Payroll Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION:  Payroll Specialist

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for performing the necessary accounting work in order to maintain the accounting records and integrity of the company(s) payroll processing and transactions.  Working under the direction of the Director of Finance, the Payroll Specialist coordinates with the daily activities described below to efficiently and accurately record transactions.  

Responsibilities & Duties (Multi Entity):  

• Shall process weekly job cost payroll transactions as required including preparation and entry of payroll entry into our financial system.
• Shall review and work with employees to correct timesheet errors and validate coding
• Shall ensure new hires are on-boarded properly within the payroll system and collect and maintain necessary employee documentation.   
• Shall enter appropriate garnishments, deductions and perform necessary employee reimbursements. 
• Shall troubleshoot problems with paychecks, deductions, timecard issues and other payroll related matters and respond accordingly to inquiries.        
• Shall respond questions from employees regarding their paychecks or general payroll in a timely manner.
• Ensure and review PTO is accurate and approved properly in accordance with guidelines.  
• Prepare weekly certified payroll reports for applicable projects to be used by project management. 
• Process 401(k) weekly reporting and submission to the record keeper. 
• Process weekly union benefit contributions to applicable unions.        
• Shall contribute to the development / refinement of internal accounting policies & procedures as well as maintaining existing policies.  
• Shall Maintain fiscal & electronic files and records documenting all necessary transactions.  
• Shall produce and prepare necessary financial reports as requested.  
• Shall perform other duties as assigned or required and support Payroll activites as necessary.
• Shall always conduct oneself in a professional manner maintaining the necessary ethical standards of the organization.   

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:  

• Understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)  
• Experience with Job-Costing principles and procedures 
• Ability to work independently, with little supervision 
• Ability to analyze financial data and to prepare reports in a timely fashion.  
• Knowledge and ability in the use of a computer and software applications (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.). 
• Ability to effectively use a modern automated financial system.  
• Strong organizational and time management skills and the ability to maintain detailed records.  
• Ability to Communicate effectively both written and verbally.  
• Ability to exercise initiative and sound judgment and to react with discretion under various conditions.  

Education and work Experience Requirements: 

A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree, preferably with an emphasis in accounting.   At least 5 years supporting the financial operations of an organization.  Experience in payroll and with automated financial management systems.