Job Description: Payroll Specialist

Essential Functions:

Processes employee status changes (including new hires, terminations, transfers/promotions), payroll and

employee expenses, assists with the reconciliation of general ledger accounts as needed, creates on-going

month-end, quarterly, and year-end organization reports, and performs other rated duties as assigned

Reconciles payroll deposits, tax withholdings, wage garnishments, and voluntary deductions

Is knowledgeable of the federal and state laws involving child support, court ordered deductions and voluntary

deductions; understands and can administer court ordered priorities laws

Ensures that payroll-related transactions are processed in compliance with external and internal policies and

audits payroll information for accuracy

Performs actions necessary to track and determine regular and overtime pay, and factors commission-based

income or bonuses into an employee's salary

Calculates and processes Federal and State tax and social security withholdings, deductions, insurance,

benefits and 401(k) contributions

Reconciles errors and maintains payroll records

Reviews and processes payroll adjustments, including vacation, sick, and other time off

Generates accrual entries, as required

Fields and responds to payroll inquiries and resolves discrepancies as required

Maintains knowledge of rules and laws which govern the payroll administration practices

Understands the purpose of Standard Operating Procedures and assists in the writing and reviewing of internal

documents to maintain Payroll Standard Operating Procedures

Works with Accounting on the payroll general ledger processing which includes accurate and timely monthly

journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations and funding.

Provide expert consulting regarding payroll initiatives and tools to facilitate overall organizational performance,

including organizational reports (auditing I9's, performance reviews, staffing levels, average hours worked, and

company bonus plans).

Establish and direct payroll internal controls with the emphasis on maintaining data integrity and security, as well

as process design/compliance and improvement

Prepare and submit all weekly, biweekly, quarterly, monthly and annual reports by compiling summaries of

earnings, taxes, deductions, leave, disability, and non-taxable wages

Maintain employee confidence and protect payroll operations by keeping information confidential

Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; review professional

publications; establish personal networks; participate in professional societies

Provide and coordinate training to Managers and Associate Managers as it relates to payroll practices, processes and systems

Other duties and ad hoc reports as deemed necessary

 

Other Requirements:

Experience establishing payroll strategy and leading major change within a shared services environment

Strong working knowledge of payroll, time and labor and GL systems

Proficiency with US garnishment rules and federal/state regulations

Experience in process definition, problem solving and analysis, and change management

Exceptional verbal and written communications skills with a demonstrated ability to bring individuals and groups

to consensus agreements

Intermediate user of Excel – must know formulas and how to apply

Ability to identify and foresee issues and apply general rules and best practices to resolve with logic

Strong problem solving/analytical skills

Excellent time management and organizational skills

Experience in multi-state payroll with federal/state tax and regulation knowledge

Excellent PC skills including a strong knowledge and proficiency in Excel and Abra

High degree of professionalism and work ethic in dealing with confidential and sensitive information

 

Education Requirements:

Bachelor degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business or related field

FPC (Fundamentals of Payroll Certification) preferred

 

Years of Experience:

2-5 years of progressive payroll and human resources experience with 1,000 + employees located at work

locations and within multiple entities

Experience on managing and processing the entire pay-run per pay-group from start to finish

Experience of a successful implementation and transition of a HRIS/payroll system

Experience in the hospitality industry preferred

 

Key Competencies:

Complete understanding of how Payroll and General Ledger affect each other and understand accounting

principles

Understand differences between business reimbursements and other types of reimbursements

Understand discretionary vs non-discretionary bonuses and how they affect employees’ pay

Knowledge of taxable and non-taxable deductions

Knowledge of employer provided benefits – various types of benefits offered

Proficient knowledge of report writing as it relates to payroll and benefits

Excellent verbal and written communication skills at a professional level

Intermediate skill level with Microsoft Office Suite; Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Hands-on approach to problem solving and analysis.

Excellent Analytical Skills

Excellent organizational skills with the ability to effectively Multi-task

Ability to work effectively with little supervision

Others, as required