Payroll Accountant (30672)
Location: Ottawa University - Ottawa, Kansas - Ottawa, KS 66067 ·
Type: Full Time · Category: Business Financials
Description
Responsible for the accurate and timely management of University accounting
records, including but not limited to journal entry recording and
maintenance/reconciliation of general ledger accounts. Position is responsible
for bi-weekly payroll processing operations. Will collaborate regularly with
the Human Resources Department. Provides leadership within the department, has
frequent contact with units and assures accuracy and timeliness of accounting
records. Routinely interacts with staff, faculty, students, parents, as well
as individuals external to the University environment seeking assistance.
Essential Functions:
Establish and maintain accounting records for assigned accounts, including
recording of journal entries and account maintenance/reconciliation, in a
timely and efficient manner.
Reconcile assigned accounts monthly. Resolve any account discrepancies
promptly. Assure the timeliness and integrity of all data and information.
Monitor accounts to identify issues with expenditure obligations of the
University, or a specific unit or funding agency/group, and make
recommendations based on account review findings.
Assist in the preparation of financial information/statements/reports for
specified periods. Prepare month-end reports, calculations, and
reconciliations for payroll/benefit related accounts.
Administer bi-weekly payroll operations, including processing of payrolls
on the PAYCOM platform, with a high degree of confidentiality. Payroll
processing includes monitoring system updates, payroll preparation,
payroll processing, coordination with key payroll contributors, and
preparation for the next payroll cycle.
Maintain regular interaction and responsibility with others concerning
payroll related questions. Serve as the primary payroll contact with
PAYCOM. Understand and administer payroll as a part of the overall HRIS
system. Stay abreast of available payroll system updates and attend
training updates to maintain currency with systems. Work closely with the
University Human Resources Department in carrying out these duties.
Provide cross-training as needed.
Maintain standard payroll procedures, understand and work within the
requirements and variables of payroll processing as a part of employee
relations/services. Refer employee benefit offering questions to Human
Resources.
Apply basic principles of accounting to analyze accounts and operations to
assure compliance with proper accounting procedures, applicable laws and
regulations, in assigned area of responsibility.
Provide assistance to departments and individuals in interpreting reports,
accounting procedures, controls and in resolving associated problems.
Prepare special reports and analyses as requested.
Analyze and monitor financial systems of the department, as requested, and
recommend improvements.
Responsible for daily operational support to other departmental positions
to assure duties are completed accurately and effectively and clients are
served with superior customer service. Work with others in the department
to understand the integrated view of the accounting support function and
assist others as needed in times of uneven workload. Cross train with
other departmental positions to assure coverage of the department in the
absence of others.
Provide assigned support to the annual financial audit process by
providing schedules, information and support to the external auditors
under the direction of the Controller.
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Required Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field, or
substantial equivalent experience required. Master's degree preferred.
Required Experience: Three to Five years (minimum) progressively
responsible experience in accounting required.
Additional Eligibility Requirements:
Ability to think critically and provide options for sound solutions
Ability to manage complex tasks
Excellent verbal/written communication skills.
Thorough understanding of laws which govern accounting practices.
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Team, and other
enterprise accounting and database systems.
Working Conditions:
(Physical attributes required to perform job duties with or without
reasonable accommodation - examples: sitting, lifting, bending, driving,
environmental factors or elements, noise level, stairs in a building, or other
factors that will affect working conditions)
Prolonged periods of sitting must be able to lift 5-15 pounds at times.
Office building requires daily use of stairs.
Travel Requirements:
If travel is required, list type and approximate percentage: None
Responsible for driving students and University vehicles as part of job
duties: No
Standard University Expectations:
Be mindful and supportive of the Mission of Ottawa University
Understand and follow the University's policies and procedures and
exercise good judgment accordingly. Assure that University and student
information is managed in a confidential and ethical manner in accordance
with the University's Code of Conduct and Ethics.
Manage your staff in accordance with University personnel policies.
Encourage collaboration among the staff, provide regular evaluation and
feedback, and facilitate developmental opportunities.
Model and encourage collaboration among University offices and campuses
assuring effective communication and operations.
Provide leadership through conduct, attitude, and professionalism.
Represent the University to students, external groups, faculty, and staff
in a way that reflects positively on the University.
Exercise inclusivity in your daily actions in accordance with the
University's Mission Statement, Statement of Spiritual Identity, and
Statement of Inclusion, Openness, and Community.
Our University
Ottawa University “prepares professional and liberal arts graduates for
lifetimes of personal significance, vocational fulfillment, and service to God
and humanity” from residential campuses in Ottawa, Kansas (established 1865)
and Surprise, Arizona (established 2017) and from professional and online
campuses in Kansas City, Phoenix, and Milwaukee.
Ottawa University is a regionally accredited, church-related, student-
centered, private comprehensive university that strives to integrate faith,
learning, and life in the academic experiences of students.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only
duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position.
Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to
perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to
give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are
essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification
to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job
successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities
to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals
who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of
themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum
levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an
employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will”
relationship.
Ottawa University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not
unlawfully discriminate in recruitment or employment on the basis of race,
age, sex, color, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation,
genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
