Staff Accountant - Payroll - 3350

As a Staff Accountant - Payroll at the Area Agency on Aging District 7, your primary responsibilities will involve processing payroll transactions, managing employee data, reconciling time and attendance data, and preparing reports as needed. You'll also provide training for new hires and maintain records of employee compensation and benefits, ensuring that all payroll processes comply with relevant regulations.

To be considered for the Staff Accountant - Payroll position at the Area Agency on Aging District 7, you should possess at least an Associate's Degree with payroll experience, though a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Human Resources is a plus. Additionally, you should have two years of payroll processing experience and a strong understanding of payroll-related tax codes and regulations.

In the Staff Accountant - Payroll role at the Area Agency on Aging District 7, familiarity with payroll systems is essential. Candidates should have strong proficiency in Excel and a working knowledge of HRMS modules. Experience with Sage HRMS is also highly regarded, as you'll be managing payroll calculations and reports effectively.

As a Staff Accountant - Payroll at the Area Agency on Aging District 7, you'll collaborate closely with HR and Finance departments, as well as the Chief Accounting Officer and Director of Finance. Effective communication will be essential for processing payroll data accurately and responding to employees' inquiries regarding their pay and benefits.

The impact of the Staff Accountant - Payroll position at the Area Agency on Aging District 7 is significant. By ensuring that payroll processes are executed accurately and on time, you contribute directly to the operational stability of the agency, which in turn allows for the delivery of vital services to older adults and individuals with disabilities, promoting their well-being and independence.

When answering this question, highlight your specific roles in payroll processing, mentioning the tools and systems you've used. Include details on how you've managed payroll schedules, your understanding of processing timelines, and any significant challenges you've overcome.

It's key to explain the methods you use to double-check your work, such as reconciliations, auditing past entries, and using HR system checks. Highlight your attention to detail and any practice you follow to minimize errors.

In your answer, outline the specific discrepancy, how you identified it, and the steps you took to resolve it. Emphasize your analytical skills and your approach to addressing such issues diplomatically.

Mention specific payroll software like Sage HRMS or others you've worked with. Discuss your experience and the advantages of those systems, highlighting your adaptability to learn new software if necessary.

Share your methods for keeping up to date on payroll regulations, including attendance at workshops, online courses, or professional memberships with payroll organizations. This shows your commitment to compliance and continued professional development.

Your response should convey an understanding of the importance of confidentiality in payroll processing. Discuss specific practices you follow to safeguard sensitive employee information and how you educate others to do the same.

Outline the steps you take in preparing payroll reports, including gathering data from payroll systems, reviewing compliance with federal and state regulations, and conducting checks for discrepancies. Mention how this process facilitates transparency and accuracy in reporting.

Discuss techniques like prioritizing tasks, creating schedules, and setting deadlines, and how they help you stay on track during busy periods. Provide an example of how you've successfully managed tight timelines.

Your answer should reflect a genuine interest in the agency's mission. Discuss how your values align with their goal of supporting older adults and individuals with disabilities and how you see yourself contributing to their impact.

Share your approach to training, emphasizing clarity and encouragement. Discuss how you’d ensure that new hires feel comfortable with the process and how you’d be available for follow-up questions and ongoing support.