Payroll Accountant

Job Description

The Payroll Accountant for the City of Pocatello is a professional position responsible for administering the City of Pocatello’s payroll operations while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and accounting standards. This role combines in-depth payroll processing knowledge with general accounting responsibilities to support accurate financial reporting, payroll tax compliance, benefit reconciliation, and internal control integrity.

As part of the Finance Department, Payroll Accountant performs complex financial tasks such as reconciling payroll accounts, processing wage adjustments, managing employee benefits and deductions, and contributing to the City’s AFCR (Annual Financial and Compliance Report). The position requires strong attention to detail, analytical ability, and a collaborative working style.

The job requires attention to detail, the demonstrated ability to conduct detailed financial analysis and prepare periodic financial reports and projections, an attitude of cooperation, and the ability to work harmoniously with all levels of City employees, the general public and other organizations.

The Payroll Accountant may report to the Chief Financial Officer, Budget Manager, or Controller and works closely with Human Resources, departmental supervisors, and external benefit and reporting agencies to support citywide payroll functions.

The work is conducted in a general office environment with stable temperatures and a moderate level of noise.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Payroll Processing
• Administers bi-weekly payroll for all City employees, ensuring accurate and timely execution.
• Verifies and enters employee data, including new hires, terminations, wage adjustments, and position changes.
• Processes changes to employee deductions and withholdings as requested.
• Maintains accurate employee leave balances and posts time and attendance records, including overtime, sick leave, vacation, and compensatory time.
• Administers mid-period wage increases, retroactive pay adjustments, and special payroll runs as needed.
• Compliance and Regulations
• Ensures payroll is processed in compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including FLSA, IRS regulations, Idaho Department of Labor requirements, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Processes and monitors wage garnishments, tax levies, child support orders, and other court-mandated deductions.
• Prepares and files required payroll tax documents and reports, ensuring timely payment and reporting of payroll liabilities.
• Supports PERSI (Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho) reporting, reconciliation, and timely remittance of retirement contributions.
• Maintains system accuracy related to tax codes, benefit deductions, and retirement eligibility.
• Benefits Reconciliation and Remittance
• Reconciles payroll deductions with vendor invoices for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and other employee benefits.
• Identifies and resolves discrepancies between payroll records and vendor billing.
• Prepares and submits payments for benefit vendors with accurate supporting documentation.
• Coordinates with HR to ensure benefit eligibility and deductions align with employee status changes.
• Ensures accurate tracking and remittance of retirement contributions (PERSI) and other benefit-related obligations.
• Accounting and Reconciliation
• Reconciles payroll-related general ledger accounts and resolves discrepancies.
• Prepares journal entries for payroll transactions and benefit allocations.
• Supports payroll integration with the City’s financial system and assists with audit preparation.
• Assists with monthly, quarterly, and year-end closings related to payroll.
• Reporting and Analysis
• Prepares periodic internal reports, including payroll summaries, wage/benefit cost reports, and labor distribution analyses.
• Assists with the development of payroll data for the AFCR and annual budget.
• Contributes to salary projections, position control, and personnel cost modeling.
• Maintains accurate payroll records in compliance with retention and audit requirements.
• System and Process Improvement
• Participates in upgrades, testing, and maintenance of payroll and timekeeping systems (e.g., Tyler Munis).
• Documents and maintains payroll procedures and workflow guides.
• Identifies and implements process improvements to increase accuracy and efficiency.
• Customer Service Communication
• Responds to inquiries from employees, departments, auditors, and external agencies regarding payroll, taxes, timekeeping, and benefits.
• Works closely with HR to ensure consistency between payroll, personnel records, and benefits.
• Provides training and support to departments on payroll procedures and system usage.
• Maintains confidentiality and security of sensitive payroll and employee data.
• General Accounting Support
• Assists with general Finance Department tasks, including reconciliations, journal entries, and inter-fund transfers.
• Supports accounts payable/receivable activities as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer, Budget Manager or Controller.
  

Acceptable Experience, Training, Licenses And/Or Certifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required;
• OR four (4) years of related full-time professional work or military experience (eight [8] years if part-time) may substitute for the required degree.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in payroll processing, benefits reconciliation, and general accounting is preferred.
• Experience with PERSI reporting or other public retirement systems is strongly preferred.
• Experience reconciling employee benefit deductions and coordinating vendor payments is preferred.
• Experience working in government or public-sector payroll environments preferred.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) credential is preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is preferred.
  

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential duties of the position may be considered.

Classification Requirements

The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for an individual to satisfactorily perform each essential duty and be successful in the position.

Knowledge Of

• Principles and practices of payroll administration, including federal and state wage and hour laws, payroll tax regulations, and benefit deduction requirements.
• Idaho’s Public Employee Retirement System (PERSI) reporting, contribution rules, and compliance obligations.
• Reconciliation processes for benefits billing (e.g., medical, dental, life insurance, vision) and payroll deduction tracking.
• Governmental Accounting Standards (GASB) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Municipal budgeting, finance operations, and fund accounting practices.
• Internal control principles and audit practices related to payroll and benefits administration.
• Payroll and accounting systems, including payroll integration with financial ledgers.
• Microsoft Excel and other Office tools at an advanced level for data analysis, reporting, and operation of a personal computer and job-related software applications.
  
  

Skill And Ability To

• Accurately process and manage complex, high-volume payrolls under tight deadlines.
• Reconcile payroll transactions to the general ledger and resolve discrepancies efficiently.
• Interpret and apply regulations related to payroll taxes, employee benefits, garnishments, and retirement contributions.
• Manage benefit deduction tracking and vendor invoice reconciliation with high attention to detail.
• Prepare and submit accurate PERSI reporting and contributions in compliance with deadlines.
• Communicate effectively with employees and departments to resolve payroll or benefits-related issues.
• Analyze and improve payroll workflows, systems, and controls.
• Maintain confidentiality and data integrity in all aspects of payroll and personnel administration.
• Provide excellent customer service while managing sensitive or time-critical matters.
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times.
• Perform all duties in accordance with City policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and that of other employees and the public.
  
  

Physical Requirements

The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, bend, operate a computer keyboard or type, handle materials, or reach with hands and arms performing the essential functions of the classification. The duties require sitting for long periods, accessing stored file boxes and file cabinets and moving and organizing physical file materials. The employee must occasionally lift 25pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this classification include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus, conduct research and inspect materials. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing abilities required by this classification includes those which permit the employee to discern verbal instructions, communicate effectively in person, by telephone or electronic mail. While performing the duties of this classification, the employee works in an office setting where the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements describe the general nature, level, and type of work performed by the incumbent(s) assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, demands, and skills required of personnel so classified. Job descriptions are not intended to and do not imply or create any employment, compensation, or contract rights to any person or persons. Management reserves the right to add, delete, or modify any and/or all provisions of this description at any time as needed without notice. This job description supersedes earlier versions.

Benefits

The City of Pocatello offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees:

• Medical
• Prescription
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• PERSI Retirement
• PERSI Choice 401(k)
• 457 Retirement Planning
• HRA VEBA Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Medical
• Dependent Care
• Vacation Time
• Sick Time
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Education Assistance
• Employee Wellness Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer
  
  

Company Description

Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Pocatello offers a perfect blend of work and play. With a semi-arid climate, you can experience the best of all four seasons, from hiking and skiing to fishing and camping. Plus, you're just a short drive away from Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Lava Hot Springs, and other must-visit destinations.

All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.