Financial Specialist

The Financial Specialist is responsible for all processing aspects of payroll and pension which includes ensuring current employees and retirees are compensated timely and accurately, and ensuring that all reporting to various and other outside agencies is submitted timely and accurately.
In addition, this role assists with various Accounts Payable duties.
Due to the nature of this position, attention to detail, excellent communication (written/verbal) and time management skills are essential.
Examples of Duties A qualified individual with a disability must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Provides overall payroll administration for the City of Kalamazoo and other outside agencies.
Providing information and answering employee questions about payroll and system related matters.
Maintains employee records in the payroll and electronic time keeping systems.
Calculates payable hours, bonuses, tax withholdings and deductions.
Coordinate with HR to ensure employee data is accurate.
Reconciles Federal and State payroll taxes on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, as required.
Assists with the reconciliation of W2's on a quarterly and annual basis and assists with UIA quarterly reporting.
Understands and ensures compliance with various union contracts as they pertain to payroll and benefits.
Monitors compliance of current IRS, FLSA and DOL mandates.
Assist with the annual FLSA calculation.
Provides assistance and instruction to payroll coordinators, managers and supervisors in various departments.
Responsible for providing backup assistance for answering daily pension related questions.
Assists with final average compensation calculations.
Processes monthly retiree benefit payments.
Maintains and updates retiree information in the State Street database.
Assists Supervisor with Accounts Payable duties as needed.
Create and maintain position Standard Operating Procedures.
Performs other related duties, as assigned.
Essential Qualifications Bachelor's degree in accounting, Business or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of two (2) years of accounting or related experience.
Certified Payroll Professional Certification or Fundamental Payroll Certification is preferred.
Demonstrates high standards of conduct and ethics, as well as appropriate judgment, independence and discretion.
Ability to prepare mathematical calculations and analyze financial data.
Demonstrated experience interpreting contracts.
Understands and has the ability to apply actuarial practices.
Ability to process and apply a broad knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures applicable to the payroll function.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong, clear communication and excellent interpersonal skills; proven ability to effectively and positively communicate with all levels within the organization.
Demonstrates a sense of urgency, prioritizes well, shows energy, responds to opportunities, instills urgency in others, and meets deadlines.
Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office applications, strong MS Excel skills.
Acceptable Training and Experience Accounting principles and practices; Finance; Tax legislation; Math; Accounts payable management and procedures; Purchasing policies and procedures; 1099 forms; Governmental procedures; Audit procedures; Social security benefits; Applicable laws and regulations.
The City of Kalamazoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization where different perspectives and experiences are welcomed and encouraged.
Studies have shown that women and people of color, are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all of the qualifications listed.
The City of Kalamazoo is most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background.
If you have transferable experience, please tell us about it.
This approach will give each current and potential employee the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to the City of Kalamazoo.
The benefits for this position fall within the City of Kalamazoo Non-Bargaining Unit (NBU) employee group.
For a summary of City of Kalamazoo benefits in NBU positions, please visit our website: www.
kalamazoocity.
org/benefitsPlease note: these benefits are subject to change.