Payroll Accountant

Payroll SpecialistThis position ensures accurate and compliant payroll operations from employee onboarding through offboarding. It manages personnel updates, maintains payroll systems, and processes complex pay scenarios while delivering excellent internal service. Working closely with finance and HR teams, the role supports biweekly payroll, tax reporting, audits, and budget development. It also contributes to financial transparency and operational efficiency by monitoring compliance, supporting internal controls, and providing analytical insight.Works under supervision of the City of Idaho Falls Treasury Operations Manager and City of Idaho Falls Treasurer/Finance Manager.None.This position plays a critical role in maintaining accurate payroll operations for every employee, from onboarding to offboarding. It involves managing individual pay records and processing updates such as new hires, terminations, rate changes, benefits, and personnel action forms. The role configures payroll codes and systems, trains staff on timekeeping software and ensures precise calculations for complex situations like approved leaves (Military, FMLA, etc.), garnishments, shared leave, one-time adjustments, and earnings and deductions.This position helps run biweekly payrolls, resolves discrepancies, and responds to employee inquiries with professionalism and accuracy. It also manages essential tax and benefits reporting monthly, quarterly, and annually including W-2s, 941s, ACA reporting, and unemployment filings.Ensuring compliance is key: the role monitors adherence to federal, state, and local regulations, union contracts, and city policies. It oversees payroll codes, validates calculations, and upholds internal controls. Monthly account reconciliations and support for audits ensure the integrity of payroll data and processes.Beyond regular payroll duties, the role contributes to budget planning and forecasting in cooperation with the General Accounting Team. It maintains position control records and supports changes in payroll structures. This position also operates standard office equipment as needed and performs additional duties to keep operations running smoothly.Collaborates closely with the Finance Manager finance team to support seamless payroll operations, including preparation, processing, and reporting, ensuring accuracy and timeliness every step of the way.Contributes to the development of the annual budget and plays a key role in compiling the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, providing reliable insights and detailed financial analysis.Partners with departments across the organization to review internal controls and ensure compliance with citywide financial, operational, and personnel policies, helping maintain transparency and accountability.Supports audit processes by gathering documentation, verifying system entries, and serving as a responsive resource for other departments, solving problems and fielding questions with professionalism and poise.Performs related duties as required.Minimum qualifications include a bachelor's degree in Accounting, Human Resources, Finance, or other related field, and five years of progressively responsible experience in payroll, bookkeeping, and accounting. The ideal candidate should have a solid understanding of standard payroll deductions, including those specific to City programs and benefits. They should be proficient in payroll processing and reporting, with a working knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, City policies affecting payroll procedures, and the structure and functions of City departments. Familiarity with payroll-related software is also essential.The role requires the ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, and to perform complex mathematical calculations with precision. Strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary, along with the ability to develop effective working relationships with division heads, supervisors, and colleagues. The candidate must be able to handle confidential information responsibly, demonstrate strong analytical problem-solving skills, and maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.The City of Idaho Falls offers a highly competitive benefits package including membership in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho, vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision and life insurance.