Staff Accountant (Payroll)

Connect to a career at City Utilities! CU has been connecting our community to the services they need for every day life since 1945. From electricity to power our lives, clean water to be healthy, natural gas to stay warm, internet to keep businesses connected, to transit services to get them where they need to go.

Salary:

Grade 55:

Minimum: $1,072.78/weekly

Midpoint: $1,314.16

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Job Description:

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Under the direction of the Supervisor - Payroll or designee, updates weekly the Workday Human Resources/Payroll platform in accordance with the non-union Salary and Benefits Plan and the union Statements of Intent. Ensures employees' earnings, deductions, and tax filings are in compliance with federal and state tax regulations, including review of IRS tax code limits for Cafeteria plan elections (IRS section 125) and deferred compensation and savings plans (IRS sections 401a and 457). Prepares pension plan reporting, deferred compensation plans wire transfers, disability pay, and workers’ compensation payments. Responsible for the weekly posting of labor charges to the general ledger for approximately 960 employees ensuring accurate financial statement reporting. Assists with processing of payroll in compliance with applicable regulatory guidelines for a utility comprised of electric, natural gas, transportation, telcom/broadband, and water systems.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Responsible for reviewing all appropriate employee earnings and deduction changes including tax withholding changes, credit union deductions, union dues, and deferred compensation percentage changes. After verifying the requests, updates the Workday payroll, benefits, and human resources platform.

2. Reconciles and prepares all tax calculations and vouchers for reporting as required by Federal and State agencies on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis. Updates tax spreadsheet and verify balances with the Workday platform and OneSource Virtual service used for W2 preparation.

3. Processes and reconciles labor distribution charges between the Workday platform and the general ledger.

4. Administers and verifies with the Legal Department any writs of sequestration (wage garnishments) received. Enters the appropriate data in the Workday platform and verifies the amount calculated match the garnishment rules.

5. Verifies final payments based on the nonunion Salary and Benefits plan and the union Statement of Intent rules with the Benefits area for all terminating employees. Reviews the final system generated payslip and ensures all employee insurance elections are collected, and taxes are accurately calculated.

6. Reviews all summary reports as generated from time entered in Workday Time Tracking for compliance with the nonunion Salary and Benefits plan and union Statement of Intent rules. This includes, but is not limited to, overtime, dock, step-up, and time-required for part-time/leave of absence.

7. Compiles the weekly payroll documentation including the weekly payroll register, headcount report, pay detail, and tax data for review by management.

8. Verifies all time is entered, submitted, and approved with assistance from the payroll intern.

9. Responds to questions from management and employees regarding reporting of time and other general payroll questions.

10. Prepares and reconciles monthly reports and vouchers for the following:

11. Reviews and reconciles monthly general ledger accounts related to payroll taxes and other payroll withholdings and prepares appropriate journal entries for employer-related taxes.

12. Administers disability pay and coordinates Workers’ Compensation payments with Human Resources and distributes information to Accounts Payable.

13. Prepares weekly Deferred Compensation and Thrift Savings Plan voucher for ACH payment. Coordinates this process with the recordkeeper to ensure timely remittance.

14. Actively supports all Finance goals, processes, and standards.

15. Performs other related duties as required or assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Must meet one of the following education requirements:

Six months of accounting or related field experience in a business environment is preferred. Knowledge of Workday HCM software is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

o Successfully navigate various electronic programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suites, other applicable information technology applications, and self-service platforms.

o Plan, organize, and coordinate work.

o Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills.

o Work courteously with customers, co-workers, and individuals in other departments.

o Work under pressure and meet close deadlines.

o Handle sensitive information in a highly confidential manner.

o Analyze and problem-solve with a high attention to detail.

o Demonstrate a customer-focused orientation and project a positive image of the Utility to the public.

o Work independently and complete multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements:

Typically, sedentary work. Ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word and receive detailed information through oral communication is required. Substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers, and close visual acuity to operate a computer is required. Bending and stooping may be required for filing and file retrieval.

Working Conditions:

Normal office environment, with occasional evening work, is required.

Miscellaneous Requirements:

TESTING

Testing may be required.

EEO

City Utilities offers equal employment opportunities to individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, genetic information or marital status. Learn more about CU and EEO.