Payroll Specialist

About ETS

ETS is a global education and talent solutions organization enabling lifelong learners worldwide to be future-ready. For more than 75 years, we've been advancing the science of measurement to build benchmarks for fair and valid skill assessment across cultures and borders. Our worldwide impact extends through our renowned assessments including TOEFL®, TOEIC®, GRE® and Praxis® tests, serving millions of learners in more than 200 countries and territories. Through strategic acquisitions, we've expanded our global capabilities: PSI strengthens our workforce assessment solutions, while Edusoft, Kira Talent, Pipplet, Vericant, and Wheebox enhance our educational technology and assessment platforms across critical markets worldwide.

Through ETS Research Institute and ETS Solutions, we're partnering with educational institutions, governments, and organizations globally to promote skill proficiency, empower upward mobility, and unlock opportunities for everyone, everywhere. With offices and partners across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, we deliver nearly 50 million tests annually. Join us in our journey of measuring progress to power human progress worldwide.

At ETS, we advance the science of measurement to power human progress. Join a team that values integrity, innovation, and impact. Your work will help ensure accurate, timely payroll and time management for colleagues who share our mission to improve education worldwide.

What You’ll Do

You’ll lead payroll and time management processes with precision and care. Your role ensures employees are paid accurately and on time, while maintaining compliance and supporting continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Own payroll operations. Manage all aspects of payroll processing and time and labor functions.
• Ensure compliance. Adhere to ethical standards and all applicable laws and regulations.
• Monitor and report. Track unapproved time entries and missing data. Post weekly reports and advise HR and leadership.
• Set up access. Configure security roles for new supervisors and backup approvers in time systems.
• Resolve issues fast. Respond promptly to help desk tickets and vendor inquiries.
• Keep documentation current. Maintain and test process manuals for accuracy.
• Handle critical tasks. Manage garnishments, banking activities, off-cycle payments, and assist with journal entries and reconciliations.
• Partner with vendors. Test and resolve system upgrades and enhancements.
• Support audits. Serve as point of contact for accounting and external audit requests.
• Collaborate widely. Provide time and labor reports to other departments and work closely with HR and payroll teams.
• Drive improvements. Identify opportunities to streamline and automate processes.
• Step in when needed. Act as backup for payroll responsibilities and assist with special projects.
  
  

What You Bring

Education & Certifications

• High school diploma with a solid understanding of basic accounting principles.
• Associate’s degree may be substituted by extensive payroll operations experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business preferred.
  
  

Experience

• Minimum two years of payroll processing and payroll accounting experience required.
• Knowledge of PeopleSoft and UKG software preferred.
  
  

Skills & Attributes

• Proficiency with MS Office Suite; advanced Excel skills.
• Independent self-starter who works accurately and with minimal supervision.
• Excellent organization and prioritization skills; able to manage multiple information sources.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Keen interest in process improvements and ability to learn new technologies.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to work overtime or company holidays when necessary.
• Expertise: Strong knowledge of payroll processes and compliance.
• Tech skills: Proficiency in MS Office Suite; advanced Excel skills. Knowledge of PeopleSoft or UKG is a plus.
• Problem-solving mindset: Keen interest in process improvements and ability to learn new technologies.
• Communication: Clear, professional written and verbal skills.
• Organization: Ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks, and work independently with accuracy.
• Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills and customer service orientation.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work overtime or holidays when needed.
  
  

Why You’ll Love This Role

You’ll play a critical part in ensuring financial accuracy and employee trust. Your work supports ETS’s mission and helps create a seamless experience for colleagues across the organization.

ETS is mission driven and action oriented

• We are passionate about hiring innovative thinkers who believe in the promise of education and lifelong learning.
• We are energized by cultivating growth, innovation, and continuous transformation for the next generation of rising professionals as leaders. Â In support of this ETS offers multiple Business Resource Groups (BRG) for you to learn and advance your career growth!
• As a not-for-profit organization we will encourage you to lean in to your passion for volunteering. Â At ETS you may qualify for up to an additional 8 hours of PTO for volunteer work on causes that are important to you!
  
  

ETS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe in creating a work environment where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.