Payroll & Accounting Specialist

Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells; Wisconsin Dells (WI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wisconsin State Retirement

Paid vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays

Health insurance benefits

Job summary

The City of Wisconsin Dells is seeking a skilled payroll and benefits administrator to manage biweekly payroll processing, benefit programs, and related financial duties. The role supports accounts payable and general ledger activities while ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.

Ideal candidates have an associate degree in a related field and 2 years of payroll or accounting experience, with preference for municipal background and familiarity with WRS/ETF programs.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent in accounting, finance, business administration, human resources, or related field.
• Two years of experience in payroll, accounting, benefits administration, or related field preferred.
• Experience with Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) and ETF programs preferred.
• Municipal government experience preferred but not required.
• Experience with payroll and accounting software preferred.

Responsibilities

• Process the City's biweekly payroll accurately and timely.
• Review time records, leave, overtime, and payroll-related information.
• Maintain payroll records and prepare payroll reports and journal entries.
• Administer employee benefit programs and enrollment processes.
• Assist with accounts payable, general ledger, and month-end procedures.
• Provide responsive service to employees, department heads, vendors, and the public.

Skills

Payroll processing

Accounting

Benefits administration

Financial reporting

Excel

Confidentiality

Communication

Education

Associate degree in accounting/finance/business administration/human resources

Tools

Payroll software

Accounting software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Summary of Job
Performs a variety of professional and technical accounting, payroll, benefits administration, and financial support functions for the City. Responsible for accurately processing employee payroll and maintaining payroll records; administering employee benefit programs; assisting with accounts payable and general ledger functions; preparing financial reports and reconciliations; and providing responsive customer service to employees, department heads, vendors, and the public.
The position requires a high degree of accuracy, confidentiality, organization, and discretion due to the nature of payroll, personnel, and financial information handled.
Excellent benefit package including Wisconsin State Retirement, paid Vacation and Sick time, 11 paid Holidays and generous Health Insurance benefits. Years of Service at WRS agencies will be credited to the Vacation schedule.
Starting wage $25.00-$27.00 DOQ

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Processes the City's biweekly payroll in an accurate and timely manner.
• Reviews employee time records, leave usage, overtime, compensatory time, call-in pay, stipends, allowances, and other payroll-related information.
• Verifies payroll information submitted by department supervisors and resolves discrepancies.
• Calculates and processes payroll deductions, including taxes, retirement contributions, insurance premiums, deferred compensation, garnishments, and other authorized deductions.
• Maintains accurate payroll records and employee payroll files.
• Prepares payroll reports, registers, journal entries, and related documentation.
• Processes payroll tax filings and payments and assists with year-end payroll reporting, including W-2s and other required forms.
• Assists with implementation and maintenance of the City's timekeeping and payroll systems.
• Responds to employee questions regarding pay, deductions, leave balances, and payroll procedures.

Employee Benefits Administration

• Administers the City's employee benefit programs in accordance with City policies, applicable collective bargaining agreements and state and federal requirements.
• Coordinates employee enrollment, changes, and termination of health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, deferred compensation, and other benefit programs.
• Conducts and coordinates annual open enrollment activities.
• Maintains accurate employee benefit records and verifies eligibility and coverage.
• Serves as a liaison between employees, insurance providers, retirement systems, and benefit administrators.
• Assists employees with benefit questions and directs complex issues to appropriate providers or City personnel.
• Coordinates required notices, forms, and benefit-related communications.
• Assists with reconciliation and payment of employee benefit invoices.

Accounts Payable

• Reviews invoices for accuracy, proper authorization, appropriate account coding, and compliance with City policies.
• Verifies supporting documentation and obtains necessary approvals.
• Assists with processing vendor payments and maintaining vendor records.
• Responds to vendor inquiries regarding invoices and payments.

Accounting and Financial Administration

• Assists with maintaining the City's general ledger and accounting records.
• Prepares and posts routine accounting entries.
• Assists with monthly and year-end financial closing procedures.
• Prepares financial schedules, reports, spreadsheets, and supporting documentation.
• Assists with audit preparation and responds to requests for financial documentation.
• Assists with monitoring departmental expenditures and budget balances.
• Reviews transactions for proper account classification and supporting documentation.
• Maintains organized and accurate financial records in accordance with applicable retention requirements.

Recordkeeping and Compliance

• Maintains confidential personnel, payroll, benefits, and financial records.
• Ensures records are maintained in accordance with City policies and applicable laws and regulations.
• Assists with required state and federal reports, filings, and financial documentation.
• Maintains appropriate documentation for audits and financial reviews.
• Protects confidential employee and financial information and exercises sound judgment regarding disclosure of information.

Administrative Support

• Assists with financial and personnel-related projects.
• Prepares correspondence, spreadsheets, reports, and other documents.
• Assists with developing and maintaining financial procedures and internal controls.
• Assists with annual budget preparation and monitoring as assigned.
• Assists with special projects involving payroll, benefits, accounting, purchasing, or financial administration.
• Provides backup support for other administrative and finance functions as needed.

Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in accounting, finance, business administration, human resources, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in payroll, accounting, finance, human resources, or municipal administration.
• Two years of experience in payroll, accounting, benefits administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience with the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) and/or Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) programs is preferred.
• Previous municipal government experience is preferred but not required.
• Experience with payroll and accounting software is preferred.
• Must be bondable.

Job Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of payroll processing, accounting principles, and financial recordkeeping practices.
• Working knowledge of employee benefit programs, payroll-related requirements, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Working knowledge of the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), including employee participation, retirement contributions, benefit eligibility, and related payroll requirements.
• Working knowledge of Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) programs and employee benefits, including the ability to assist employees with WRS and ETF-related questions and enrollment or benefit processes.
• Knowledge of accounts payable, general ledger, and reconciliation procedures.
• Ability to accurately perform mathematical calculations and reconcile financial records.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding employee, payroll, personnel, benefits, and financial information.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify errors or discrepancies.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple assignments and meet established deadlines.
• Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word.
• Ability to learn and effectively utilize the City's payroll, accounting, and financial management software.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with employees, supervisors, vendors, elected officials, and the public.
• Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment regarding financial and personnel matters.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, department heads, vendors, auditors, financial institutions, benefit providers, and the public.

Vacation

1 week after 6 months of service.
1 week after 12 months of service.
2 weeks after 2 years of service.
3 weeks after 7 years of service.
4 weeks after 10 years of service.

Years of Service at WRS agencies will be credited to the Vacation schedule.

Sick Leave

8 hours of sick leave earned each month.
Unused sick leave may be accumulated to a maximum of 480 hours (12 weeks).

Paid Holidays

Eleven paid holidays: New Year's Day, Easter (Good Friday), Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day and 1 Personal Holiday.

Health Insurance

The city participates in the Wisconsin State Health Plan. The city contributes 88% of the lowest plan rate available toward the employee's chosen health plan. The employee is responsible for the balance of the insurance premium through a payroll deduction. Under IRS Section 106, employee contributions are taken out pre-taxed. Medical co-pays are $60 for the emergency room and 20% for any durable medical equipment. The city will reimburse the employee for two ER co-pays per year and all DME co-pays.

Prescription Coverage

Co-pays vary.

Dental Insurance

Employees are eligible to enroll in dental insurance, however premiums are paid 100% by the employee.

Aflac

While providing a Section 125 Cafeteria Plan for the city, AFLAC offers supplemental cancer, accident, disability and other supplemental insurance. Premiums are paid for by the employee through a payroll deduction. A Flexible Spending Account is also available under Section 105 which allows the employee to use pre-taxed dollars for out of pocket qualifying expenses.

Life Insurance

The city participates in the Wisconsin Public Employers Group Life Insurance Program. Premiums are based on the employee's age and coverage amount. Premiums are paid for by the employee through a payroll deduction. Spouse and dependent life insurance is also available.

Wisconsin Retirement

The city participates in the Wisconsin Retirement System.

457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The city offers a deferred compensation plan for additional retirement savings. It is administered by VOYA Financial Services and contributions are made by the employee through a payroll deduction. There is no city contribution for this program as it is a voluntary employee option.

Clothing Allowance

Varies by department.