Payroll Specialist
General Statement (Summary of duties & responsibilities:
The position is responsible for performing the payroll administration and processing for the organization. The position is also responsible for assisting with other finance department functions.
Education & Work Experience Qualifications:
5+ years of payroll processing experience. Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Experience with payroll processing and HRIS systems required.
Experience with UKG/Ultimate products preferred.
Experience with HRIS/Payroll system conversions preferred.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Suite.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication skills required. Must have the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of personnel and to represent the organization publicly.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team required.
Essential Job Functions:
Process payroll time sheets and worksheets, audits for accuracy and required approvals, balances and transmits payroll to outside payroll processing systems. Performs all daily payroll department operations.
Maintains all payroll records to include payroll change notices, all paid leave, and personal days.
Provides data needed for payroll journal entries, PTO journal entries and payroll accrual journal entries.
Prepares monthly reports for departments with department payroll analytics.
Communicates with the People Services Department to ensure integrity of the payroll data including data related to new hires, terminations and rate changes.
Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and best practices in conjunction with People Services.
Implements changes with outside payroll processing systems for changes in benefit plans, new pay types, etc. with appropriate testing.
Provides data for budget process including salaries, wages and benefits and quarterly variance analysis and reporting.
Processes year-end adjustment payrolls and year end Form W-2’s.
Researches and resolves questions from management and employees as they relate to the processing of payroll information such as PTO, banking, garnishments, retroactive pay calculations, tax questions and other changes.
Understands proper taxation, classification, and reconciliation of company paid benefits.
Processes correct garnishment calculations and compliance. (Shares final calculations and completed forms with PS for personnel file.) Initiates payment for payroll errors or final discharge. Responsible for monitoring 401(1) and 403(b) contributions and processing payments to Trustee.
Performs annual census for reconciliation for external auditors.
Continues to work for improvements in payroll process for the organization.
Creates and maintains work instructions and communications.