Payroll Specialist

The Specialist, Payroll will successfully execute a wide variety of payroll and benefit activities. The Specialist, Payroll is responsible for accurately processing payroll to include earnings, unpaid time, accrued or vacation time and benefit distribution records of all Garden employees, resulting in biweekly direct deposit distribution of payroll funds. The Specialist, Payroll will be responsible for processing all international payrolls on a monthly basis to include the France and Belgium payrolls.

Timely preparation of various reports and payments for filing/transmittal to Garden vendors is expected. The person in this role is responsible for compiling & researching confidential data and preparing appropriate reports, charts & graphs using MSOffice products; assisting with compliance reporting to include EEO-1, Compensation, OSHA, etc.; accurately providing documentation, reporting, ongoing training and process support for HR Systems; and identifying and assisting in automation of key HR processes. The Specialist, Payroll will also provide support related to other HR office needs. The Specialist, Payroll will be responsible for all payroll inquiries relating to staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensures accurate and timely processing of each of the Garden's payrolls to include international payroll processes. Responsible for the preparation, processing, and transmissions of all payrolls including international payrolls.
• Ensures accuracy of timesheets and proper timecard approvals.
• Ensures correct benefit distributions are processed as appropriate including new hire enrollments, work event, life event and PPACA enrollments.
• Serves as a first-level contact for employees to resolve payroll and timecard discrepancies and answers payroll related questions.
• Processes garnishments, wellness incentives, United Way deductions and all other payroll related deductions as per Garden procedures.
• Responsible for employment verifications, completion of worker compensation forms, and monthly multiple worksite location reporting to agency.
• Responsible for processing weekly 403b contributions and annual step-up program updates.
• Enter new hires in the HRIS system in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintains grant distribution timesheets for exempt and non-exempt employees.
• Prepares and reviews payroll data for general ledger account reconciliations.
• Maintains knowledge of new/changing federal, state, local, and international payroll procedures.
• Reconciles, audit and issue process payments of monthly benefit invoices; works with the Benefit Manager to investigate discrepancies and provide information in routine and non-routine situations.
• Proactively recommends system related process improvement opportunities and or innovative solutions for automating Human Resource processes.
• Creates payroll, timecard and ad hoc reports using Dayforce HCM, excel etc. Consults with others to define payroll or benefit report needs and provides reporting solution to meet needs.
• Provide support to HRIS Manager in a variety of tasks, as needed.
• Develops end user procedures for payroll.

• Assists the Human Resources Division with compiling and researching confidential data and preparing various reports, charts and graphs mainly related to payroll and benefits.

• Responsible for various HR, Benefits and Payroll Audits which includes annual worker's compensation audit.
• Responsible for accurate payroll year-end processing to including W2 auditing, pulling quarter end and year-end tax reports, year-end auditing of all payroll and benefit deductions to ensure accuracy.

• Assists with compliance reporting to include EEO1, Compensation, OSHA, etc.

• Coordinates equipment maintenance and IT support related to department office needs.
• Meets expected attendance guidelines.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and employees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Competencies:

• Communication - Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations.
• Collaboration - Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences.
• Accountability - Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; Effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues' concerns.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision-making process; Includes appropriate people in making decisions.
• Stewardship - Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes contributions during work hours.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Previous experience with HR policies and procedures and project related activities strongly preferred.

• Minimum 2-4 years' relevant human resources, payroll and HRIS systems experience required.
• Ability to maintain information confidentiality.
• Experience working within an HRIS system and working knowledge of system administration process.
• Current knowledge of employment legislation and HR best practices highly desired.

• Sound technical skills with understanding of data integrity protocols and data reconciliation.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize office needs and tasks effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the Garden inclusive of co-workers, supervisors/managers, executives, volunteers, visitors and employees; must feel comfortable interacting and working with other departments.

• Exceptional demonstrated project management, organizational, time management skills, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills required; ability to work independently with little instruction; coordinate and prioritize multiple tasks, set deadlines, and complete projects in a timely manner.
• Scheduling flexibility that allows working occasional evenings as needed.
• Demonstrates highest level of professional and ethical conduct, maintains confidentiality.

• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.

• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:

• H.S. diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Management or related area preferred.

• An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills:

• Highly skilled in Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Word, Excel, Outlook) required.
• Prior experience with Adobe products and Nitro or related conversion software.
• Knowledge of HRIS systems (ADP, Kronos, Dayforce, Paycor, etc). Experience in data entry and generating reports.
• Proficiency utilizing or conducting Internet and web-based searches and program applications.

Language Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written).

Mathematical Skills :

• Requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals.

Reasoning Ability:

• Requires proficient ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• PHR or similar certification a plus.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing).
• Ability to move about facility frequently throughout workday, and sit for extended periods of the workday (may sit up to 75% of workday).
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., step stools, etc.).

Work Environment:

• Comfortable working in immediate proximity to staff and outside contacts, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions regarding human resource policies and procedures.
• Indoor office setting; open/shared work space, office environment with multiple staff within the department.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:

• Garden Managers and Employees, Volunteers, Guests, Vendors and Contractors.
• Professional organizations.

Supervisor (title not person): Manager, HRIS and Payroll

• Missouri Botanical Garden, 2345 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America