City of Issaquah
Come join the Issaquah Finance Department as a Senior Payroll Analyst. We are looking for an experienced Senior Payroll Analyst with expertise in processing complex payroll operations particularly within unionized environments. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to interpret and apply terms of labor agreements, proven experience in managing the year end process including tax filings and W-2’s. The individual will also have experience in payroll budgeting and labor cost analysis.
Under general direction, this position is responsible for technical, administrative and accounting duties in the development, implementation and administration of payroll operations. This incumbent applies written and analytical skills to gather and analyze information for payroll business processes and improvements, and leads, oversees and performs a variety of specialized and technical duties in the processing of payroll, implementation, configuration, operation maintenance, upgrades, testing and training of the City’s payroll system.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS There are two levels in this series, Payroll Analyst and Senior Payroll Analyst
Payroll Analyst This is the journey level of this series. Incumbents perform a full range of standard work procedures, operations and tasks. Work involves planning, organizing and initiating tasks and is performed under general supervision, and in accordance with established policies, procedures and legal requirements.
Senior Payroll Analyst This is the advanced, fully-experienced level of the series. Work requires a higher level of technical knowledge and significant analytical skills. Incumbents contribute to strategic planning, develop and implement City-wide initiatives, projects and programs. These positions work independently with minimal supervision and may supervise, guide and coordinate the work of other staff as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Reports to the Chief Financial Officer or Deputy Finance Director.
BENEFITS In addition to a competitive salary and excellent remote/hybrid work options, the City offers the following:
Excellent low- and high-deductible medical plan options, free for you and low cost to add your whole family.
Employer HSA contributions (with high-deductible medical plan): $3350 individual/$6650 family.
100% employer paid dental and vision.
Generous vacation and sick time, plus 40 hours of management leave yearly and 14 paid holidays.
Participation in the Public Employee’s Retirement System (PERS) with employer contribution.
$200/month match into a 457b deferred compensation account.
Telework benefit - minimum of 2 days in office requirement after initial training period.
EQUITY STATEMENT The City of Issaquah strives to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We value a variety of perspectives and life experiences and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under federal, state and local laws. We believe diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to the success of our City operations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Performs timely and accurate preparation of City payrolls.
Administers data entry into various benefit portals, including not limited to medical, dental, vision and life insurance. Ensures employees are accurately enrolled and that the related payroll deductions are made. Coordinates annual open enrollment changes with Human Resources staff to ensure accurate and timely implementation of changes.
Ensures that payroll complies with Federal and State requirements; monitors new legislation and recommends changes to policy and processing.
Reviews all collective bargaining agreements and translates the terms of those agreements into the payroll system.
Serves as the City’s subject matter expert on all payroll interface issues with the City’s ERP, acting as a liaison to IT and the City’s ERP provider on required modifications and troubleshooting to ensure that the system is set up to accurately process payroll.
May supervise guide and coordinate the work of journey level Payroll staff. Provide direction, counsel and training.
Processes payments to employees and makes deposits to State and Federal agencies and other benefit providers.
Prepares monthly and annual balancing procedures to facilitate reporting requirements pursuant to Federal, State and local laws.
Administers payments and deductions related to the City’s retirement plans. Prepares retirement reporting and records.
Processes payroll for employees separating from service, ensuring the accurate cash outs of pay and benefits in accordance with City policies and Union contracts.
Processes COBRA paperwork with the City’s third-party vendors.
Responds to garnishment and inquiries and tracks disbursements appropriately to facilitate reporting requirements.
Maintains electronic and, if necessary, manual payroll changes for new terminating, and active employees. Maintains electronic and/or manual leave requests and associated accrual files. Compiles payroll statistics and costs pursuant to varying management and/or Union requests. Coordinates applicable information and/or requests with Human Resources to maintain compliance with City policy, collective bargaining agreements and State and Federal laws.
Provides technical assistance regarding the processing of payroll and resolving payroll issues; answers employee inquiries regarding payroll procedures and calculations; responds to verbal and written inquiries from supervisors, managers and outside agencies.
Coordinates with Human Resources staff on interpretation of City policies and Union contracts; establishes payroll procedures to ensure compliance with City, State and Federal requirements.
Reviews/monitors employee timesheet data to verify appropriate administration of leave policies. Coordinates eligibility with Human Resources staff.
Assists in the implementation of payroll system upgrades and modules and establishes new policies and procedures in compliance with City, State and Federal requirements
Participates in or leads testing of payroll system functionality
Develops and implements training for staff on new or existing systems, processes, and procedures related to payroll.
Coordinates with Human Resources on implementation and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements.
Coordinates annual year-end processes.
Oversees annual creation and distribution of W-2 forms.
Evaluates payroll policies and procedures and develops, recommends, and implements changes in policy or procedure to improve efficiency or accuracy of payroll processing.
Identifies and resolves accounting systems problems.
Assists with the annual budget process by developing salary and benefit forecasting. Prepares complex research and develops reports for management as requested. Issues receipts, classifies and codes transactions.
Assists in the preparation of the annual financial statements.
Anticipates, assesses, and responds effectively to the needs of diverse customers, both internal and external, by consistently providing excellent customer service that is timely, accurate, courteous, and respectful.
Provides ongoing Citywide end-user training and oversight of the payroll system.
Coordinates and maintain audits associated with payroll.
Maintains and sets standards for maintaining the confidentiality of payroll information.
Provides exceptional customer service to customers.
Serves as a liaison to the City’s bank to ensure payroll files are transferred.
Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or Business Administration, or a related field; and
Three years of payroll/accounting experience;
Supervisory experience preferred or
any combination that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
KNOWLEDGE OF
Payroll principles and practices.
Federal and State wage and hour laws.
Governmental accounting and auditing practices and Washington State BARS accounting system.
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
Government Accounting Standard Board (GASB)
SKILL IN
Using computers and applicable software programs, including Word, Excel, ERPs and electronic mail.
ABILITY TO
Apply payroll rules and regulations
Interpret and translate complex collective bargaining agreements and benefit plans into the payroll system
Perform statistical, mathematical and financial analysis; interpret the data.
Review salary, financial and other data for accuracy.
Analyze and draw conclusions from data and statistics.
Interface with IT and software companies in the deployment and use of ERPs
Exercise sound judgment and decision-making authority within the scope of the job
Read and interpret documents, including collective bargaining agreements and legal regulations.
Supervise and lead direct reports
Work under pressure and/or continual interruptions, and to deal with a variety of deadlines of both an immediate and flexible nature.
Communicate effectively with the public, other employees, using tact discretion and courtesy.
Perform arithmetic computations accurately and quickly.
Operate standard office equipment such as calculators, printers and a personal computer.
Apply general accounting principles to the account records and the preparation of financial reports.
Maintain effective working relationships with officials, staff, and the general-public.
Understand complex written and oral instructions.
Formulate and design forms graphs and program spreadsheets.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Work independently and make decisions under broad guidelines.
Maintain confidentiality of work-related issues, records, employee and City information.
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Under general direction, this position is responsible for technical, administrative and accounting duties in the development, implementation and administration of payroll operations. This incumbent applies written and analytical skills to gather and analyze information for payroll business processes and improvements, and leads, oversees and performs a variety of specialized and technical duties in the processing of payroll, implementation, configuration, operation maintenance, upgrades, testing and training of the City’s payroll system.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS There are two levels in this series, Payroll Analyst and Senior Payroll Analyst
Payroll Analyst This is the journey level of this series. Incumbents perform a full range of standard work procedures, operations and tasks. Work involves planning, organizing and initiating tasks and is performed under general supervision, and in accordance with established policies, procedures and legal requirements.
Senior Payroll Analyst This is the advanced, fully-experienced level of the series. Work requires a higher level of technical knowledge and significant analytical skills. Incumbents contribute to strategic planning, develop and implement City-wide initiatives, projects and programs. These positions work independently with minimal supervision and may supervise, guide and coordinate the work of other staff as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Reports to the Chief Financial Officer or Deputy Finance Director.
BENEFITS In addition to a competitive salary and excellent remote/hybrid work options, the City offers the following:
Excellent low- and high-deductible medical plan options, free for you and low cost to add your whole family.
Employer HSA contributions (with high-deductible medical plan): $3350 individual/$6650 family.
100% employer paid dental and vision.
Generous vacation and sick time, plus 40 hours of management leave yearly and 14 paid holidays.
Participation in the Public Employee’s Retirement System (PERS) with employer contribution.
$200/month match into a 457b deferred compensation account.
Telework benefit - minimum of 2 days in office requirement after initial training period.
EQUITY STATEMENT The City of Issaquah strives to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We value a variety of perspectives and life experiences and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under federal, state and local laws. We believe diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to the success of our City operations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Performs timely and accurate preparation of City payrolls.
Administers data entry into various benefit portals, including not limited to medical, dental, vision and life insurance. Ensures employees are accurately enrolled and that the related payroll deductions are made. Coordinates annual open enrollment changes with Human Resources staff to ensure accurate and timely implementation of changes.
Ensures that payroll complies with Federal and State requirements; monitors new legislation and recommends changes to policy and processing.
Reviews all collective bargaining agreements and translates the terms of those agreements into the payroll system.
Serves as the City’s subject matter expert on all payroll interface issues with the City’s ERP, acting as a liaison to IT and the City’s ERP provider on required modifications and troubleshooting to ensure that the system is set up to accurately process payroll.
May supervise guide and coordinate the work of journey level Payroll staff. Provide direction, counsel and training.
Processes payments to employees and makes deposits to State and Federal agencies and other benefit providers.
Prepares monthly and annual balancing procedures to facilitate reporting requirements pursuant to Federal, State and local laws.
Administers payments and deductions related to the City’s retirement plans. Prepares retirement reporting and records.
Processes payroll for employees separating from service, ensuring the accurate cash outs of pay and benefits in accordance with City policies and Union contracts.
Processes COBRA paperwork with the City’s third-party vendors.
Responds to garnishment and inquiries and tracks disbursements appropriately to facilitate reporting requirements.
Maintains electronic and, if necessary, manual payroll changes for new terminating, and active employees. Maintains electronic and/or manual leave requests and associated accrual files. Compiles payroll statistics and costs pursuant to varying management and/or Union requests. Coordinates applicable information and/or requests with Human Resources to maintain compliance with City policy, collective bargaining agreements and State and Federal laws.
Provides technical assistance regarding the processing of payroll and resolving payroll issues; answers employee inquiries regarding payroll procedures and calculations; responds to verbal and written inquiries from supervisors, managers and outside agencies.
Coordinates with Human Resources staff on interpretation of City policies and Union contracts; establishes payroll procedures to ensure compliance with City, State and Federal requirements.
Reviews/monitors employee timesheet data to verify appropriate administration of leave policies. Coordinates eligibility with Human Resources staff.
Assists in the implementation of payroll system upgrades and modules and establishes new policies and procedures in compliance with City, State and Federal requirements
Participates in or leads testing of payroll system functionality
Develops and implements training for staff on new or existing systems, processes, and procedures related to payroll.
Coordinates with Human Resources on implementation and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements.
Coordinates annual year-end processes.
Oversees annual creation and distribution of W-2 forms.
Evaluates payroll policies and procedures and develops, recommends, and implements changes in policy or procedure to improve efficiency or accuracy of payroll processing.
Identifies and resolves accounting systems problems.
Assists with the annual budget process by developing salary and benefit forecasting. Prepares complex research and develops reports for management as requested. Issues receipts, classifies and codes transactions.
Assists in the preparation of the annual financial statements.
Anticipates, assesses, and responds effectively to the needs of diverse customers, both internal and external, by consistently providing excellent customer service that is timely, accurate, courteous, and respectful.
Provides ongoing Citywide end-user training and oversight of the payroll system.
Coordinates and maintain audits associated with payroll.
Maintains and sets standards for maintaining the confidentiality of payroll information.
Provides exceptional customer service to customers.
Serves as a liaison to the City’s bank to ensure payroll files are transferred.
Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or Business Administration, or a related field; and
Three years of payroll/accounting experience;
Supervisory experience preferred or
any combination that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
KNOWLEDGE OF
Payroll principles and practices.
Federal and State wage and hour laws.
Governmental accounting and auditing practices and Washington State BARS accounting system.
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
Government Accounting Standard Board (GASB)
SKILL IN
Using computers and applicable software programs, including Word, Excel, ERPs and electronic mail.
ABILITY TO
Apply payroll rules and regulations
Interpret and translate complex collective bargaining agreements and benefit plans into the payroll system
Perform statistical, mathematical and financial analysis; interpret the data.
Review salary, financial and other data for accuracy.
Analyze and draw conclusions from data and statistics.
Interface with IT and software companies in the deployment and use of ERPs
Exercise sound judgment and decision-making authority within the scope of the job
Read and interpret documents, including collective bargaining agreements and legal regulations.
Supervise and lead direct reports
Work under pressure and/or continual interruptions, and to deal with a variety of deadlines of both an immediate and flexible nature.
Communicate effectively with the public, other employees, using tact discretion and courtesy.
Perform arithmetic computations accurately and quickly.
Operate standard office equipment such as calculators, printers and a personal computer.
Apply general accounting principles to the account records and the preparation of financial reports.
Maintain effective working relationships with officials, staff, and the general-public.
Understand complex written and oral instructions.
Formulate and design forms graphs and program spreadsheets.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Work independently and make decisions under broad guidelines.
Maintain confidentiality of work-related issues, records, employee and City information.
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