Payroll Specialist - Chattanooga, TN

SUMMARY

Responsible for payroll functions; applies principles of accounting to analyze financial information and prepare financial reports by performing the following duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitors compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and company procedures;
• Reviews, investigates, and corrects errors and inconsistencies in financial entries, documents, and reports;
• Compiles payroll data such as garnishments, vacation time, 401(k) deductions, hours worked, sales or piecework, taxes, insurance, and employee identification number, from time sheets and other records;
• Prepares computer input forms, enters data into computer files, or computes wages and deductions and posts to payroll records;
• Responds to employee/client questions regarding pay;
• Reviews wages computed and corrects errors to ensure accuracy of payroll;
• Records changes affecting net wages such as exemptions, insurance coverage, and loan payments for each employee to update master payroll records;
• Records data concerning transfer of employees between departments;
• Prepares periodic reports of earnings, taxes, and deductions;
• Prepares weekly, monthly and year-end reports (gross payroll, hours worked, vacation accrual, tax deductions, benefit deductions, etc.) for management;
• Keeps records of leave pay and nontaxable wages;
• Prepares and issues paychecks;
• Responsible for mailing W-2’s;
• Handles duties of Billing Accountant in their absence;
• Performs other office duties as needed to ensure smooth financial processes.

This job has no supervisory responsibilities. Payroll Staff Accountant is subject to supervision by the Controller and VP, Finance.

COMPETENCY

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies (minimum of 5):

• Analytical – Collects and researched data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures; Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Uses intuition and experience to complement data.
• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication - Speaks very clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in various meetings.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Organizational Support – Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization’s goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
• Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.
• Professionalism – Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.