Senior Accountant Payroll

Basic Function

Assists the Manager with multiple payroll operation in compliance with Federal and State rules, regulations, and labor agreements. Ensures timely administration, reconciliation, and compliance of various payroll processing functions. Maintains accuracy of payroll accounting records and reports through analysis and reconciliation of accounts. Responsible for filing quarterly and annual tax reports; W2 and 1099 forms. Prepares month-end and year-end journal entries and serves as back-up for Team Lead Payroll Accountant. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Responsible for assisting Payroll Manager in ensuring timely administration, reconciliation, and compliance of various payroll processing functions.
• Assists and works with payroll staff to ensure payroll production schedules are met.
• Performs payroll interface, reviews, and analyzes interface reports.
• Researches and resolves payroll issues, i.e., wage type mapping in SAP earning codes, deductions codes, etc. 
• Works with Information Technology and HR divisions; HRIS, Compensation, Labor Relations to ensure the integrity of the payroll system processing and results.
• Performs system testing for set-up functionalities as needed. 
• Assists in identifying internal control weaknesses.
• Prepares all quarterly and annual tax reports.
• Researches and resolves tax deposit discrepancies.
• Participates in month-end and year-end accounting close.
• Provides payroll information as requested by various departments; prepares schedules and payroll analysis as requested by managers and internal and external auditors.
• Performs budget variance analysis for accounting division.
• Reconciles and analyzes various balance sheet accounts and makes any necessary adjustments.
• Reconciles payroll transactions between SAP FI and bank files.
• Understands IRS rules and regulations, FLSA, TWC and payroll related State laws.
• Assist with developing written guidelines and audit responses.
• Work with and help to develop Payroll team members.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
   

Education Requirement

Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or related degree is required.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum of seven (7) years professional accounting and payroll experience. Experience in an SAP Human Capital System Payroll environment strongly preferred.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Knowledge of Federal, State and Local payroll tax laws and regulations; working knowledge of accounting procedures and processes; familiar with payroll accounting; good analytical skills; good verbal and written communication skills; must be efficient with Excel and Word, relational database; Payroll Certification preferred.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.