Senior Payroll Specialist

SUMMARY

In-office position based in New Orleans.

The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, New Orleans, Louisiana, provides the care, custody, control, and rehabilitation of inmates. We are committed to providing the highest level of service and security to the court systems, the execution of court mandates, and the protection of individuals’ rights and freedoms. Our Mission will be achieved through innovative leadership and programs, as well as the dedication and diligence of our employees.

A Senior Payroll Specialist uses payroll software with accuracy and efficiency; and can be trusted with sensitive information. This position requires excellent communication skills to interact with colleagues and executives. The goal is to ensure personnel receive correct compensation promptly and effectively manage reporting required by the State of Louisiana.

SALARY

The salary for the Senior Payroll Specialist is aligned accordingly and commensurate with an applicant’s knowledge, skills, experience, certifications, and education requirements of the subject position.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Benefits Support:

•    Calculate the overtime, deductions, and all payroll functions effectively using payroll software.

•    Coordinate employee benefits, including paid time off, retirement plans, and corporate shareholder health insurance.

•    Assist in new hire setup and offboarding processes, ensuring smooth transitions.

•    Maintain employee records and ensure payroll data is accurate and up-to-date.

•    Prepare payroll reports, including tax filings and benefit contributions, and assist with year-end processes.

•    Working knowledge of all payroll policies and procedures (e.g. overtime or premium time calculation, pre-tax deductions, social security, and FICA      wage maximums, calculating off-cycle checks).

•    Working knowledge of other internal systems (ADP preferred), which involves auditing timecards for correct pay calculations.

•    Receive approval from management for payments when needed.

•    Administer statements of payment to personnel either in an electronic system or distribute as needed manually or electronically.

•    Keep track of hourly rates, wages, compensation benefit rates, new hire information, etc.

•    Address issues and questions regarding payroll from employees and superiors.

•    Answer incoming and outgoing calls and manage office visits by employees.

•    Process and submit State Supplemental Pay reporting required by the State of Louisiana.

•    Proven experience as a payroll specialist or related field.

•    Solid understanding of accounting fundamentals and payroll best practices.

•    Very good knowledge of legislation and regulations of the field.

•    Proficient in MS Office and good knowledge of relevant software (e.g. Kronos, ADP) and payroll databases.

•    Trustworthy with attention to confidentiality.

•    Outstanding organizational ability with great attention to detail.

•    Excellent communications skills

REQUIREMENTS

•    Bachelor’s or associate’s degree in accounting, finance, or related business field required 

•    3-5 years of payroll or related experience, with knowledge of corporate health insurance and certified payroll.

•    Experience with payroll systems such as ADP, or similar platforms.

•    Familiarity with payroll taxes, and benefits management.

•    High level of accuracy and ability to meet deadlines.

•    Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with team members and clients.

•    Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a hybrid or remote environment.

•    Knowledge of Payroll guidelines and common practices

Ability to:

•    Ability to manage time efficiently and effectively

•    Ability to communicate at all levels of the agency

•    Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously

•    Ability to think on a macro level and problem-solve as necessary

•    Courteously handle requests from; employees and others in often irate, stressful, or contentious situations;

•    Ability to meet critical deadlines

•    Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees.

•    Communicate clearly and concisely in English, verbally, and in writing with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Required Skills and Competencies:

•    Computer aptitude

•    Skills with Microsoft Office Applications (i.e., MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

•    Organizing and prioritizing

•    Attention to detail and accuracy

•    Confidentiality

•    Judgment

•    Communication skills

•    Problem-solving skills

•    Teamwork

•    Ethical Practice

•    Ability to meet deadlines