Payroll Accounting Consultant

Summary

The Payroll Accounting Consultant (Accounting Consultant) provides overall coordination, support and maintenance necessary to ensure the proper and effective functioning of business unit or department systems.  Participates in the development, analysis, planning, implementation administration, and communication of a broad range of department systems, programs, policies and practices.  Serves as the functional area's analytical expert for multiple systems and business areas, which may include system security, reporting, intranet web pages and other areas as defined.  Works with other department functions to identify, plan and implement solutions that will maximize organizational effectiveness using technology.  Partners with IS and/or leads projects involving process and system improvements and special technology needs.  Develops and generates a variety of department, function and company reports and statistical summaries.  Assists in the development and maintenance of standardized reporting protocol for the functional area to ensure data integrity and consistency.

Minimum Requirements

• BS degree in accounting, finance or related field
• With five years of experience (2 years preferred within an electric-utility environment)
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• MBA, MS in Accounting or CPA certification preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of accounting theory (GAAP), FERC and ACC requirements, and working knowledge of accounting and related systems.
• Strong analytical, research and problem solving skills and ability to communicate effectively with Executive management.
• Must possess a broad business perspective, problem solving skills, strong interpersonal, communication and consulting skills.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Demonstrated understanding of database design, structure, functions and processes and experience with database tools.
• Experience with specific systems in the functional area may be required. 
• Strong understanding of functional processes and data. 
• Extensive business and operational knowledge including functions, procedures, processes, and computer systems.
• Ability to identify process improvement opportunities and tie functional needs to technology solutions. Previous project management experience and ability to prioritize work. 
• Strong analytical ability to review data, see relationships and patterns. 
• Skilled in consulting and project management methodologies while working with business customers and executing projects.
• Expertise in PC applications including advanced skill level in Microsoft Excel, Access, Word. 
• Requires proficient knowledge of emerging practices and technologies used within the area.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and standards impacting business areas. 
• Demonstrated communication skills, both verbal and written. 
• Ability to make presentations on key initiatives, provide updates on work plans and implementation activities and results.
• Resolve more complex problems of broad scope and high impact in maintaining payroll accounts, payroll processes, preparing reports and in the distribution of costs.
• Interact routinely with accounting or business unit senior level staff and management personnel.
• Partner with Accountants, Payroll, and Business Systems Analysts to provide project support.
• In depth knowledge of the preparation, calculation, and transmission of payroll related activities.
• Review, test, and implementation of pay practices as necessary.
• Knowledge of the preparation of monthly account reconciliation process.
• System Transformation Project Support
  • Payroll SME is responsible for promoting cross-functional teamwork.
  • Work with end-users to create implementation plans, project timelines, and processes.
  • Manage Payroll and Time & Labor workstream employees and deliverables
  • Knowledge of Oracle Fusion a plus

Major Accountabilities

1) Participates or leads projects to formulate and define business processes, systems scope and objectives through research and fact finding combined with a good understanding of business functions, systems, and industry requirements.

2) Participates in or oversees  the analysis and recommendation, installation and maintenance of new and enhancement of existing systems. 

3) Provides input and gathers functional requirements, policy/procedure interpretation, and future business system needs.   Supports upgrades, patches, fixes, and new implementations by performing testing, process and system documentation, and supports end user training and roll out efforts.

4) Works within areas of responsibility on process improvement initiatives.   Analyzes work process design, workflow and technology solutions to streamline, automate and improve work processes.

5) Researches, analyzes, and resolves routine to complex business/operations problems related to systems utilized within the business units.  Interfaces with IS or vendors to resolve issues as necessary.  Follows up with resolution of problems to ensure timely response and customer satisfaction.

6) Coordinates and participates in the development of effective business cases using sound cost/benefit analysis with some direction.   For smaller projects, may coordinate assigned phases of project planning and execution, including estimating resources and tasks, creating, managing and controlling project schedules and resources.
7) Provides operational support for multiple business areas and systems including, but not limited to, researching and resolving system problems, system setup and maintenance, and data integrity audits.

8) Writes, maintains and supports a variety of reports or queries utilizing appropriate reporting tools.  Assists in the development of standard and complex reports for customers.  Assists in the development and maintenance of standardized business reporting protocol and ensures data integrity and consistency in all reporting aspects.

9) Participates in project team assignments either as a project lead or as a key team member.  Responsible for coordinating activities within the functional business areas.  Direct areas of project responsibility could include business needs analysis, project scope definition, testing strategy, roll out and user acceptance.

10) Maintains documentation of system changes, business processes, guidelines and procedures, and tools and training aids needed to support business unit.

11) May support application/system training to functional  users.

12) May be responsible for managing security for all business systems including documentation of processes associated with security. Responsible for ensuring appropriate data security controls, process and system documentation.

13) May monitor and track business goals, activities, performance monitoring and issues for an assigned unit(s) to keep management apprised of business unit activities.

14) May participate in the planning, development, and administration of business unit's budget functions.

15) Actively seeks knowledge and understanding of business/technical environment, priorities, procedures and processes.  Keeps apprised of current and emerging trends for the business units systems.

Export Compliance / EEO Statement

This position may require access to and/or use of information subject to control under the Department of Energy's Part 810 Regulations (10 CFR Part 810), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730 through 774), or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter M Part 120) (collectively, 'U.S. Export Control Laws'). Therefore, some positions may require applicants to be a U.S. person, which is defined as a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), a Political Asylee, or a Refugee under the U.S. Export Control Laws. All applicants will be required to confirm their U.S. person or non-US person status. All information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws, and will be used in full compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors. For positions at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Stations (PVNGS) all openings will require applicants to be a U.S. person.

Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates ('Pinnacle West') maintain a continuing policy of nondiscrimination in employment. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This policy of nondiscrimination shall include, but not be limited to, recruiting, hiring, promoting, compensating, reassigning, demoting, transferring, laying off, recalling, terminating employment, and training for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, disability, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other classification or characteristic protected by law.

For more information on applicable equal employment regulations, please refer to EEO is the Law poster. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of every person hired to work in the United States, refer to E-Verify poster. View the employee rights and responsibilities under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Arizona Public Service is a smoke free workplace.