Assistant Comptroller - Finance in Neillsville, Wisconsin at Clark, County of (WI)

Purpose of Position:
The Assistant Comptroller supports the Comptroller by performing advanced financial functions, including budgeting, policy implementation, financial system monitoring, and countywide internal audits. The position oversees all payroll processing and ensures accurate reporting to state and federal agencies. It also serves as the primary contact for vendors and third-party administrators regarding reporting, reconciliations, enrollments, and discrepancy resolution. In collaboration with the Human Resources Director, this role helps develop and administer county policies related to employee relations, labor relations, classification, compensation, and benefits. The Assistant Comptroller provides guidance to the Finance Committee, Personnel Committee, and county departments on financial matters.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

General Responsibilities

• Support the Comptroller with financial management functions, including budgeting, audit preparation, financial reporting, and policy development.
• Maintain accuracy and integrity of county financial and payroll data.
• Serve as a liaison between departments, auditors, and external agencies.

Budget and Financial Reporting

• Assist with preparation, analysis, and monitoring of the annual county budget, including advising departments on required corrections.
• Prepare and analyze reports for the Finance Committee and other committees, highlighting potential issues or financial concerns.
• Develop and maintain financial and payroll system reports to support departmental needs, state reporting, and internal financial monitoring.
• Assist with development of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and single audit reports.

Audit Support

• Assist with the annual independent audit, including preparation of supporting documentation, analysis of required adjustments and closing entries, and post-audit review.
• Review completed audit reports for accuracy and coordinate communication between departments and auditors.

Financial Record Maintenance

• Maintain capital asset and depreciation records.
• Support year-end closing procedures and preparation of year-end financial reports.
• Assist in ensuring ongoing accuracy of all county financial records.

Policy Development

• Assist with development and maintenance of financial and payroll policies.
• Support monitoring and compliance of grants across departments.

Supervision of Payroll Processing
Provide oversight and guidance to the Accounting Supervisor and Financial Associate, who perform the following duties:

• Prepare biweekly payroll and related reports for multiple county payroll groups.
• Verify accuracy of data for new hires, current employees, and terminations.
• Audit timecard data for accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll reports.
• Prepare required Affordable Care Act (ACA) reports.
• Maintain payroll files and prepare required reports for various agencies.
• Reconcile monthly benefit premium billings with payroll deduction registers.
• Respond to departmental payroll and benefit inquiries and provide necessary reports.
• Prepare vouchers for review and approval.
• Provide training on all modules of the financial/payroll system, including individualized and group training for department heads and supervisors.
• Process wage changes and payroll adjustments.
• Prepare and remit federal, state, and Social Security tax payments.
• Meet with employees regarding payroll and benefit matters.
• Maintain confidential payroll and personnel records.
• Calculate payroll adjustments for worker’s compensation, military leave, and other special situations.
• Ensure proper pay for terminations, retirements, increases, and back pay.
• Coordinate all employee benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations for various programs including WRS, health insurance, flex benefits, disability, and deferred compensation.
• Reconcile payroll withholdings and benefit deductions.
• Work with plan administrators on yearly flex benefits enrollment.
• Audit and record third-party disability payments.
• Deposit the county’s employer portion of taxes.
• Assist with quarterly and annual payroll reports, including unemployment, retirement, withholding, and W-2 verification.
• Verify employee information for unemployment, lenders, and other authorized inquiries.
• Advise the Comptroller and Human Resources Director on payroll, benefits, and personnel matters.
• Maintain and update the payroll procedures manual and recommend policy changes.
• Provide payroll information to auditors.
• Assist with personnel administration as needed, including confidential matters.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
A Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration or related field

Experience:
A minimum of six (6) years related experience is required.
Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.