The State Accounting Office (SAO) provides accounting and financial reporting expertise for the State and is statutorily responsible for statewide financial reporting. The SAO also provides enterprise oversight and management of the State’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, accounting policy development, financial business process improvement recommendations, and management of the payroll and accounting shared service centers.

As Payroll Supervisor, the chosen candidate will be delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary to support semi-monthly payroll processing for multiple agencies within the State of Georgia enterprise. The primary role is to provide frontline oversight for the day-to-day payroll operation, support our 28 state agencies and 14,000+ employees, and lead Payroll Specialists and Technicians in alignment with the mission and direction of SAO leadership. This is a working supervisor role where day-to-day responsibilities are accomplished by directly supporting the team, engaging with customers of our shared service, and collaborating with internal and external partners.

Important Notes:

Candidates interested in employment with the SAO must:

·        Successfully pass a background check, including, criminal background/records check, employment and education verification, employment reference checks, credit evaluation and professional license checks, where applicable

·        Upon, and throughout, employment, both reside and work in the State of Georgia; and

·        Have current legal authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship. The SAO does not sponsor, or support employment based on non-immigrant visas, now or in the future, including but not limited to H-1B, F1, M1, J1, E2 or any other visa category

Payroll Specialist Supervisor – Payroll Shared Services (FIP043)

Pay Grade: L

Salary Range: $50,982.94 - $66,351.55

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate degree in a related field from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of payroll/accounting job-related experience, which includes one (1) year in a lead worker, team leader, or supervisory role over payroll functions; or six (6) years of payroll/accounting job-related experience, which includes one (1) year experience as a lead worker, team lead, or supervisory role over payroll functions; or one (1) year of experience at the lower level Payroll Spec 3 (FIP042) or position equivalent.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Supervision, Training, Customer Service
· Supervise day-to-day payroll activities and processing, helping to ensure adequate coverage for all critical tasks
· Provide training in identified areas of need, including payroll processes, process changes, and new processes for both customers and payroll staff
· Lead and coordinate the work of Payroll Technicians and Specialists on the team
· Help ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws in all states where our customers have employees by reinforcing established procedures
· Support operational standards by working with the payroll team and leadership to uphold production, productivity, quality, and customer service standards
· Serve as a liaison between payroll staff and customers to educate, facilitate problem resolution, and support general communication of payroll matters
· Embrace and promote continuous process improvement within the team
· Research and resolve more complex customer service issues and problems within delegated authority, utilizing knowledge of payroll processes, policies, and laws, and escalate as appropriate
· Respond to questions from payroll staff and assist with resolving internal discrepancies in a timely manner
· Apply strong payroll knowledge, judgment, and problem-solving skills in anticipating and addressing issues impacting daily operations
· Assist with analysis and participate in special projects as assigned by the Payroll Manager or leadership
· Continuously increase knowledge of self and team through education, cross-training, and ongoing development

Payroll and Tax
· Support the end-to-end payroll process for multiple agencies and help ensure payrolls are processed timely and accurately
· Assist Accounting and leadership in quarterly and annual balancing of payroll tax filings for all tax jurisdictions
· Help reinforce compliance with all payroll tax-related governmental, regulatory, and legislative requirements by adhering to established policies and controls
· Review and route for approval payments such as garnishments, tax levies, child support, and other payroll-related invoice payments in accordance with guidelines
· Assist with staff training communications, weekly reminders, and monthly statistics, and coordinate with vendors as directed
· Monitor and validate access requests to payroll and related systems, ensuring appropriate approvals are obtained before access is granted
· Assist with checking print file reconciliation and related quality control activities
· Support, as needed, the set-up of new tax accounts and closure of inactive accounts in response to staff turnover and customer onboarding
· Perform other duties as assigned

Shared Services Promotion Support and Implementations
· Support leadership in promoting shared services across the enterprise by participating in presentations, providing data for presentation materials, and attending agency partnership meetings
· Assist in the set-up of new customers, including participation in onboarding project meetings, system testing, and training
· Help ensure consistent application of shared services processes, standards, and service levels across all supported agencies

Working Environment
· Works in office with hybrid teleworking as approved
· May be required to work beyond normal working hours, weekends, and holidays dependent on transaction load and payroll calendar
· Is subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.)
· Attends and participates in continuing educational programs
· Participates in sessions, presentations, and meetings in-person as required
· Limited travel may be required for the purpose of meeting with vendors, suppliers, service providers, or off-site contractors

Skills and Competencies:

Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills, including coaching and mentoring of staff
· Demonstrated problem-solving skills
· Ability to supervise and prioritize various responsibilities with competing, short deadlines
· Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with all levels of staff and management, as well as external vendors and agency partners
· Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word
· Demonstrated practice of maintaining a high level of confidentiality
· Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through to resolve outstanding issues
· Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment
· Demonstrated ability and interest in training and developing other team members
· Ability to adapt to changing environments and support multiple team members and agencies
· Strong oral and written communication skills; able to communicate appropriately with all levels

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference may be given to applicants who, in addition to meeting the Minimum Qualifications, possess the following:
· 5 years related payroll experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
· 5 years of fast-paced customer service experience
· 2–3 years supervisory or lead experience in a payroll or similar environment
· Workday, PeopleSoft Human Capital Management, and/or PeopleSoft Financials experience
· Experience in a shared service environment preferred
· Solid understanding of payroll taxes
· Some knowledge of local taxes, tax reciprocity rules, filing requirements, and regulations desired

Additional Information:

Please complete all sections of the application. A resume does not substitute for a complete work experience section.

All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification. This posting may close at any time prior to the published closing date once a suitable applicant pool is identified. 

The State Accounting Office is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

The State Accounting Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer