Payroll Manager

This position manages all functions of the county's payroll operations and services including the interpretation of payroll laws and regulations, and accounting functions with respect to payroll. Oversees and directs the work of professional staff engaged in payroll; and performs other duties as required. This position requires expert knowledge of all operations involved in end-to-end in-house payroll processing within an SAP Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, or similar ERP system. Works under limited direction.

• Oversees payroll operations inclusive of bi-weekly processes, production of bi-weekly payroll reports and special reports, correction of payroll errors, garnishments, federal and state levies, tax filings.
• Manages county's payroll services; provides technical guidance and advice to staff regarding compliance with policies and procedures; updates payroll policies as necessary and clarifies complex payroll policies and procedures with customers and staff.
• Ensures payroll accounting reconciliations are performed in accordance with all local financial processes, policies and timelines.
• Manages the processing of payroll taxes, payments, and related mandatory reporting (federal, state, and garnishment payments, deferred compensation, retirement, unemployment insurance, etc., and ensures filings are accurate and timely. And, at year end, oversees the preparation of W2 forms in compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Supervises a multi-disciplinary staff of professionals and paraprofessionals of financial, accounting, and human resources staff; And maintains effective collaborative relationships with staff and stakeholders from the Department of Management and Budget, Department of Finance, Internal Audit, and others.

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list)

Knowledge of theories, principles, practices and techniques of governmental accounting and financial reporting;
Knowledge of applicable accounting and payroll federal, state, and local laws, regulations and ordinances;
Knowledge of running a full in-house payroll end-to-end using a complex system including SAP's ERP system, or other similar ERP systems, both from the fiscal and human capital management sides;
Knowledge of payroll processes, withholdings, deductions, payroll taxes and various payroll reporting requirements;
Ability to communicate effectively and collaboratively;
Ability to analyze complex problems and identify effective solutions;
Ability to negotiate sensitive issues, analyze challenges, and facilitate resolutions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, finance, or management or closely related fields.; PLUS, five years of professional experience in payroll administration, accounting, or other closely related role. Including one year of supervisory experience.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Certified Payroll Professional (or attained within the first 18 months)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and credit check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ten or more years of experience in Payroll Operations;
• Extensive knowledge of payroll methods and practices and complex pay calculations;
• Extensive knowledge of Federal and State wage and hour laws;
• Comprehensive knowledge of public sector payroll operations and services;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide variety of constituencies in a diverse community;
• Excellent written and verbal skills and organizational excellence;
• Ability to make recommendations to effectively resolve problems or issues;
• Strong customer service philosophy;
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications to include Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint;
• Ability to build and lead effective teams