Payroll Accountant

About This Role

This role ensures accurate and compliant payroll operations from employee onboarding through offboarding for the City of Idaho Falls. It manages personnel updates, maintains payroll systems, processes complex pay scenarios, and delivers excellent internal service. The position collaborates with finance and HR teams to support biweekly payroll, tax reporting, audits, and budget development, contributing to financial transparency and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Manage individual pay records and process updates including new hires, terminations, rate changes, and benefits
• Configure payroll codes and systems
• Train staff on timekeeping software
• Ensure precise calculations for complex pay scenarios like leaves, garnishments, and adjustments
• Run biweekly payrolls, resolve discrepancies, and respond to employee inquiries
• Manage essential tax and benefits reporting monthly, quarterly, and annually (W-2s, 941s, ACA, unemployment filings)
• Monitor adherence to federal, state, and local regulations, union contracts, and city policies
• Perform monthly account reconciliations and support audits to ensure data integrity
• Contribute to budget planning and forecasting with the General Accounting Team
• Maintain position control records and support payroll structure changes

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Human Resources, Finance, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in payroll, bookkeeping, and accounting
• Solid understanding of standard payroll deductions
• Proficient in payroll processing and reporting
• Working knowledge of applicable state and federal laws and City policies affecting payroll procedures
• Familiarity with payroll-related software
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and perform complex mathematical calculations
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to handle confidential information responsibly
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Human Resources, Finance, or other related field
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in payroll, bookkeeping, and accounting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Benefits