The Town of West Hartford

Announces An

Open Competitive Examination

For the Position of

Payroll Specialist

Application Deadline:                                                          Salary Range: $ 66,768 – 82,550

December 30, 2022                                                               Clerical – Grade 8

Working under the supervision of the Supervisor of Payroll, this highly responsible position administers all Town payrolls, maintains appropriate payroll records, and produces associated reports.

Job Environment

Work is performed in a business office setting with interruptions, distraction and noise.  Manages and coordinates multiple priorities adhering to established requirements and timeframes.  The employee has periodic interactions with people, who at times, may be agitated.  Must employ some judgment and independence when making routine decisions.  Spends extended work periods using a personal computer, working at a video display terminal and reviewing computer-generated reports.  Must be mobile, able to push/pull light objects, bend and occasionally lift objects up to 20 pounds.  Must be able to perform such tasks as writing, filing, typing, using a calculator, and skills which require hand-eye coordination such as using a keyboard or computer.  Must be able to sit for prolonged periods.  Must be able to concentrate on fine details with frequent interruption, attend to tasks/functions for more than forty-five to sixty (45-60) minutes at a time, remember multiple assignments given over long periods of time, and understand the theories behind several related concepts.  Must be able to communicate in English and be understood clearly; hearing requirements include the ability to effectively interact with customers in person or by telephone. May be exposed to dust, fluctuations in inside temperatures and electro-magnetic radiation as in computer screens.  This is a 37.5-hour per week position that requires, at times, evenings/nights, weekends and holiday work.

Essential Job Functions

·         Administers all Town and Board of Education payrolls.

·         Checks attendance and time rosters and computes salary and wage payments for Town employees.  Computes statutory workers’ compensation wages.

·         Computes deductions from gross salaries or wages for withholding and social security taxes, pension, dues and other purposes.  Balances deduction controls, prepares reports for amounts withheld, and completes journal entry forms.

·         Reviews payrolls and Personnel Action Forms for changes and prepares forms to update the payroll master file.

·         Assists in comparing and balancing payroll sub-ledger accounts against the general ledger.

·         Calculates and/or verifies retroactive payroll adjustments.

·         Checks employment forms, from a payroll standpoint, for completeness and accuracy.

·         Investigates time sheet problems and takes appropriate action to resolve situation.

·         Prepares manual payroll adjustments, including the cancellation and reissue of payroll checks.

·         Prepares and files all monthly, quarterly and year-end reports of federal income, Medicare and social security tax.

·         Verifies accuracy of payroll data on W2 forms, adjusts for workers compensation reimbursements where applicable, and distributes W2 forms to all employees.

·         Distributes expenditures to various accounts for budgetary control purposes.

·         Maintains records of earnings for Town and Board of Education employees for all years.

·         Types, files and releases employee wage information in accordance with established policy.

·         Responds to employee inquiries regarding payroll deductions and wage computations.

·         Assists in the training of new payroll assistants; checks and verifies the work of lower-level employees for completeness and accuracy.

·         Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

·         Knowledge of principles and practices of payroll preparation.

·         Knowledge of basic municipal accounting principles.

·         Knowledge of Federal and State wage and hour laws related to the work.

·         Knowledge of Freedom of Information Act as applied to personnel records.

·         Ability to utilize a personal computer within a Windows environment with proficiency in Microsoft Office required; skill with computer hardware and software systems, data base programs, spreadsheet applications, and the ability to learn discreet departmental programs.

·         Ability to apply payroll concepts.

·         Ability to work independently and use judgment in handling confidential or sensitive material and projects.

·         Ability to perform accurate arithmetic and accounting calculations.

·         Ability to follow complex oral and written instructions and directions.

·         Ability to work with a high degree of accuracy in recording and producing information and materials.

·         Ability to effectively communicate with individuals, who at times may be agitated, in person or by telephone using tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity.

·         Ability to interact with employees and the public in a professional and courteous manner.

Minimum Qualifications

A.S. Degree in accounting, business administration or related field plus three (3) years of payroll experience; or high school graduate plus minimum of five (5) years of related payroll experience; or a combination of education and/or experience deemed equivalent by the Executive Director of Human Resources.  Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation required or must be obtained within the probationary period.  B.A. degree and APA membership preferred.

Method of Selection

                                                                                    Weight            Passing Score

Oral Board Examination                                               100%                      70%

The Town reserves the right to limit the number of qualified candidates invited to any portion of the selection process.  Telephone screening interviews may be conducted.  Candidates must achieve a passing score of 70% on the Oral Board examination to have their name placed on the Eligible List for the position.  Candidates’ names will be placed on the Eligible List in accordance with their oral board score.

An individual appointed to this position must satisfactorily complete a six (6) month probationary period.

Application Process

Applications may be accessed on the Jobs page of the Town of West Hartford website at www.westhartfordct.gov.  Applications must be completed and submitted no later than Friday, December 30, 2022, unless the date is extended by the Director of Human Resources.

APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED ELECTRONICALLY

The Town of West Hartford shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, sex, national origin, physical disability or sexual orientation.  The Department of Human Resources provides reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  If you require an accommodation in the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources Department.