Responsibilities include checking the number of hours employees worked, calculating wages and salaries, and issuing employee’s wages by check or electronic transfer. Collaborating with the human resources department to maintain employee data, issuing tax forms and related documentation, and assisting employees with them. Resolving employee issues with paychecks and any other payroll matters. The Payroll Accountant will also be a part of the onboarding process monthly for all new employees by reviewing the agency payroll process. This position is not remote.
SCOPE OF DUTIES:
- Ensure that electronic transfers to bank accounts are processed accurately and in compliance with government regulations;
- Ensure all employees are paid on time for bi-weekly payroll per all federal, state, and local payroll, wage, hour laws, and best practice requirements. This includes the distribution of non-direct deposit paychecks to Directors (or designees) for distribution to employees;
- Maintain all general ledger accounts related to payroll activity and payroll information by designing systems, directing the collections and calculation and entering of data;
- Resolve payroll discrepancies by analyzing general ledger accounts monthly, quarterly, and annually;
- Determine payroll liabilities by approving the calculation of employee federal and state income and social security taxes, employer's social security, and workers’ compensation payments;
- Ensure that the correct payroll information is sent to the third-party administrator for tax filing in a timely manner;
- Ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll updates, including new hires, terminations, and employees’ leave and salary accruals;
- Review and approve all payroll-related changes such as exemptions, salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, job titles, and department/division transfers;
- Maintain accurate reports (vacation, sick, and personal holiday) for each department/program and distribute them bi-weekly to the appropriate supervisors;
- Facilitate, prepare, and analyze payroll information for annual payroll and pension audits. Provide records and documentation to auditors;
- Provide management with payroll information and provide training. Conduct a payroll training session on utilizing the UltiPro system for all new employees during their new-hire orientation;
- Collect and analyze the accounting data, analyze financial statements, and maintain financial records;
- Identify and recommend updates to payroll accounting software, systems, and procedures;
- Stay informed of new payroll mandates, policies, and procedures to maintain compliance. Review professional publications, and websites, and attend educational workshops and trainings;
- Consult with the Director of Accounting regarding new mandates and immediate action items;
- Maintain payroll and benefits confidentiality. Keep the information in a secured area;
CREDENTIALS/EXPERIENCE:
- Must have a minimum Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or equivalent experience with a minimum of five (5) years of payroll/bookkeeping experience
- Knowledge and proficiency in payroll procedures including preparation, balancing, internal control, and payroll taxes;
- Proficient with MS Office software including Word, Excel, and pivot tables;
- Proficient with payroll/accounting software (knowledge of UltiPro/Ultimate Time Management Software a plus);
- Excellent oral and written communication skills; Must possess excellent organizational skills, be detailed oriented, and can meet specific payroll deadlines;
