What are the responsibilities and job description for the Payroll Accountant (Accountant I) position at Holyoke Community College?
About Holyoke Community College:
Holyoke Community College is housed on a multi-million-dollar, 135-acre campus, equipped with state-of-the art technology in specialized learning facilities. HCC serves over 9,000 students annually, and provides a variety of recreational and cultural activities, from sports programs to music festivals, for students and community members alike. The college's strongest assets continue to be an innovative spirit, a sincere concern for students and a commitment to strive for even greater success. These are the values which have created a tradition of excellence spanning more than six decades, and which are enabling Holyoke Community College to meet today's challenges.
Mission: Educate. Inspire. Connect.
Values: Kindness, Inclusion, Trust, Innovation & Collaboration
Kindness, inclusion and trust are the foundation of the work that we do together. Innovation and collaboration enable us to explore and implement the ideas that will shape our future.
Under the supervision of the Payroll Coordinator, the Payroll Accountant supports payroll operations by performing a broad range of payroll accounting, reporting, compliance, and employee service functions in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, policies, and procedures. Prepares and uploads bi-weekly payroll data for part-time, non-benefited employees, including processing State Payroll System extracts through the Financial Information System.
Enters employee additional payments, deductions, bi-weekly payments, and reimbursements in the State Payroll System.
Maintains account information for part-time, non-benefited employees through the State's Labor Cost Distribution System.
Reviews part-time hours entered in Self-Service Time and Attendance (SSTA) by part-time, non-benefited employees and Federal Work-Study students to ensure compliance with payroll policies and procedures and communicates issues to the appropriate supervisor.
Reviews payroll reports for unapproved time for all employees to ensure all time is approved prior to payroll processing.
Balances and reviews bi-weekly adjunct faculty payments and communicates any discrepancies.
Prepares payroll-related journal entries to properly classify program category expenses and sponsored program cost transfers.
Monitors and analyzes irregularities by performing queries in the State Payroll System Information Warehouse to review reported hours, direct deposit changes, tax withholding status, and other payroll-related information.
Monitors part-time, non-benefited employee earnings against contract terms and available budget balances.
Maintains part-time and Federal Work-Study tracking spreadsheets to monitor award allocations and earnings and communicates with Financial Aid, students, and supervisors regarding discrepancies or concerns.
Assists with running bi-weekly, monthly, and annual payroll reports through the State Reporting System.
Processes payroll check distribution and requests replacement checks through the State Treasurer's Office when necessary.
Assists with completing wage verification forms.
Assists the Payroll Office in providing Self-Service Time and Attendance (SSTA) training to employees.
Responds to and directs inquiries, ensuring timely resolution of issues and escalating matters as appropriate.
Assists in maintaining employee electronic payroll files.
Provides support to other staff within the Business Office.
Performs other duties as assigned.
*A comprehensive list of duties may be found at the Massachusetts Human Resources Division- Classification Specification under the “Accountant Series” series. https://www.mass.edu/forfacstaff/classificationspecs/home.asp.Minimum Qualifications: - Minimum of two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience in bookkeeping or accounting work;
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word;
- Data entry skills, organizational skills and the ability to analyze data and handle confidential information;
- Communicates effectively in written and oral expression;
- Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse faculty, staff and student body.
Equivalency Statement:
We welcome and encourage applicants who do not meet the qualifications as stated above, to put in writing precisely how their background and experience have prepared them for the responsibilities of this position. It is preferred that this document be uploaded separately from the resume, cover letter, and references.
Preferred Qualifications:- Associates degree or higher in Accounting, Business Administration or related field;
- Familiarity with IRS and State payroll regulations;
- Payroll experience;
- Experience working with Microsoft Access, Banner, Massachusetts Commonwealth Information Warehouse, HR/CMS, MobiusView, Mosaic, and other related systems.
Full-Time, AFSCME-Unit Position:
Bi-Weekly Rate: $2,152.54 (Grade 15), plus a comprehensive State benefits package.
Hours: 37.5 hrs./week.
Funding Source: State.
Additional Details:
Please Note: a skills assessment or presentation may be required as part of the interview process.
Disability Accommodations:
Holyoke Community College is committed to the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and will ensure the availability of reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Office of People and Talent at (413) 552-2554.
Background Check:
- Employment is contingent upon the successful completion and review of a background check which will include CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and SORI (Sex Offender Registry Information).
- All candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States. HCC is not sponsoring H1B Visa.
Holyoke Community College is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity or sexual orientation in its programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and college policies. The College prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual violence. Inquiries or complaints concerning discrimination, harassment, retaliation or sexual violence shall be referred to the College’s Affirmative Action and/or Title IX Coordinator, the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission or the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.