Payroll Specialist

Title : Payroll Specialist

State Role Title : Financial Services Spec I

Hiring Range : $55,000 - $70,000 annually

Pay Band : 4

Agency : Virginia Employment Commission

Location : VEC CENTRAL OFFICE

Agency Website :

Recruitment Type : General Public - G

Job Duties

In a shared services environment, ensure agency semi-monthly payroll for classified staff and bi-weekly payroll for wage employees is processed timely, appropriately and confidentially in accordance with state, federal and agency requirements (e.g., Cardinal, and Commonwealth Accounting Policies and Procedures [CAPP] Manual). Perform financial and analytical duties associated with the timely and accurate processing of Payroll transactions (e.g., master file creation and changes, legal actions, wage and overtime, benefit deductions, VSDP payments, benefit reconciliations, and quarterly tax preparation). Review and verify payroll documents, legal orders, and benefit documents submitted by employees and / or HR staff, and other Payroll requests to ensure documents are appropriate and comply with all agency, state and federal policies, procedures and regulations. Follow-up with the end user, requestor and / or relevant party if additional information is needed. Schedule various input and production steps to meet agency and state mandated processing deadlines. Ensure all transactions and reconciliations are completed accurately and timely.

Minimum Qualifications

Considerable knowledge of payroll laws, rules and regulations; payroll tax, legal deductions, and pre-tax benefit requirements; Fair Labor Standards Act requirements related to payroll; Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); automated payroll processing; internal control practices and procedures; and federal and state laws, rules and regulations.

Strong customer service, organizational, oral and written communication, and computer skills (using automated accounting systems, personal computer and related software [Microsoft Word and Excel]).

Demonstrated ability to perform detailed, accounting work; analyze, reconcile, and process payroll transactions in accordance with established guidelines; update and maintain automated and manual records; track and report payroll information; conduct research; communicate effectively orally and in writing; maintain confidentiality; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; interpret, recommend and apply policies and procedures; prepare financial reports and spreadsheets; collect, analyze, report and explain financial data; audit financial transactions, identify problems, and report findings; and work effectively independently and as a team member.

Additional Considerations

Considerable knowledge of payroll state laws, rules and regulations (e.g., Department of Accounts [DOA] and CAPP manual).

Extensive experience working with the Commonwealth's payroll processes and procedures, Cardinal Financial and Cardinal HCM, handling classified and wage payroll transactions, and using financial systems (e.g. Cardinal)

Multi-State Payroll Expertise : Demonstrated experience processing payroll for employees residing outside Virginia, including accurate withholding and reporting of state and local taxes.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and / or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information

Name : Human Resources / Recruitment

Phone : For the most up-to-date status of your application, please refer to your Jobs.Virginia.Gov account. We do not provide application status updates via phone.

Email : Careers@vec.virginia.gov for recruitment related questions. Emailed applications, resumes, or cover letters will not be accepted. For the most up-to-date status of your application, please refer to your Jobs.Virginia.Gov account.

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS / DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note : Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.