The Helena Public Schools is seeking a Payroll Accountant/District Bookkeeper (previously advertised as a District Bookkeeper/Accounting Clerk) for the Business Management Services department.  This full time position works with limited supervision to assist with the preparation of an accurate monthly payroll for approximately 800 employees and assists in the processing of the accounts payable/receivable in the business office.  Qualifications include: An Associates Degree in Accounting; three (3) years of accounting experience with payrolls (large 500 + employees) preferred; Experience with PC based software and computer operations; Experience with server based computerized time and attendance systems and employee cafeteria benefits set up and maintenance; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by the District.  Current entry-level salary is $12.90/hour, without in-district recognized experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package. 

The following application materials are required: completed district online application; letter of application and resume with work related references.  Initial application deadline is May 29, 2012.  This position will remain open until filled.  EEO employer.

District online application is available at: http://www.helena.k12.mt.us/

Helena Public Schools

Personnel Services

55 South Rodney Street

Helena, Montana 59601

Phone: (406) 324-2010

Helena Public Schools

Position Description

Job Title:           Payroll Accountant/District Bookkeeper

Department:     Business Office

Reports To:       Payroll System Coordinator               

FLSA Status:     Covered

Prepared Date: May 2012

SUMMARY:  The District Bookkeeper/Accounting Clerk works with limited supervision to assist with the preparation of an accurate monthly payroll for approximately 800 employees and assists in the processing of the accounts payable/receivable in the business office.  Position is responsible for representing the business office and district in a positive way to students, staff, parents, and the school community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Other duties may be assigned.

Assist the Payroll System Coordinator in the preparation entry, and editing of the district payroll.

System components:

Deduction, pay-table, addenda, and job codes

Employee payroll information

Employee assignments and contracts

Tag (supplemental) information

Recalculations

Absence/leaves

Direct deposit

Voluntary and mandatory deductions

Enter time, attendance, account coding information monthly reviewing the information for accuracy, and adherence with compliance with computer restrictions and district payroll policy.

Monitor system payroll deductions for compliance with local, state and federal statutes and modify the reporting systems based on statute changes.

District liaison with annuity companies and workers compensation carrier. 

Transfer and verify payroll files from the substitute tracking module, enter and maintain all employee leave.

Prepare and maintain payroll-related confidential employee files.

Supervise preparation of warrants for distribution including bursting and folding of warrants.

Initial contact for all inquiries regarding payroll and provide congenial, friendly customer services to all payroll contacts.

Process accounts payable and invoices.

Maintains school lunch eligibility for all students and coordinates reporting with the Office of Public Instruction.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

QUALIFICATIONS  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Associates degree in Accounting; three (3) years of accounting experience with payrolls (large 500+ employees preferred); experience with PC based software and computer operations; experience in report writing; experience with server based computerized time and attendance systems and employee cafeteria benefits setup and maintenance; experience with Microsoft Word and Excel; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by the District. 

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively with employees of the school district.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as averages, real overtime rates, interest, commissions, size, percentages and fractions.  Ability to apply concepts of algebra and geometry. 

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Ability to operate a Personal Computer with related software (Microsoft Office and Excel), 10 key adding machine.  Ability to successfully resolve or defuse conflict situations in a positive way.  Ability to develop effective working relationships with district staff and the school community. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both written and orally.  Ability to provide excellent customer services   Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Trustee policies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, operate computer equipment and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. 

           The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.  Additional duties are performed by the individuals in similar position and additional duties may be assigned.