Payroll Administrator

General Description

The Irvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for a Payroll Administrator in our Finance Department.

The District

Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County.

IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making.

Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

The Position

Under general direction, Payroll Administrators perform advanced, professional duties in the preparation, maintenance, reconciliation and administration of the in-house payroll process using a Tier 1 Enterprise Resources Program (ERP) system. IRWD currently utilizes Oracle.

The ideal candidateis someone who is aCertified Payroll Professional that has general accounting and CalPERS experience with a track record of driving efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are key in developing and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders including auditors, executives, and cross-functional teams, providing excellent customer services to both technical and non-technical audiences. The ability to research and implement legal compliances with State and Federal Laws is highly desired.

Summary of Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for the accurate and timely bi-weekly payroll process, and maintaining compliance with federal, state, and District policies, rules, and regulations.

Execute a variety of complex computations such as payroll taxes, retro payments, Leave of Absence (LOA) payments, terminations, voluntary deductions, and adjustments.

Prepare and maintain accurate and up-to-date payroll reports and records. Analyze and reconcile a variety of payroll records for each pay period.

Keep abreast of, research and participate in the implementation of changes in reporting or processing required to maintain legal compliance with State and Federal Laws and accepted governmental accounting and payroll processing practices and procedures.

Identify and assist with testing of payroll automation opportunities; participate in testing and validating for any Payroll System updates.

Respond to and research questions received from employees, District Departments, and other agencies regarding payroll processing and compliance issues.

Prepare and present payroll reports to internal and external customers.

Interpret and explain rules, regulations and policies regarding payroll processing to staff to ensure compliance with procedures.

Perform a variety of complex accounting duties involved in the processing of the District payroll.

Prepare and provide supporting documentation and information for payroll-related audit requests.

Reconcile CalPERS reports and payroll general ledger accounts.

Assign coding for special forms of compensation and deductions.

Implement wage orders following proper processes and procedures and appropriately notify affected employees.

Ensure terms and conditions contained within Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), Personnel Policies and Procedures and Salary Resolutions as relates to payroll processing are implemented and make decisions regarding the same within established guidelines.

Prepare and submit payroll-related state and federal filings.

Provide training to payroll team members.

Comply with District safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.

Perform special projects and other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• A combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma plus some college level course work in bookkeeping or accounting. For degrees obtained outside of the U.S., an official equivalency evaluation is required.

Experience

• Three (3) years of increasingly responsible in-house payroll processing experience is required.

• Municipal government experience preferred.

• Associate's degree with major course work in Accounting and experience with ERP systems is highly desirable.

License/Certifications

• A valid California Class C driver's license is required.

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification is desirable.

Additional Information

IRWD Corporate Values

Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do.

Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website.

We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

The physical and mental demands described below are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication

Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of office/field employees and management. Represent District in a professional manner when dealing with outside customers and suppliers.

Ability to explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well established policies, procedures and standards, as well as the ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple and difficult requests from others. Ability to effectively listen and communicate with multi-cultural customers.

Mathematical Ability

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and calculate percentages.

Technology Ability

Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and the following software programs, depending on the requirement within the specific area of concentration: Oracle, Excel, and Word. Ability to create and maintain spreadsheets, databases, and flowcharts, including the use of financial functions.

Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability

Ability to use good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions. Ability to use good judgment in decision making with customers. Ability to work independently with minimum of supervision.

Physical Requirements

Regularly required to sit, walk, bend, stand and stoop. Ability to sit for extended periods. Ability to occasionallylift up to 20 lbs.

Environmental Adaptability

Noise level is equivalent to typical office conditions.