Payroll Specialist

Our national multi-family management company seeks a Payroll Specialist with a "Whatever It Takes" attitude to facilitate Payroll Administration for the company. This will be achieved by working closely with hiring managers to assess their needs.  The Payroll Specialist role is responsible for processing payroll on a bi-weekly basis, maintaining employee data in the payroll system, staying current with applicable payroll laws and regulations, interfacing with third party payroll provider on a routine basis, collaborating with various departments to enhance payroll processes, and providing excellent service.

REPORTS TO:   Controller (direct)

Chief Financial Officer (indirect

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

• Perform payroll-related functions including: process entries to onboard new associates, status changes, pay changes, tax changes, wage garnishments, all associated deductions and direct deposits.          
• Enter and evaluate data necessary to process and generate payroll on a bi-weekly basis, including review and verification of payroll data in a timely manner. Calculate bonuses, overtime or other pay premiums as applicable.
• Interface / take the lead in communicating with third party payroll provider (Paycom) on a regular basis. On occasion there will be software patches and upgrades initiated by Paycom. Take the lead in keeping the team apprised of the status of such rollouts.
• Take the lead in communicating with the team regarding all evolving payroll practices and standards at the federal and state level.
• Prepare manual checks as necessary.
• Coordinate with other departments to follow up on open payroll items.
• Oversee maintenance of payroll records, including paid time off and other leave time.
• Respond to routine inquiries concerning amounts paid, payroll deductions and accruals, wage garnishments, and employment verifications.
• Respond to routine inquiries/schedules for various GAAP audits.
• Prepare associated payroll journal entry workbook using Excel on a bi-weekly basis. Identify errors and make corrections to the Excel workbook as needed.
• Reconcile all payroll related accounts and activities.
• Coordinate the development, enhancement and implementation of payroll practices, policies and procedures.
• Review all payroll data prepared by Paycom for accuracy (including quarterly and annual reports to tax agencies).
• Coordinate / take the lead to complete the schedules required for the annual 401K audit. Interface with the external auditor to address any open items or questions.
• Coordinate / take the lead to complete the schedules required for the annual workers compensation audit. Interface with the external auditor to address any open items or questions.
• Complete any special projects or ad hoc requests as needed.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND TRAINING

DEGREES AND DIPLOMAS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

TRAINING, CERTIFICATES, and ASSOCIATION / MEMBERSHIPS

• A combination of education, training, certifications and experience that demonstrates the application and usage of payroll laws and regulations at both the federal and state level
• Payroll designations preferred (FPC, CPP, and/or CPS)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment, be a self-starter and have comfort with a fast-paced environment.
• Mentorship skills sufficient to provide guidance to other associates as needed
• Must be able to communicate both orally and in writing and have the ability to understand departmental operations and procedures.
• Ability to interact professionally with all employees and clients.
• Strong organization skills and ability to work efficiently under pressure and take initiative to drive projects to completion and meet deadlines.
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
• Proficiency in using payroll management software (Paycom) used by the Company, as well as Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint) in order to complete required reports.  Proficiency in Excel is crucial to the success of this role.
• Must strive to stay updated with evolving payroll practices and standards at both the federal and state level.
• Maintain confidentiality of payroll data and personnel data at all times.