Payroll/Timekeeping Specialist

This position is part of a team that is responsible for processing bi-weekly payroll for 800+ employees, totaling $65 million annually, in compliance with applicable personnel policies, labor contracts and state and federal regulations. 

The regular days off for this position are Wednesday and Thursday as weekend coverage is needed.  Candidates must be able to work Friday through Tuesday and Holidays as the regular work schedule and be available to work extended hours as needed to meet strict payroll deadlines.

1. Enters daily payroll exception data into Trapeze OPS crew scheduling software. Validates timekeeping calculation results for accuracy and for compliance with the labor contract, personnel policy, and labor laws. Research discrepancies, makes corrections and documents the changes. Reviews all documentation to be retained for completeness. Exports the final pay data to PeopleSoft and maintains a reconciliation of the two systems.
2. Enters data from timecards into PeopleSoft.
3. Reviews payroll for accuracy and completeness. Calculates payroll, reconciles payroll to various reports.
4. Responds to the payroll related inquiries from employees, management, and outside agencies. Serves as a resource for payroll issues.
5. Develops and documents payroll procedures to ensure payroll is processed consistently and accurately.
6. Prepares biweekly transmittal reports and responds to requests for information from the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems.
7. Works with IT Staff to troubleshoot system problems and testing functional updates, upgrades and fixes.
8. Processes, monitors, reconciles, and reports union dues deductions.
9. Responds to garnishment requests. Sets up garnishments in PeopleSoft. Processes biweekly payments to garnishers. Reconciles related general ledger account
10. Processes after payroll payments to third parties for employee voluntary deductions and reconciles related general ledger accounts.
11. Validates FMLA and Workers Compensation leave hours using authorization reports provided by Human Resources and third-party vendors. Creates adjusting entries as needed.
12. Calculates and documents short-term disability, industrial insurance and donated sick leave supplements.
13. Maintains archive of payroll records.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Associate degree (AS or AA) or a two-year technical certificate in accounting or related field.
2. Five years increasingly responsible payroll experience.
3. Four years payroll software experience.
4. Must be able to work Friday through Tuesday and Holidays as the regular work schedule and be available to work extended hours as needed to meet strict payroll deadlines.

An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job listed above may be considered.

Preferred

1. Experience working with PeopleSoft.
2. Experience working with Trapeze software.
3. Experience producing transit or union payroll.

Entry Requirements for: Knowledge and Skills

Qualification to enter this position requires knowledge of the following:

1. General accounting principles and payroll processing.
2. General knowledge of payroll related labor laws, such as FMLA and FLSA.

Qualification to enter this position requires skill in:

1. Written and oral communication.
2. Advanced use of Microsoft Excel.
3. Meeting strict payroll deadlines.
4. Performing arithmetic calculations with speed and accuracy.
5. Work effectively with managers and employees at all levels of the corporation.

Physical Requirements: Pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, repetitive motions.

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to a negligible amount of force frequently to move objects.

Other

• Final applicant may be subject to a credit check in additional to regular background check.
• Incumbent may be requested to work in a cash vault room occasionally.
  
  

Application and Selection Process:

• Only on-line applications accepted. 
• Applicants for this job may be considered for other openings up to six months after the date this position is filled.
• Applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be asked to provide a portfolio sample of work, scheduled for an interview as well as a variety of tests to demonstrate knowledge and skills for the position.  The evaluation process may include interviews, background checks, reference checks and various performance tests.    

Employee Benefits: 

Employees (and their families) are covered by medical, dental, vision, basic life and disability insurance. Employees participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and have the option to enroll in the agency’s deferred compensation plan.  In addition to WA Paid Sick Leave, employees in this position, accrue nineteen (19) days of Paid Time Off (152 hours) in their first year and receive nine (9) paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Full list of all benefits and details can be found here.

If you have a family member, or share the same living quarters of a current Community Transit employee, please let your Human Resources Recruiter know as your eligibility for this position will be affected.

Community Transit provides a tobacco-free and drug-free work environment. As a recipient of federal funds, Community Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on an basis prohibited by Federal, State or Local law.  We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.  EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, protected veteran status or disability.