise professionalism in an environment of routinely sensitive and confidential issues. Therefore, the employee must have strong organizational and interpersonal skills to deal effectively with all levels of the Company’s management staff and employees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Assists in the processing of the Company’s payroll and maintains employee payroll records, in compliance with applicable federal and state wage-related regulations
• Assists in the performance of routine accounting and bookkeeping, often of a confidential nature, in such areas as payroll account analysis and payroll administration
• Interacts with regional management and Human Capital Management to ensure timely payroll process
• Assists in the reconciliation of payroll prior to transmission and validate confirmed reports
• Monitors workflow to ensure all payroll transactions are processed accurately and timely
• Completes and processes payroll journal entries, using previously developed systems
• Performs daily payroll department operations
• Understands proper taxation of employer paid benefits
• Reviews garnishment calculations and compliance
• Reviews time sheets and attendance processing and interface with payroll
• Processes manual check based on business needs
• Assists in the preparation of bi-weekly payroll tax submissions
• Assists in the preparation of quarterly and annual payroll tax return
• Reviews year end W-2s and wage reconciliations
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Works under general supervision

MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
• Associates degree in Finance, Accounting or Business, or equivalent experience
• Three years’ experience in accounting/finance or payroll area
• Proficiency in Excel and spreadsheet application
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations

Qualities / Core Competencies:
• Proficiency in Excel is a requirement
• Strong work ethic and team player
• High degree of professionalism
• Ability to deal sensitively with confidential material
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to communicate with various levels of management
• Problem-solving
• Analytical skills
• Organizational, multi-tasking, and prioritizing skills

May include but not limited to standing, climbing, walking, lifting, bending, pulling and/or pushing, grasping, reaching, stooping and crouching, sitting, typing, walking, reading, writing, color determination, speaking and listening for extended periods of time.
 

BENEFITS

Our Company supports our employees with rich benefit programs and resources to help them thrive today and prepare for tomorrow.  Benefit options include medical, dental, and vision plans with the Company currently paying 85% of the monthly premium for employees and their eligible dependents.  We also offer paid vacation and sick time and twelve Company paid holidays per year.  To help our employees plan for the future, we offer both a 401(k) retirement plan as well as a Defined Contribution Profit Sharing retirement plan.  Additional benefits include life, AD&D, and LTD insurance as well as health savings account and flexible spending plans.

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

The compensation range provided is in compliance with state specific laws.  Multiple factors are used to determine the actual starting rate of pay for all of our positions, including specific skills, years of experience, education, certification(s), and other job related factors.

The responsibilities of this position will involve access to information that may be considered confidential, private and sensitive. Therefore, the individual filling this position will be required to both allow and pass a background check.

NOTE: Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with special needs to perform the essential functions.