Title: Payroll Specialist

State Role Title: Financial Services Spec I

Hiring Range: $55,000 - $65,000 annually

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Employment Commission

Location: VEC CENTRAL OFFICE

Agency Website: https://www.vec.virginia.gov/

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).

Experience working with the Commonwealth’s payroll processes and procedures, handling classified and wage payroll transactions, and using financial systems (e.g. Cardinal)

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.

Diversity and inclusivity are at the heart of what we do in Virginia, and the VEC is committed to upholding these values in our employment opportunities across the Commonwealth to people from all backgrounds, including all races, ethnicities, genders, and abilities.

The Virginia Employment Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program, and a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

The selected candidate must successfully pass a comprehensive background check including an FBI fingerprint background investigation.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and résumés will not be accepted.

Applications are not accepted after the recruitment closing date.

Please carefully review the details of this recruitment including the location of the position and the posted salary before applying. VEC does not provide relocation assistance, and no salary will be offered outside of the posted salary range / flat rate.

Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application (and/or resume). You must ensure your application/resume includes the scope of your experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as it relates to the position you are applying for. Information not stated will not be assumed.

This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.

For the status of your application and this position, please refer to your Jobs.Virginia.Gov account. We do not provide application status updates via email or telephone.

Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
Applicants needing accommodations should contact the Human Resource office for additional information.

The VEC does not provide sponsorship; therefore, applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., a Lawful Permanent Resident, or an alien authorized to work in the US.

NOTICE: VEC will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

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.