Payroll Accounting Specialist

Under the general direction of the Chief Deputy Auditor-Treasurer, this position is responsible to process biweekly payroll timely and accurately, create various payroll reports, and to assist in maintaining the County’s Human Resources Information System (HRIS).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responsible for biweekly payroll processing for all county employees in compliance with county personnel policies and labor agreements, verify submitted timesheets, and resolve discrepancies with supervisors and Human Resources. Perform data entry of payroll journal entries into the County’s accounting system.

Maintain time & attendance system. Provide guidance to employees and supervisors on the completion of timecards pursuant to county personnel policy and labor agreements.

Act as a resource to departments. Respond to questions from employees and supervisors regarding payroll processing, calculations and other related areas.

Provide clear documentation of all payroll and reporting processes. Regularly rotate payroll duties for internal control.

Audit, reconcile and resolve any discrepancies with benefit deductions and vendor billings.

Create and prepare a variety of reports for state and federal taxes, audits, annual financial reports and other areas required by state or federal law and regulations.

Maintain employee payroll files and timesheets as required by the County’s Records Retention Schedule.

Attend meetings and training as directed to maintain professional competency.

Provide back-up to property tax and election functions as needed.

Develop and maintain respectful and cooperative working relationships.

Regular and reliable attendance according to the department’s work schedule.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

Knowledge of governmental accounting standards and practices.

Knowledge of employment and labor laws and other state and federal laws that affect payroll.

Knowledge of office procedures, data entry and record keeping.

Proficient in Excel and excellent working knowledge of Word.

Excellent customer service skills and ability to communicate effectively both written and orally.

Extensive skill in mathematical computations.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and data privacy pursuant to state and federal laws.

Ability to plan and organize effectively.

Ability to work under pressure and accurately process payroll within prescribed deadlines.

Ability to multitask effectively.

Ability to follow written and oral instructions.

Ability to handle a variety of typical assignments independently.

Minimum Qualifications

Two years of post-secondary education in payroll, accounting or related field; AND

Three years of experience in payroll, accounting or related field.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Sherburne County offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical (employee, employee spouse, employee child(ren), or family coverage). Monthly premiums for Employee only coverage are covered 100% by the county.
  • County Contributions to VEBA and HSA plans
• Employer paid $25,000 Term Life Policy
• Optional Benefits:
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Additional Supplemental Life Insurance for self, spouse and child(ren)
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care Reimbursement and/or Dependent Care Reimbursement Account)
  • Accident Insurance
  • Critical Illness Insurance
  • Hospital Care Insurance
  • Deferred Compensation Plan
• Annual Paid Time Off accrual of 21 days to start, increasing up to a maximum of 33 days per year.
• 12 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• On-Site Well@Work Clinic available to Sherburne County Employees and Dependents covered under our plan.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Public Employees Retirement (PERA):