This is an internal job opening. Only existing Scott County (non-seasonal) employees are considered.

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Job Summary

Under general supervision, the Accounting Specialist manages bi-weekly County payroll to ensure accurate and timely processing. Maintains and audits payroll records to ensure appropriate and timely reporting of wage, tax, and benefit information to outside agencies. Maintains ERP payroll and e-time systems.

Job Responsibilities

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Processes and audits County payroll on a bi-weekly basis; balances payroll; prints checks and direct deposit advices; creates one-time processing and merit retro pay; makes necessary corrections and issues manual warrants as necessary; completes ACH transfers within established deadlines.

Creates, prepares, and uploads transmittal files for year-end reports including W-2's to Social Security Administration, Iowa Department of Revenue, and Illinois E-Services; uploads transmittal 1099 Miscellaneous and 1099 Interest files to IRS; creates and submits the Iowa withholding VSP annual report.

Evaluates time cards and e-time information submitted by departments ensuring that time submitted is accurate and complies with Federal and State employment laws, union contracts, and County policies.

Maintains employee payroll records and e-time systems; edits payroll information including IPERS deductions and benefits, direct deposits, union dues, and tax information; verifies all documentation is completed and compliant with applicable laws.

Responds to questions and problems regarding payroll; verifies wage rates, earnings codes, shift differentials, and overtime for accuracy.

Compiles, confirms, and remits payroll tax liabilities to the proper Government agencies, as well as all other payroll liabilities and notify the County Treasurer of dollar amount to be disbursed.

Prepares and files all necessary payroll reporting requirements for the 941 and Schedule B to the IRS, Iowa withholding to the Iowa Department of Revenue, Illinois withholding to the Illinois Department of Revenue, Iowa unemployment to the Iowa Workforce Development and pension funds to IPERS ensuring compliance to each entity.

Creates HR Disbursements for all payroll warrants and submits them to accounts payable for ACH and check generation.

Assists with development and maintenance of the payroll database and e-time systems; ensures data integrity verifying input on a routine basis; tests all payroll related updates prior to going live.

Audits random selection of employee files on a bi-weekly basis to guarantee accurate and appropriate State and Federal withholding and miscellaneous deductions.

Performs other accounting duties including reconciling outstanding warrants and payroll checks, processing and uploading all positive pay and ACH files for payroll and accounts payable and reviewing and approving any questionable warrants sent back as exceptions from the bank.

Certifies the accuracy of withholding special deductions such as; deferred compensation, Section 125, wage garnishments, tax levies, and child support orders.

Assists Accounting and Tax Manager with a variety of special projects including the annual audit and preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) as needed.

Administers and resolves issues regarding leave without pay, Family and Medical Leave, workers' compensation, and military leave.

Works with the Human Resources department to maintain accurate employee records; verifies accurate pay information and obtains necessary policy and contract interpretations.

Works with other County departments to create reports for workers' compensation audits annually and throughout the year as needed; verifies all workers compensation payments through payroll are complete and accurate.

Assists in training County staff on payroll and e-time system changes and procedures.

Prepares and assists departments with wage reports for grant administration.

Creates and sets-up new earnings, deductions, and benefit codes in the payroll system and verifies compliance with tax guidelines.

Demonstrates the ability to exemplify, by his/her actions, the County PRIDE philosophy.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Standards for Initial Consideration

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines:
Associate's degree in Accounting or related field preferred; AND two (2) years of payroll related experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge of:
Payroll processing systems.

Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.

ACH and web-based money transfer systems.

Records maintenance and retention policies, procedures, and practices.

Skill in:
Preparing clear and concise reports.

Using a computer including standard and some specialized software and standard office equipment.

Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.

Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Supplemental Information

License and Certification Requirements
None.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:
Work is performed in a standard office environment.

Benefits

The following is a summary of benefits provided to non-union County employees. Benefits for employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement may vary somewhat depending on specific contract provisions.

• Scott County Employment Benefits