Finance Analyst/HR Assistant

City of Santa Fe Springs

College Place (WA)

On-site

USD 60,000 - 90,000

Full time

9 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Employee Wellness Program

Employee Assistance Program

Public sector retirement benefits

Job summary

City of College Place is seeking a Financial Analyst/HR Assistant to manage payroll, benefits administration, and core accounting functions with precision and confidentiality. The role supports the Finance Department and HR Manager in payroll, benefits reporting, wellness coordination, and internal control procedures.

Work is performed independently and reviewed via conferences, reports, and audits. The incumbent liaises with the Finance Director and HR Manager, with opportunities to assist on

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business or related field preferred.
Two years accounting or governmental finance experience required; strong payroll knowledge.
Three to five years payroll and benefits administration experience preferred.
Experience with public-sector accounting and WA BARS is desirable.
Valid WA driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

Prepare, process, reconcile, and submit biweekly/monthly payroll for approval.
Update tax, benefit, garnishment, and retirement information in payroll systems.
Reconcile payroll deductions and benefit accounts after each cycle.
Administer benefit and leave accounting; coordinate with HR on enrollments and compliance.
Prepare salary/benefit projections for budget development and labor negotiations.
Produce timely financial reports and maintain internal controls.

Skills

Effective communication

Work independently

Confidentiality

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Interpersonal skills

Payroll knowledge

Benefits administration

Public sector experience

Bilingual preferred

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or closely related field

Tools

Excel

Word

Windows

10-key calculator

Payroll systems

Job description

Bilingual preferred.

Description

The Financial Analyst/HR Assistant is responsible for the independent management of payroll, benefits administration and core accounting functions for the City. The position requires precision, confidentiality, and technical expertise in payroll processing, benefits coordination, reconciliation, financial reporting, and compliance with state and federal regulations.

The incumbent assists the Finance Department and Human Resources Manager in the administration of citywide payroll, accounting, benefits reporting and wellness program coordination, and internal control procedures. Work is performed independently and reviewed through conferences, reports, and audit results.

Supervision Received

Serves under the direction of the Finance Director and the guidance of the Human Resources Manager.

Supervision Exercised

May provide guidance to staff on payroll procedures; does not directly supervise employees.

Essential Job Functions & Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Employees of the City of College Place are expected to model and foster the City’s core values: Open and Honest, Cooperation, Respect, Service, & Diversity.
Maintaining regular, consistent, and predictable attendance, including being available, accessible and able to complete all required essential functions and assigned job tasks onsite as directed during regularly assigned schedule and/or the City’s normal business hours.
Prepare, process, reconcile, and submit biweekly/monthly payroll for approval, including technical payroll reports, tax deposits, and state/federal filings (W-2, W-4, ACA 1094/1095-C) while prioritizing and completing all assigned task in a timely and efficient manner, adjusting for changing priorities, deadlines, and available of resources, and demonstrating initiative in identifying additional job-related task to be completed when time permits.
Completing time-sensitive duties, tasks and assignments within critical deadlines established by other team members, vendors, outside third parties, governing bodies and/or other external or internal sources.
Update employee tax, benefit, garnishment, wage assignment, retirement, and deduction information in payroll systems.
Reconcile all payroll deductions and benefit accounts after each payroll cycle; resolve discrepancies.
Administer benefit and leave accounting, including vacation, sick leave, floating holiday, overtime, and other leave categories.
Coordinate with Human Resources on benefit enrollments, changes, orientation, FMLA, WA PFML, Workers Compensation, disability programs, and compliance with leave laws.
Monitor benefit plan accuracy and assist HR with records management and retention requirements.
Prepare salary and benefit projections for budget development and labor negotiations.
Provide employee assistance regarding payroll, benefits, and HR/payroll self-service systems. Process monthly payroll, maintain payroll profiles, manage timesheets, schedules, payroll templates, and supplemental payments.
Ensure payroll compliance with federal and state regulations.
Maintain internal controls for payroll and benefits processes.
Respond to staff payroll/benefit questions and public inquiries using discretion and professionalism.
Conduct research, analyze data, prepare reports, and support department projects.
Demonstrate punctuality, reliability, professional conduct, and teamwork. Working cooperatively, efficiently and productively in a team environment while actively demonstrating strong interpersonal communication skills and accountability for personal performance and results. This essential function includes contributing to a successful, cohesive work group through respectful interactions and meaningful collaborations.
Suggest workflow improvements, maintain documentation procedures, and support internal control audits while also being able to receive, interpreting, understanding, and implementing job-related instruction, guidance, coaching and training (both formal and informal) while progressively improving skills and overall success in performing assigned duties.
Perform other related duties including HR support, business & occupation tax tasks, utility billing assistance, or cross-departmental support as assigned. Maintaining a high degree of steady work focus, well-reasoned decision making and high attention to detail in actual work products, organization, planning, workflow and project prioritization to ensure work is accurate, efficient, complete, and consistent with the City’s quality of work expectations and deadlines.
Serve as general human resource assistant
Assist HR Manager with management and operation of the Wellness program.
Assist HR Manager with the management and operation of the Safety program.
Coordinate and prioritize work on special human resource projects. Assure all communication is handled sensitively and discreetly.

Knowledge Required

Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
State of Washington Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System.
Cash management, including sound investment practices.
A thorough knowledge of accounting systems and procedures and a thorough understanding of accounting principles and applications.
Experience working with public sector accounting practices and procedures highly desirable.
Internal financial control methods.
Records management requirements.
Oral and written communication skills.

Skills/Abilities Required

Work independently with little direction.
Effective oral and written communication.
Perform complex payroll and benefits analysis with accuracy; manage sensitive information confidentially.
Strong mathematical ability, including advanced spreadsheets and formulas.
Produce clear, concise, and timely financial reports.
Extensive computer experience is required, with emphasis on having working knowledge of common software programs, such as Excel, Word, Windows, etc.
Accurate and proficient use of a 10-key calculator/adding machine is mandatory.
Must possess the ability to read and interpret documents, to write routine reports and correspondence, and the ability to read and write the English language in a clear and concise manner.
Versatility to enable the performance of a variety of tasks.
Confidentiality is required in handling certain aspects of this position.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with city officials, officials of other agencies, city employees and the general public.
Read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Research and analyze data and develop, evaluate and present recommendations.
Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner
Set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.
Physical ability to perform the essential job functions.
Bilingual preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or closely related field preferred.
Two (2) years increasingly responsible accounting or governmental finance experience.
At least three to five years’ direct payroll and benefits administration experience preferred.
Experience with public-sector accounting, Washington BARS, and municipal payroll highly desirable.
Valid Washington State Driver’s License. Must maintain acceptable driving record.

License & Other Requirements

Valid State of Washington driver’s license and driving record acceptable to our insurance provider.

Working Conditions

Environment

The work is generally performed within an office environment, which may include an open cubicle office setting. Will require occasional trips to other city offices and other agency offices for business purposes, and in inclement weather. Lighting and temperatures are typically adequate, and there are little to no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies/procedures. Performing work in a typical office environment with individual offices, shared office spaces, restrooms, and common areas where ordinary and typical odors, scents, perfumes, and other airborne odors may be present and associated with people congregating, working, and sharing space together. A completely scent-free work environment cannot be maintained or guaranteed. Working in an office environment where cleaning and sanitation products are used in accordance with OSHA, CDC, and other governmental guidelines to reduce or mitigate the risk of exposure to infectious diseases and other easily transmissible viruses and bacteria. Cleaning and sanitation products may emit odors and scents even if designated as scent-free or odor-free.

Physical Demands

Generally working for extended periods of time in a stationary position (possibly up to 60 minutes or more without the opportunity to substantially change positions) while consistently grasping, moving and manipulating documents, office supplies, computer equipment, and other business tools and materials. May require standing and walking, and the ability to intermittently kneel down, stoop, bend at the waist, twist at the waist and reach, or sit for long periods of time. Operate a motor vehicle to visit various City and meeting sites. Must be able to read, write, and communicate clearly. Ability to lift, push, carry or pull materials and objects weighing up to 20 lbs. on occasion using proper lifting techniques. Operate standard equipment for assigned tasks. Good vision to read print and a computer screen. Ability to hear and speak to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to include repetitive keyboarding, grasping and reaching.

Benefits

The City of College Place offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Full-time positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

Excellent preferred provider medical plan with substantial City-paid contribution
City-paid dental and vision plans
$100,000 basic life insurance with the opportunity to purchase additional life insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
Membership in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems
12.5 paid holidays per year
Generous vacation leave (8-13.34 hours/month depending on tenure)
Sick leave (8 hours/month)
Employee Wellness Program
Employee Assistance Program

Optional Benefits

457(b) deferred‑compensation plan
Flexible spending plan
AFLAC

Benefits may vary based on Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) with the City; employees should consult their respective CBA for specific information about their benefits.

Do you have a Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or closely related field?

Do you have experience in public-sector accounting, Washington BARS and municipal payroll?

How many years experience do you have in direct payroll and benefits administration?

Do you have experience working for a government agency?

No experience
Less than 1 year
1-2 years
3 or more years

What is your level of experience with Microsoft Office? Specifically Excel and Word

Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced

Please describe your technology skills and include your proficiency level with Microsoft Office Suite, agenda processing software, public meeting software, and records management software.

What is your level of experience with Microsoft Excel?