STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Payroll Clerk

Hybrid

Recruitment #240229-6157CL-001

Introduction


Are you looking for the next step in your career?
Looking for somewhere with growth potential?
Learn more and apply today to be a crucial part of supporting Connecticut veterans!

The State of Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is actively seeking an experienced and qualified individual for the position of Payroll Clerk to join their Fiscal Department. In this role, you'll be responsible for preparing and maintaining biweekly regular, overtime, and supplemental payrolls for a designated group of employees, while independently handling various payroll support activities. Join us for an exciting opportunity to contribute to the efficient payroll operations of the DVA!

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Work Schedule: Full-time
  • Work Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Location: Rocky Hill, CT
  • Work Environment: Hybrid
WHY THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT:
  • Join an Award-Winning Team: Be part of the prestigious Forbes-ranked State of Connecticut, recognized as one of the Best Employers of 2023. Experience national acclaim for providing unparalleled job growth, competitive benefits, and flexible schedules.
  • Platinum Healthcare Excellence: Enjoy the nation's top-rated healthcare plan for state employees and their dependents. Our Platinum Healthcare Plan, ranked the best by Georgetown’s Center on Health Insurance Reform and endorsed by Ellen Andrews, Ph.D., ensures comprehensive coverage and well-being for you and your family.
  • Secure Your Future: Benefit from our robust pension plan and explore supplemental retirement offerings, ensuring a secure and comfortable future for you and your loved ones.
  • Invest in Your Education and Future: As a Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, the State of Connecticut supports your educational journey. You may qualify for student loan forgiveness after just 10 years of dedicated service. Learn more here.
  • Time for What Matters: Embrace a healthy work-life balance with generous paid time off, including 13 paid holidays per calendar year. Prioritize your well-being and make the most of your personal time. 
  • Unlock Your Potential: Grow professionally with a range of development opportunities. The State of Connecticut is committed to nurturing your skills and helping you reach new heights in your career.
  • Cultivate Balance: We believe in a healthy work/life balance for all our employees. Join us in fostering an environment where your professional and personal lives harmonize, allowing you to thrive in both.
    DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO:
    • Engage in a rewarding career
    • Provide support to a division that is passionate about improving the lives of those we serve
    • Assist our clients so they can achieve success
    • Make a difference in the public sector
    • Work together in a collaborative team environment
    MORE ABOUT US:
    For over 140 years the State of Connecticut DVA has been caring for its veterans and their dependents. As a Department, we believe in "serving those who have served." This is accomplished through our: Office of Advocacy and Assistance, Residential Facility, Healthcare Center, and Cemetery and Burial Services.

    The DVA has supported Connecticut Veterans and continues this tradition with Residential and Healthcare programming on our campus in Rocky Hill. There are two paths for residency at the DVA:
    • Residential Facility: offers temporary, supportive living with programming designed to return Connecticut Veterans to independent living in the community;
    • Sgt. John L. Levitow Healthcare Center: a state-of-the-art medical facility that offers long-term care for veterans with chronic, disabling conditions who require 24-hour assistance.
    WHAT SETS US APART - STATE OF CONNECTICUT

    Selection Plan

    FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
    Please read or watch our Applicant Tips on How to Apply!
    To Apply:
    • In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
    • You must specify your qualifications on your application. You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.
    • In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.
    • All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
    • This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.
    Important Next Step Information for After You Apply:
    • Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
    • This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.
    • Note: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.
    • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
    • Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.
    • Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State Employees which is available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
    • For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
    Connect With Us:
    • Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process.
    • Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account. If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment please contact Alyssa Hovanec via email at Alyssa.Hovanec@ct.gov.

    PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

    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 independently performing various payroll support activities.

    EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

    • 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, SKILL AND ABILITY

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

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

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

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

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

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

    • 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.
    • One (1) year as a Financial Clerk performing payroll duties may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.

    PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

    • Experience with PeopleSoft (i.e. CORE-CT) or similar software, particularly in payroll functions
    • Experience with UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) software or similar workforce management and human resource management services software
    • Experience in payroll within a unionized setting

    SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

    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.

    Conclusion

    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.