Accounting Specialist - Payroll

Job Title: Accounting Specialist - Payroll

Location: Michigan Works! Southeast - Ann Arbor, MI

Reports to: Fiscal Manager

Supervises: N/A

FLSA Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Come Join Our Team!

At Michigan Works! Southeast, we are the front lines of workforce development, meeting the talent demands of local employers and addressing the unique needs of the communities in Southeast Michigan. Serving Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, and Washtenaw counties, we are committed to delivering services that help businesses find skilled workers and provide a competitive edge for career seekers. By creating meaningful connections, we empower individuals to build a brighter future and support businesses in achieving their goals.

If you are passionate about making a difference in your community and want to be part of a team that helps shape the future workforce, we invite you to join us. Together, we can create pathways to success for both career seekers and employers.

Job Summary

The Accounting Specialist/Payroll processes payroll for employees by calculating earnings and deductions in accordance with established practices, policies, and guidelines. The Payroll Accounting Specialist is responsible for entering, updating and maintaining data in multiple databases/systems including accounting journal entries, payroll and benefits invoice reconciliations and account reconciliation. The Accounting Specialist assist with other accounting responsibilities in the department, including audit preparation and response, accounts payable, and general accounting. All responsibilities require competency, efficiency, integrity, accuracy, completeness, and compliance. This position is essential to timely and accurate payment of employee salaries and benefits, as well as the accurate accounting of grant expenses related to payroll, benefits, and accounts payable.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Process bi-weekly payroll using MWSE’s payroll systems.

Compute wages and deductions, and enter data into payroll system.

Review time sheets, work chats, wage computation, benefits enrollment and other information to detect and reconcile payroll discrepancies.

Review employee time sheets to ensure submitted information is complete and accurate.

Process paperwork for new employees and enter employee information into payroll systems.

Verify attendance, hours worked, and pay adjustments are approved by employees and managers, and post information onto designated records.

Record employee information, such as exemptions, transfers and resignations, to maintain and update payroll records.

Research, issue and record adjustments to pay related to previous errors or retroactive increases.

Enter and record detailed grant allocated payroll and benefit invoices by employee and grant.

Retrieve data from payroll systems and other sources for auditors and State monitors.

Prepare and validate payroll journal entries from payroll system reports.

Compile statistical reports, statements related to pay and benefits accounts, and submit them to fiscal and other appropriate departments and vendors.

Reconciliation of vendor invoices for payroll, benefits and other assigned vendor invoices.

Reconciliation of payroll account and related payroll balance sheet accounts.

Manage payroll system to support account system alignment.

Keep track of leave time, such as paid time off, FMLA leave, short term disability leave.

Provide information to employees and managers on payroll matters, tax issues and annual payroll calendar

Review and reconcile quarterly and annual employer tax returns prepared by the organization’s payroll software vendor.

Review and distribute annual w-2s on or before January 31 of every year

Identify, research and implement changes in tax and deduction laws and regulations that apply to payroll and benefits processes.

Balance cash payroll and benefits accounts.

Complete, verify, and process forms and documentation for administration of benefits, such as retirement savings plans, medical insurance and unemployment.

Prepare and balance period-end reports and account reconciliation for payroll and benefit liability accounts

Assist with accounts payable and related accounting tasks up to 25% of regular hours

Complete annual audit preparation and field work assignments related to job duties and responsibilities

Complete grant monitoring assignments related to job duties and responsibilities.

Participate in payroll system implementations in the payroll-related responsibilities of new General Ledger software implementations as necessary.

Train employees on organizations’ timekeeping and payroll system.

Coordinate special programs, such as MWSE Cares, United Way campaigns, that involve payroll deductions.

Handle stress appropriately and interact well with others.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

All team members are expected to be technically competent and committed to continuous development of their skills. The following skills, knowledge and education or certifications are specifically required for this position:

Associate Degree in Accounting, Business, or equivalent directly related experience in related field (four years of recent related experience may substitute for educational requirement)

Two (2) years of related experience

Experience using ADP, Paycor or similar payroll systems.

Knowledge of government and/or nonprofit sectors, preferred

Knowledge of government fund accounting preferred

Strong critical thinking skills to analyze people and accounting issues

Certification I payroll or accounting preferred

Excellent organization and analytical skills with strong attention to detail

Ability to perform mathematical computations such as percentages, fractions, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division quickly and accurately

Ability to interact with employees and vendors in a professional manner

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a team in a fast pace and high-volume environment with emphasis on accuracy and timeless

Ability to prioritize and to multi task in a fast-paced environment

Strong oral and written communications

Proficiency in MS Word and Excel

Compensation: $19.62 to $26.15 per hour.

Benefits Offered:

At Michigan Works! Southeast, we are committed to supporting our employees' well-being and professional growth. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Pay in Lieu of Health Insurance

Short- and Long-Term Disability

Retirement Benefit with a 4% Employer Match

Generous Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Employee Assistant Program

Application Process:

Apply online at the Michigan Works! Southeast website

Questions regarding the application process may be directed to

Michigan Works! Southeast provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation or belief, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, height, weight, or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.