Utah Retirement Systems provides benefits for state and other Utah Public employees through the work of two divisions. The Retirement Office administers pension and retirement benefits.  PEHP Health & Benefits specializes in medical, dental, life, and other benefits.  We take pride in providing a peace of mind for thousands of Utah families.  We are committed to our public mission and maintaining a positive team environment.  We offer a competitive salary, and our benefits far exceed what most modern employers offer.

This job may be filled at any of the levels listed below.

Payroll Clerk- Min: $21.10/hr.  Max: $26.37/hr

Payroll Analyst- Min: $25.07/hr.  Max: $31.33hr.

POSITION SUMMARY

Performs a variety of professional complex accounting duties as needed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the general accounting functions of Utah Retirement Systems and its various departments.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

1. Maintains payroll information by designing systems and directing the collection, calculation, and entering of data.
2. Updates payroll records by reviewing and approving changes in exemptions, insurance coverage, savings deductions, job titles, and department/division transfers.
3. Pays employees by directing the production and issuance of paychecks or electronic transfers to bank accounts.
4. Prepares reports by compiling summaries of earnings, taxes, deductions, leave, disability, and nontaxable wages.
5. Determines payroll liabilities by approving the calculation of employee federal and state income and social security taxes, and employer's social security, unemployment, and workers compensation payments.
6. Balances the payroll accounts by resolving payroll discrepancies.
7. Provides payroll information by answering questions and requests.
8. Maintains payroll guidelines by writing and updating policies and procedures.
9. Complies with federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation, enforcing adherence to requirements, and advising management on needed actions.
10. Maintains employee confidence and protects payroll operations by keeping information confidential.
11. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
12. Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
13. Prepares bank deposits, balances accounts, and enters cash receipts.
14. Maintains strict confidentiality.
15. Performs other similar duties as required.

Payroll Clerk Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from high school; plus one (1) year of training in accounting provided through college, trade schools, in service or professionally-sponsored workshops; and four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in payroll processing, bookkeeping or accounting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Payroll Analyst Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in financial management or accounting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This list contains knowledge, skills, and abilities that are typically associated with the job. It is not all-inclusive and may vary from position to position:

Required financial skills include the working knowledge and ability of:

• Professional accounting standards and ethics.
• Generally accepted accounting principles established by AICPA and GASB.
• Internal control principles and methods of application.
• Laws and regulations pertaining to tax reporting, pension and deferred compensation funds, and various retirement programs.
• Coordinating a variety of financial administrative matters.
• Specialized software computer accounting applications.

Required mathematical skills include working knowledge of:

• Statistical measures, calculations, and terminology.
• Budgetary principles.

Must possess excellent communication skills:

• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with executives, administrators, managers, boards, department heads, employees, and the public.

Must have the ability to:

• Analyze a variety of financial problems and make recommendations.
• Prepare and implement budgets.
• Coordinate a variety of financial administrative matters.
• Follow written and verbal instructions.
• Prioritize work.
• Perform within deadlines.
• Work well in a team environment as well as independently.
• Multi-task by handling a variety of duties in a timely and efficient manner.
• Follow through with assignments.
• Deal effectively with stress caused by workload and time deadlines.

The incumbent must always demonstrate judgment, high integrity, and personal values consistent with the values of URS.

Work Environment

Incumbent performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require a variety of physical activities which do not generally involve muscular strain, but do require activities related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing and seeing. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity required to perform essential functions.