Staff Accountant, Payroll

Under general supervision, processes accurate and timely bi-weekly payroll and performs accounts payable functions while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and City policies. Reviews payroll calculations, prepares payroll tax documentation, reconciles payroll accounts, and responds to employee payroll inquiries. Reviews and processes vendor invoices, prepares payments, reconciles vendor accounts, and resolves payment discrepancies. Maintains accurate transaction documentation and supports financial reporting, closing activities, and audits.

• Process employee bi-weekly payroll accurately and within established timelines using approved time records and established payroll information.
• Review time records and payroll calculations, including gross pay, overtime, deductions, tax withholdings, and net pay; coordinate with appropriate personnel to resolve discrepancies before payroll processing.
• Prepare payroll registers, reports, and supporting documentation for review and approval.
• Prepare, review, and file required federal, state, and local payroll tax documentation in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Process all required payments associated with each biweekly payroll, including retirement contributions, payroll taxes, insurance premiums, and other deductions payable to TMRS, the IRS, UnitedHealthcare, and other applicable entities, within required deadlines.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and maintain payroll processing documentation, including approved time records, payroll registers, reconciliation reports, and tax filing records.
• Review and process vendor invoices, verifying accuracy, appropriate account coding, required approvals, and supporting documentation.
• Match invoices to purchase orders and receiving documentation, as applicable, and coordinate with departments and vendors to resolve discrepancies.
• Review vendor statements, research outstanding invoices and payment discrepancies, and respond to inquiries regarding payment status.
• Use payroll and accounting software to process transactions, generate reports, and identify and report system issues.
• Support month-end and year-end closing activities, financial reporting, and audits by preparing reconciliations, schedules, and supporting documentation.
• Organize assigned work to meet payroll processing deadlines and established vendor payment schedules.
• Perform related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least four years of experience in payroll administration, accounts payable, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, or a related field.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides practical knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and compliance may be considered.
• Must possess, or be able to obtain within 90 days of hire, a valid Texas Driver License and be eligible for coverage under the City's vehicle insurance provider.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP).
• Experience processing payroll and accounts payable in a governmental or municipal setting.
• Experience using Tyler Technologies ERP Pro 10.

• Knowledge of payroll processing principles, including wages, deductions, benefits, tax withholdings, and payroll calculations.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and requirements governing payroll processing and reporting.
• Knowledge of accounts payable principles and practices, including invoice review, payment processing, account coding, and vendor account reconciliation.
• Knowledge of payroll and accounting software applications, reporting functions, and system security requirements.
• Knowledge of financial reconciliation practices, internal controls, and procedures for verifying transaction accuracy and alignment with financial records.
• Skill in reviewing time records, payroll calculations, invoices, and supporting documentation for accuracy, completeness, and required approvals.
• Skill in using spreadsheets and financial software to compile, analyze, and reconcile data.
• Skill in communicating effectively with employees, vendors, departments, and external partners regarding payroll and payment matters.
• Ability to analyze large data sets to identify errors, irregularities, and duplicate transactions affecting financial accuracy and compliance.
• Ability to organize workloads and meet established payroll, payment, and reporting deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate across departments to resolve discrepancies and achieve financial and organizational objectives.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, protect sensitive financial and employee information, and exercise appropriate professional judgment and boundaries.