Payroll Clerk

The State of Connecticut, Department of Children and Families' (DCF), mission is partnering with communities and empowering families to raise resilient children who thrive. We are proud of our diverse and dedicated workforce who strive every day to meet the needs of those we encounter.

We are seeking to fill one (1) Payroll Clerk position, located in Central Office, 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT. This opportunity is full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  

In this role, you will perform payroll functions, in an agency of over 3,200 employees, which includes both managerial employees and employees in many different bargaining units, including, but not limited to:

• Data entry of W-4’s, direct deposits, credit union and other deductions
• Identifying issues in the Kronos system and working with supervisors and timekeepers to resolve issues
• Calculating payouts and entering these payments into CORE
• Produce and review Kronos and CORE-CT audit reports, resolve issues prior to deadlines
• Monitoring FMLA, WC, and Military attendance
• Process prior pay period adjustments from Add/Change forms
• Filing and other payroll related tasks as assigned

The ideal candidate will have:

• Ability to professionally interact in person, via telephone, in writing, and using electronic communication
• Ability to multitask while effectively managing a high volume of work
• Knowledge and understanding of payroll processes and working within the restraints of a defined payroll cycle
• Detail oriented
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word including, but not limited to, creating reports, and other related records
• Experience maintaining confidential information and data

In a state agency this class is accountable for preparing and maintaining biweekly regular, overtime and supplemental payrolls for an assigned group of employees and performing various payroll support activities.

Prepares biweekly regular, overtime, and supplemental payrolls: reviews employee time cards and/or timesheets for accuracy and completeness and posts hours worked to master payroll cards; reviews personnel and/or payroll change notices and posts changes and/or adjustments to master files, e.g. new hires, transfers, reclassifications, terminations, retirements, overpayments and/or underpayments, wage increases, deduction changes (health insurance, union dues and/or fees, credit union payments, charitable contributions, bond or sheltered tax annuity payments, group life insurance payments, etc.); calculates gross wages; notes deductions on worksheets and deduction summary sheets; prepares and balances prelists for Central Payroll (Office of State Comptroller), noting both salary and deduction data OR codes standard payroll action forms in conjunction with computerized payroll system; prepares and totals various deduction worksheets, e.g. Credit Union, Medical and/or Insurance Providers, etc.; prepares and submits summary sheets and transmittal certificates OR detailed analysis of expenditure reports and expenditure certificates to Central Payroll; verifies check register and printouts from Central Payroll against worksheets and records; performs various clerical accounting functions such as calculating balances and posting charges to expenditure accounts; prepares supplemental payrolls such as longevity payments, vacation pay, promotional adjustments, etc.; calculates and processes retroactive payments, collective bargaining increases and annual increments; performs various clerical accounting functions such as calculating balances and posting charges to expenditure accounts; verifies provider checks issued by Office of State Comptroller against own records; verifies providers' bills in same manner; keeps abreast of collective bargaining contract requirements and restrictions as related to payroll (dates for salary increases; overtime, shift differential and holiday pay restrictions, etc.); responds to employee inquiries regarding paychecks and payroll practices and procedures; maintains various records and files for payroll data and forms; may calculate workers compensation and/or retirement payments; may calculate and monitor payroll deductions for court ordered wage executions (garnishments); may consult division or facility supervisors regarding employee time recorded; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of payroll terminology, practices and procedures; knowledge of basic accounting and bookkeeping principles and procedures; knowledge of general office procedures; skill in performing arithmetic computations; basic interpersonal skills; ability to read, understand and apply applicable contract guidelines and regulations; ability to maintain records and files; ability to follow complex oral and written instructions; ability to operate office equipment which includes personal computer and other electronic equipment.

Three (3) years of experience in bookkeeping, accounts payable or clerical work involving finances.

One (1) year of the General Experience must have involved payroll preparation.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of two (2) years.
2. One (1) year as a Financial Clerk performing payroll duties may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.

Persons having responsibility for supervising or observing the behavior of inmates or custodial individuals will be required to possess a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certification by the time of permanent appointment.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.