Position Summary
Under the general supervision of the Controller, the Payroll Specialist is responsible for all aspects of the payroll function including, but not limited to, payroll processing and payment, Per Capita Distribution processing and payment, stipend processing and payment, payroll tax and garnishment processing and payment, and account reconciliation and analysis. The position must be able to coordinate with the Human Resources department on matters of employment, salaries and benefits, with the Tribal Benefits & Administration department concerning Per Capita payments, deductions and taxation, and with all other departments concerning time reporting and approval.
Duties and Responsibilities
In addition to the duties and responsibilities mentioned above, the following are essential duties of this position:
- Must be able to establish, maintain and report on payroll records for:
- employee payroll.
- stipends.
- Per Capita Distributions.
- Tribal health insurance reimbursements.
- Must be able to, in a tribal environment, understand, apply, account for and pay over:
- payroll tax deductions.
- benefit deductions.
- other deductions, garnishments and judgments as they pertain to both payroll benefits and per capita payments.
- Develop and maintain procedures for the proper operation of the payroll function.
- Prepare and file (electronically where required) appropriate filings for:
- quarterly and annual state and federal tax returns.
- annual wage reporting (W-2).
- annual information return (1099s for Per Capita Distributions).
- periodic insurance, worker’s compensation and retirement benefit (401K) reports and returns.
- other returns, reports and filings as are required.
- Prepare analytical data and report on all aspects of the payroll function including pay changes, departmental payroll cost analyses, etc.
- Reconcile all payroll related accounts including payroll and payroll tax liabilities.
- Possess the understanding and ability to pay payroll, stipends and Per Capita Distribution by ACH (direct deposit) and by check.
- Ensure cash accounts for pre-funded benefits are sufficient for benefit activity.
- Monitor self-insurance program reserves and payment details to ensure proper accounting of benefits.
- Properly calculate and account for accrued leave benefits including vacation, sick, and traditional leave accruals.
- Be able to accept and adapt to new and different situations.
- Knowledge and/or experience in a fund accounting environment.
- Act as backup for the account analyst.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent training and work experience.
- Experience with medium size fund accounting systems.
- Knowledge of federal and state tax laws as it relates to payroll and Per Capita Distributions.
- Strong personal computer skills, especially Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Experience working in an Indian Tribal environment.
- Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.
- Must possess a valid California driver’s license and comply with the requirements of the Tribe’s driving policy and insurance requirements.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with Fundware, Springbrook or an equivalent fund financial accounting systems
- Knowledge of procedures, taxation, processing and payment of Per Capita Distributions
- Act as lead in the area of payroll and relations with Tribal members.
Physical Requirements:
This position is deemed a level 1 and requires walking, standing and sitting for prolonged periods of time; climbing stairs, stooping, kneeling, crouching and reaching; pushing, pulling and lifting up to 20 pounds; raising objects overhead; manual dexterity for operation of computer, phones and small office machines; hearing, talking, and good verbal and written communication skills; repetitive motions of the wrists, hands and fingers.
Indian Preference
Preference in filling vacancies shall be given first to qualified Tuolumne Me-Wuk Community Council Members and then to enrolled Native Americans of any federally recognized tribe. Documentation for claiming preference must be provided with the application for consideration. Other than the above, the Tuolumne Me-Wuk Tribe is an equal opportunity employer.
Pre-employment Requirements
Employment is contingent upon pre-employment background and drug test results.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent training and work experience
- Experience with medium size fund accounting systems
- Knowledge of federal and state tax laws as they relate to payroll and Per Capita Distributions
- Strong computer skills, especially Microsoft Word and Excel
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Experience working in an Indian Tribal environment
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Valid California driver's license and compliance with Tribe's driving policy and insurance requirements
- Pass pre-employment background check and drug test
- Experience with Fundware, Springbrook or equivalent fund financial accounting systems
- Knowledge of procedures, taxation, processing and payment of Per Capita Distributions
- Ability to act as lead in payroll and relations with Tribal members
What We Do
The Tuolumne Me-Wuk Tribal Council is the governing body of the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians, a sovereign nation. It is dedicated to upholding social and economic stability through self-reliance and promoting the health, safety, and welfare of its people by planning, implementing, and coordinating various tribal programs and services.



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