Accounting Specialist Payroll at NWSDS

Invite a friend Job Description:We look for individuals in our organization who are passionate about our mission and values and providing excellent customer service.We value our employees working closely with them to help them be successful. We value the people we provide services to ensuring they receive the highest quality of customer service.Recruitment #:Closes: December 5 2025 (Internally) December 10 2025 (Externally)Location: SalemSalary: Starting at $4609 with excellent benefits. (See below)Agency Sponsored: Medical/Dental 100% paid for employee and 90-98% for dependents generous Paid-time off Public Employee Retirement (PERS) Employee Assistance Plan Long Term Disability great culture.Employee paid: Deferred Compensation Life Insurance Short Term Disability Colonial Life Supplemental Plans Legal Shield.Purpose of JobMeets Agency Mission by providing technical payroll processing and support ensuring accurate and timely processing of pay in compliance with government regulations Maintains and audits appropriate records to ensure accuracy and timely reporting of wage and benefit information to outside organizationsEssential FunctionsProvide accurate paychecks to employees and overseeing proper compensation of all employees.Process monthly/quarterly/annual payroll billings taxes and other financial reportsSupport Lead Fiscal Analyst Executive Director and other managersFacilitate confidence in Accounting Specialist and therefore the Agency and programsProtect consumers and reduce Agency riskProvide excellent customer service in a professional mannerProvide accurate paychecks to employeesReview employee timesheets for accuracy and complianceEnter and maintain taxes earnings & deductions information accurately and timelyProcess and monitor employee benefit deductions including PERS/EDX entry/processing/reportingMaintain verify and process W-4 annual W-2 direct deposit and other pay related forms/processesProcess and monitor wage garnishment and child support ordersProcess pay changes as notified and resolve any payroll discrepancies.Processing timesheet adjustmentsWork closely with HR in identifying processing and providing review of changesReview payroll for accuracy and process in a timely manner to ensure pay on due datesRespond to employee wage and pay questions concerns and researchTransfer payroll process and distribute paychecksMonitor and process payroll advances.Manage payroll files and other record keeping 2. Process monthly/quarterly/annual payroll billings taxes and other financial reportsMaintain master payroll records data entry and reports for taxesReview/pay monthly quarterly and annual tax filings for accuracyPrepare and process New Hire Reporting Workers Comp Audit Multiple Worksites Bureau of Labor and Statistics etc.Submit monthly reports for enrollments in Deferred Comp (Voya and ING) PERS retirement FLEX spending AFSCME Union etc.Process address changes to appropriate external entitiesReconcile and prepare payroll billings (CIS SunLife etc.) and GL entries as neededReconcile quarterly and yearly reports.Work with Accounting Specialist General and Benefit Specialist to reconcile benefit and deduction paymentsPrepare general reports for managers and others in the AgencyPost monthly payroll into Agency accounting system 3. Support lead Fiscal Analyst Executive Director and other managersAssist with general payroll research such as unemployment reconciliation reviewing past practices employee pay history etc.Prepare annual audit and audit comparison schedules as requestedReview files and reports to confirm adequate supporting documentation 4. Facilitate confidence in Accounting Specialist and therefore the Agency and programsEmbrace and exhibit the Agency Mission and Core ValuesProvide excellent customer servicePerform detail-oriented work with accuracyMaintain confidentiality on agency mattersPrioritize tasks to ensure completion of strict deadlinesMeet the needs of internal and external customers by following through meeting deadlines and interacting with others in a respectful and culturally appropriate mannerMaintain the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively perform dutiesProvide suggestions for improvementBe aware of Agency programs and services 5. Protect consumers and reduce Agency riskFollow policies regulations and requirements of the program and AgencyProvide documentation as set forth by Federal State funding regulations and Agency policyConfirm evidence of accurate and appropriate supporting fiscal documentationServe as Mandatory Reporter of suspected abuse of vulnerable populations according to and as required by policy regulationsMaintain and share information according to privacy regulations 6. Provide excellent customer service in a professional mannerApply the required knowledge and skillsExhibit sound decision making and problem solvingMeet quality standards in accuracy and timelinessFollow policies and proceduresWork independently but seek and offer assistance as neededExhibit the technology skills related to the required work (word processing spreadsheets database internet research mail email and IM communications electronic scheduling phones and copiersExhibit a positive attitude towards consumers co-workers supervisors and other constituentsSupervisory ResponsibilitiesNone Experience and Skills:Minimum QualificationsA qualified applicant will have a minimum of four (4) years of experience which demonstrates the knowledge skills and abilities required to perform the job will be considered. A qualified applicant will also have a minimum two-year degree in payroll and/or accounting. The following qualifications meeting the minimum requirements will be considered:Completion of two years college degree or higher or business school training in bookkeeping including payroll.Four years of responsible experience in processing payroll including some time in a similar size organization. Experience in governmental accounting and payroll is preferred.Job-Specific SkillsConsiderable knowledge of general and public sector payroll practices and principlesStrong mathematical and analytical skillsAbility to identify track and correct errorsStrong experience with payroll processing softwareAbility to understand and apply general policiesIntermediate excel or similar spreadsheet skillsKnowledge of payroll tax requirements and reportingAbility to learn specialized reporting programs such as PERS/EDX etc.Knowledge of documentation requirementsAbility to audit in relation to payrollKnowledge of rules around mandatory reportingGeneral SkillsGood interpersonal skillsAbility to interact with others in respectful and culturally appropriate waysAbility to work effectively with a wide variety of individuals and small groupsOral presentation skillsExhibit good judgmentSpeak read write and understand EnglishAbility to follow verbal and written instruction.Other RequirementsThe successful applicant must have the following skills including the ability to:Support the agencys mission ethics and valuesSecure and maintain a valid drivers license in the state of Oregon or an acceptable alternative means of transportationCommit to regular attendance as it is required to meet the demands of this jobPass a criminal background check successfullyMaintain and share information according to privacy regulationsServes as a mandatory reporter of suspected abuse of vulnerable populations as required by policy and regulationComplete necessary work as assignedWork Environment and Physical DemandsThis job is performed primarily in the office with little public contact but consistent contact with Agency staff. The Accounting Specialist must be able to:Use a computer telephone and other office equipmentTolerate and be able to work where the noise level is that of a typical officeEncounter frequent interruptions throughout the work dayRegularly sit talk or hearUse repetitive hand motionsHandle objects and sustain a sense of touchStand walk reach and bendLift up to 25 pounds Office work will be conducted using general office equipment and includes substantial sitting. Office is performed primarily in a cubicle/office environment with noise and interruptions. Will require occasional travel within the five-county service area for meetings vendors etc. Travel requires driving an Agency car or employee car and utilizing a laptop computer and audio-visual equipment.Contact with the public in home or office environments may risk exposure to people with contagious diseases or irrational/hostile behavior and contact with domestic animals. The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Classification: Accounting Specialist - PayrollPosition Number: 59Salary Range: UN20FLSA Status: Non-ExemptUnit: AdministrationLocation: SalemReports to: Finance and Budget ManagerUnion Status: UnrepresentedLast revision: July 2023This job description is a general guide for the job to be performed and does not cover everything. Employees may be required to perform other duties including covering for and in other offices. Employees are expected to follow and perform other job-related duties requested by their manager.Reasonable accommodations will be made as needed.Job descriptions are subject to change. Required Experience:IC Key Skills Account Payable,Invoicing,Journal Entry,Data Entry,Accounting & Finance,Tax Returns,QuickBooks,General Ledger Accounting,Microsoft Excel,Reporting,Payroll,Financial statement,Account Receivable,ACCA,CPA Employment Type : Full Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1