Are you a detail-oriented professional with a knack for numbers and a passion for accuracy? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where your expertise in payroll can drive organizational success? If so, we want you to join our team!

As a Payroll Specialist, you will be at the heart of our finance operations, ensuring our employees are paid accurately and on time. Your role will be vital in maintaining compliance, processing payroll, and providing exceptional support to our team.

ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We are celebrating our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. We work hand-in-hand with researchers of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and Calibr to merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

Celebrating a Century: https://100.scripps.edu/

Position Title: Payroll Specialist 

Position Summary:

We have an exciting opportunity for a Payroll Specialist in the Finance department at Scripps Research in La Jolla, California, home some of the world’s most renowned scientists. This is a great opportunity for someone with payroll experience who is a team player and excited to take part in one of the many important facts that help Scripps Research flourish.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

• Audits payroll summaries, salary and wage reports.
• Coordinates paid personal and extended sick leave payments with State Disability Insurance and Worker’s Compensation Agencies.
• Investigates and resolves questions and discrepancies in paychecks and distribution for complex transactions maintaining confidentiality.
• Reviews records, reports, and other payroll documents for accuracy, adequacy, and reasonableness. Performs calculations to ensure correct payroll related balances.
• Coordinates administrative and clerical activities in terms of priority, resource requirements, and completion dates.
• Prepares complex tax reports and assists with quarterly tax returns and year end filing.
• Recognizes and analyzes foreign tax to determine appropriate tax withholdings for W4/DE4 input and determine Tax Treaty benefit.
• Coordinates stop payments and reissuance of lost, stolen or damaged checks.
• Researches and produces complex reports bimonthly, biweekly, monthly, quarterly, and annually.
• Interprets legal garnishment documents and levies using in-depth knowledge of Consumer Credit Protection Act, Child Support Laws and IRS Levies to set up deduction.
• Applies job skills and company policies and procedures to complete a variety of complex tasks in creative and effective ways.
• May provide guidance to subordinates to achieve goals in accordance with established policies.
• Assists with retirement plan contributions, maintenance and update of payroll system, calendars, pay period, and code definitions.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

REQUIREMENTS: 

• High School Diploma, GED or Equivalent.
• 2 years of experience working in payroll.
• Understanding of state and federal laws related to payroll.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Problem resolution skills and process oriented.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel), with emphasis on Excel skills.
• This is an on-campus position requiring 4 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus, with flexibility to work 1 day per week remotely from home.

COMPENSATION:

The expected hiring range for this position is $24.57 to $38.39/hourly, commensurate with experience. 

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking 

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.

EEO Statement:

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status. Underrepresented individuals are encouraged to apply.