<p>Under general supervision of the Payroll Manager, the Accounting Technician performs technical accounting and payroll duties with primary responsibility for payroll processing, payroll tax compliance, and related reporting. This position supports accurate and timely payroll operations in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and established policies and procedures. The Accounting Technician works collaboratively with Human Resources and senior staff and participates in process improvement and special projects as assigned. Additionally, this position will serve as a backup for the Police Department's Financial Analyst. Payroll Administration</p> <ul> <li>Initiates payroll preparation and serve as backup for full payroll processing. </li><li>Enter, review, and audit employee timesheets and payroll data to ensure accuracy, proper coding. </li><li>Review payroll input and system changes to ensure accuracy, appropriateness, and compliance with applicable laws, policies, and collective bargaining agreements. </li><li>Assist with and serve as backup for payroll tax filings and payroll-related payments in compliance with federal, state, and local requirements. </li><li>Assist with and serve as backup for the reconciliation of payroll records and the preparation of quarterly and annual payroll tax reports. </li><li>Process and maintain employee direct deposit changes in accordance with internal controls and confidentiality requirements. </li><li>Serve as the PACE payroll and scheduling system administrator for the Police Department, including setting up and maintaining employee profiles and system data. </li><li>Respond to and resolve timesheet and payroll-related inquiries, providing assistance to employees and supervisors as needed. </li><li>Perform bi-weekly payroll audits and compliance reviews, including verification of payroll data and preparation of required payroll reports prior to submission. </li></ul> <p>Coordination & Support</p> <ul> <li>Collaborate with Human Resources and Finance Department to resolve employee payroll inquiries and discrepancies in a timely and accurate manner. </li><li>Provide guidance and technical assistance to new payroll staff and serve as a subject matter resource for payroll-related questions. </li><li>Participate in the development and modification of payroll policies, procedures, and documentation, as directed by staff. </li><li>Support collective bargaining discussions by collaborating with the Payroll Manager and senior management to cost out union proposals or potential city proposals. </li><li>Perform assigned accounting tasks related to payroll & benefits. </li><li>Assist with internal and external audits, reconciliations, and compliance reviews. </li><li>Maintain accurate records in accordance with retention requirements and internal controls. </li><li>Process Police department invoices through coding, requisition entry and accounts payable submission and assist with procurement card activity in accordance with city policies. </li><li>Help track accounts payable and receivable records. </li><li>Assist the Police Department's Financial Analyst on preparing the department's budget decision packages and all documentation pertaining to budgetary requests as directed by the Chief of Police. </li><li>Work with Police Command staff members to prepare the department's budget decision packages and all documentation pertaining to budgetary requests. </li><li>Assist with monitoring police department budgets, including tracking revenues and expenditures for divisions and units. </li></ul> <p>Special Projects and Analytical Support</p> <ul> <li>Support overtime oversight and compliance initiatives, including periodic review of Hours Detail Summary reports and evaluation of overtime coding and hour classifications. </li><li>Analyze part-time, seasonal and inactive employee status and provide recommendations related to payroll and benefit impacts. </li><li>Assist with budget projections by reviewing benefit eligibility end dates, including medical coverage, opt-out benefits, and Health Savings Accounts (HSA). </li><li>Conduct payroll, overtime, and labor cost analysis to support collective bargaining negotiations and financial planning. </li><li>Analyze purchase order requests to determine if sufficient and appropriate funds are available prior to submittal. </li><li>Knowledge of public-sector payroll practices, payroll tax requirements, and regulatory compliance. </li><li>Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements and their impact on payroll administration. </li><li>Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook), including the ability to use spreadsheets for data entry, reconciliation, analysis, and reporting. </li><li>Ability and willingness to learn and expand Excel skills, including working with formulas, reports, and payroll-related data analysis tools. </li><li>Strong analytical and reconciliation skills with high attention to detail and accuracy. </li><li>Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and regulations. </li><li>Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive employee and payroll information. </li><li>Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and collaborate across departments </li><li>Effective written and verbal communication skills </li></ul> <p>Education</p> <ul> <li>High school diploma or GED required </li><li>Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred </li></ul> <p>Experience</p> <ul> <li>Minimum of 2 years of accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, or finance-related experience </li><li>Experience with accounts payable/receivable, reconciliations, and general ledger entries </li></ul>