Accountant for Payroll and Benefits

Title: Accountant for Payroll and Benefits Department: Finance & Business AffairsReports to: Director of Payroll and Student AccountsCategory: ExemptSummary/ObjectiveThe Accountant for Payroll and Benefits is responsible for the maintenance and oversight of payroll and benefits records for the college, in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Primary responsibilities include preparation, entry, and processing of bi-weekly payroll for all employees; payroll tax preparation, administration and maintenance of benefit records, and regulatory reporting; and to maintain the accuracy of time entry records. An extensive knowledge of financial controls and procedures is necessary. This position will assist the Director for Payroll in serving as institutional resources for all payroll related policies and procedures and will implement and improve processes and procedures that increase service to college operations.Essential FunctionsPerform a variety of technical payroll accounting duties to ensure employees are paid in an accurate and timely manner.Coordinate with Work Study Director to ensure accurate pay processing for all work-study employees bi-weekly payroll.Review, evaluate, and process payroll-related information, forms and documents; input pay records, benefit information, and other payroll information into payroll system; assist with completing the I-9 process; generate reports; ensure accuracy and completeness of input and output data; identify errors, make corrections and discuss all necessary changes with the Director of Payroll.Oversee benefit enrollment with providers, back up employment and wage verifications as needed, and associated duties.Track new hire benefit and retirement enrollment; notify HR of missed deadlines. Complete and file Benefit Enrollment Forms. Enroll eligible employees in life and group term life insurance Send timely new hire notification email to required departments for completion of further new hire set-up processes.Process and maintain a variety of payroll records and reports related to employee information, time sheets, leave, taxes, deductions and duties. Complete change of position requests and update direct reports position codes as necessary. Complete termination requests and calculate vacation payout as necessary.Ensure payroll information, transactions and activities comply with established payroll standards, requirements, laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.Oversee the bi-weekly submission of time/leave through the time recording system.Reconcile all benefit vendor invoices prior to payment, ensuring that all new employees are added to billing and all terminations are removed.Assist with the processing of tax forms and other required employer reporting.Assist with year-end tax reporting and any necessary adjustments (e.g., moving allowance, etc.).Cross-Train in various areas of Accounting Department.Assume other related duties as assigned by the Director of Payroll and Student Accounts, the Assistant Vice President of Finance and Business Affairs/Controller, and/or the Vice President of Finance and Business Affairs/CFO.CompetenciesEffective communication and organizational skills.Ethical Conduct and Confidentiality.Critical Thinking and Problem Solving.Teamwork Orientation and Collaboration.Thoroughness and Accuracy.Supervisory ResponsibilityThis position has no supervisory responsibilities.Work EnvironmentNormal office environment where there is no physical discomfort due to temperature, dust, noise and the like.Position Type/Expected Hours of WorkThis is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.TravelNo travel is expected for this position.BenefitsLees-McRae College offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield medical plans with wellness incentives, Aetna dental coverage with orthodontia for children, and a voluntary vision plan for all employees. Life and long-term disability insurance are employer-paid, with optional voluntary life coverage available. Employees can take advantage of flexible spending accounts, a retirement plan with up to 5% employer match after one year, and generous paid time off including vacation, sick, personal, holiday, and college-closed days. Tuition waiver benefits are available for employees and dependents, along with access to a national tuition exchange program. Additional perks include free monthly dining, discounted meal plans, and required direct deposit for payroll.