Payroll & Senior Accounting Specialist

Position Summary The role of the Payroll/Accounts Payable Associate at Making Waves Academy (MWA), under the direction of the Controller, is to process payroll information in accordance with charter management organization policy, Federal and State laws. This person will also support the Controller on special projects to ensure payroll procedures are adequate for network expansion and to improve efficiency in systems and reporting. Our Story Making Waves Foundation was founded in 1989 as a mentoring program to address the disparity in educational opportunities for low-income students in Richmond, CA. For decades, through comprehensive programming and services, Making Waves has helped prepare and support first-generation college students to graduate from competitive institutions across the country. In 2007, the foundation opened the Making Waves Academy Middle School, a charter school offering a rigorous fifth to eighth grade academic program and comprehensive services for students and families. The Making Waves Academy Upper School was launched in 2011 and provides rich academic course offerings, career exploration and extensive college advisement. The Upper School graduated its first class of 12th graders this year, 96% of which completed the SAT exams and 100% of which applied to college. The Team Making Waves Academy (MWA) aims to prepare students to apply to and be competitive for admission to a variety of public, private and selective colleges and universities. Making Waves students are not only prepared to enter and graduate from college through rigorous academic instruction but also through social-emotional instruction and coaching. Our teachers promote literacy across disciplines and collaborate to assess student work, design curriculum, and improve their personal practice.  Primary Responsibilities Payroll

• Responsible for the preparation and processing of biweekly payroll for over 110 employees; review and ensure accuracy of approved timesheets; track and deduct all garnishments and other special payroll deductions (such as teacher hold-back payments, stipends, longevity bonuses); create systems to make these tasks efficient
• Manage employee enrollment and contributions into retirement plans and remit contributions
• Calculate final paychecks and severance pay for separating employees
• Reconcile Federal Quarterly Payroll expenses Form 941
• Prepare and post bi-weekly payroll journals to QuickBook
• Review and clear payroll accounts (such as employees' flexible spending accounts, life insurance, payroll advances)
• Review budget vs. actual variance analysis for payroll 
• Responsible for the coordination efforts between payroll and human resources departments to ensure proper flow and maintenance of employee data (including preparation/distribution of detailed reports, e.g., overtime, leave balances, head count, Personnel Action Forms, salary reduction agreement)
• Train new staff on Paychex payroll systems (such as completing and approving timesheets)
• Reconcile payroll prior to transmission and validate data before payroll is finalized
• Responsible and submit documents for annual workers compensation audit

Accounts Payable

• Ensure all payables have proper approvals and account code allocations prior to payment
• Match credit card receipts to statements; post and reconcile credit card expenses
• Maintain files for vendors (such as contracts, W9 and paid invoices) 
• Train staff on procedures relating to coding expenses
• Prepare annual filing of Form 1099MISC for both vendors and IRS
• Assist in annual audit fieldwork, such as document retrievals
• Assist with budget preparation work

Qualifications Experience

• 2-3 years minimum of Payroll, Accounts Payable and General Accounting experience preferred, but not required

Skills

• Knowledge of Paychex payroll system and QuickBooks desired
• Proficiency in MS Office software applications
• Demonstrated experience leading self-directed tasks and projects
• Excellent problem solving/judgment skills, and high level of attention to detail and accuracy 
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work under pressure 
• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree required, with a major in Business/Finance, or related field preferred 

Salary and Benefits Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. In addition, a comprehensive benefits package is included.