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Inside Higher Ed · 3 weeks ago

Accountant I / Payroll Specialist

Westfield, MA

Full-time

Onsite

New Grad, Entry Level

Westfield State University is a public education institution committed to innovative thinking and social responsibility. The Payroll Specialist will assist in processing and maintaining the Human Resources/Compensation Management System Payroll, providing support services to the Payroll Manager and ensuring accurate payroll operations.

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Responsibilities

Maintains HR/CMS Workforce Administration for all employees. Includes verification and data entry of temporary employment contracts and other various job actions

Verifies receipt of weekly attendance records, reviews for accuracy and completeness, and updates HR/CMS

Reviews the work of other Accountant I staff members in the Payroll office

Provides customer service to University employees and other constituents, additionally with regard to Self-Service Time and Attendance

Responds to internal and external requests for employment/salary verifications

Uses Microsoft Access and Excel to produce reports from data contained in the Commonwealth Information Warehouse (CIW)

Maintains employee direct deposit and tax withholding records

Conducts audits of timesheets on an as needed basis for compliance with various regulations

Maintains external logs for paper timesheets received as well as other areas with specialized tracking needs

Filing, archiving, and maintenance of payroll records

Cross trained to provide backup support for other payroll staff during high volume periods or absences to ensure continued operations and minimal disruption to customers

Assists Human Resources staff as necessary to complete departmental goals and objectives as they relate to payroll

Implements action plans developed in support of strategic plan initiatives

Qualification

HR/CMS Payroll ManagementMathematical CalculationsMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelCustomer ServiceRecord KeepingDiscretionSound JudgmentTeamworkCommunication Skills

Required

Ability to understand, explain and apply the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, etc. governing assigned unit activities

Ability to perform mathematical calculations using formulae to solve accounting problems

Ability to follow written and oral instructions

Ability to maintain accurate records

Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression

Ability to give written and oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner

Ability to deal tactfully with others

Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others

Ability to exercise sound judgment

Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information

Ability to work independently

Ability to work in a team setting

Benefits

Health Insurance: Westfield State offers a variety of HMO, POS, and PPO-type health insurance plans for eligible employees with coverage effective on the 1st of the month following the 60 days of employment.

Retirement: the MA State Employee Retirement System provides eligible employees with a retirement pension following a 10-year vesting period. In lieu of the retirement pension, eligible employees may select the Optional Retirement Plan with a maximum 5% employer matching contribution.

Tuition Waivers & Discounts: eligible employees, including spouses and dependent children, receive reduced tuition at MA state colleges, community colleges, and universities.

Paid Time Off: employees receive 11 paid holidays and generous vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits.