Payroll Specialist / Accountant, Metro

Payroll Specialist / Accountant, Metro

Title Description : Metro Accounting - MTC

Date Posted : 10 / 30 / 2025

Deadline : Until Filled

Job Number : 179-25-M

Branch :

Hourly Rate : Starting Rate $23.4522 Full Rate $31.2695

Hours : 8 : 00 am – 4 : 00 pm Monday - Friday

Union Status : ATU 1342

WORK OBJECTIVE : Under the supervision and direction of the Payroll Manager, the Payroll Specialist / Accountant is responsible for assisting the Senior Payroll Specialist in ensuring timely and accurate processing of payroll for METRO employees and performing various other tasks as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS : The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.

• Using the automated payroll system, is responsible for payroll processing for METRO employees including entering and maintaining time records and time / attendance information, employee master file set-up and maintenance, deduction processing including garnishments and wage assignments, and preparing quarterly and annual wage reports.
• Coordinate and ensure all timecards and window sheets are accurately created as needed and processed daily.
• Ensure accuracy and maintenance of “days worked” data files, replacement checks, general ledger distribution, preparation of W-2s, pension plan administration reporting and deferred compensation administration.
• Responsible for coordinating and monitoring payments and wage rates in accordance with a multitude of collective bargaining agreements.
• Perform as acting Senior Payroll Specialist in the absence of that individual.
• While performing as the Senior Payroll Specialist, the Payroll Specialist / Accountant is responsible for all actions of the position to include filing all payroll related taxes, NYS Deferred Compensation Board reporting and miscellaneous reporting requests as assigned (such as mortgage request forms, disability forms, etc.).
• Communicates frequently with employees, department managers, Human Resources and MIS related to payroll issues.
• Perform all other tasks as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES : Experience in working with an automated payroll system, combined with strong knowledge of wage reporting requirements, payroll guidelines / laws and payroll taxes. Must be able to process payroll accurately in accordance with labor agreements. Requires knowledge of basic accounting principles, payroll processing, basic Fair Labor Standards Act guidelines and Microsoft Office products. Requires strong organizational skills, ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with all levels of the organization; strong Excel and Word skills; excellent math aptitude and attention to detail. Flexibility to work overtime, weekends and holidays as required to complete assignments. Experience with Union payroll processing is a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS : Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and / or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds).

ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS : Work is performed in usual office conditions with rare exposure to disagreeable environmental factors.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS : Associate degree and three (3) years of payroll preparation reporting / processing experience or 5 years of payroll processing experience. Requires experience completing required Federal and State payroll tax filings. Knowledge of basic accounting principles, basic Fair Labor Standards Act Guidelines and Microsoft Office products. Testing is required for this position and will be given before the position is awarded. Prior to appointment, achieve a passing score on the following tests : 10-Key, Basic Microsoft Excel and Basic Microsoft Word.

NOTE : TO APPLY : Send NFTA employment application, resume and cover letter specifying the job number 179-25-N to : NFTA Human Resources 181 Ellicott Street Buffalo, NY 14203 Or email to : application_intake@nfta.com

OTHER : The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply