Payroll Administrator

Connecticut Water Service, Inc.

About The Position

H2O America is actively seeking talented, driven and effective applicants for the position of Payroll Administrator to join our dynamic team. We offer a challenging and rewarding work environment along with a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package. H2O America is the parent organization of the following subsidiary companies: San Jose Water, Connecticut Water, Maine Water, and Texas Water. We sustain life by delivering high-quality water and exceptional service while investing in the health and vitality of the communities we serve. Position Overview: This role is responsible for supporting accounting operations by ensuring accurate processing, recording, and reconciliation of payroll transactions. This role develops routine journal entries, participates in year-end and month-end closes, and contributes to compliance processes (e.g. audits, SOX requirements). They collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to resolve payroll issues and deliver excellent customer service. Success in this role requires strong analytical and organizational skills, familiarity with payroll and accounting systems and principles, as well as effective communication skills to deliver operational excellence and compliance. Occasional domestic travel may be required for this role.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required. 2+ years of relevant professional experience preferred.
Holds relevant certifications required for the team’s need or directed by management.
Proficiency in GAAP, payroll, and bookkeeping fundamentals.
Experience with general ledger, journal entries, and account reconciliations.
Familiarity with payroll processing systems (e.g. ADP).
Familiarity with audit processes and preparing relevant documentation.
Familiarity with tax compliance and regulatory reporting requirements.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (e.g. Excel).
Excellent research and analytical skills.
Strong communication and organization skills.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with ERP/accounting systems (e.g. QuickBooks, Oracle).

Responsibilities

Regularly download journal entry reports (e.g. salary report, 401k confirmation report) from payroll processing system to review and develop routine journal entries, including accruals and adjustments.
Provides excellent customer service to employees.
Assists in auditing payroll documentation (e.g. time sheets, work charts, wage computation) to ensure accurate coding and allocation. Reconciles routine payroll discrepancies and escalates as needed.
Contributes to mapping of general ledger accounts in payroll processing system and Time Bank (earnings/deduction codes) to ensure accurate coding.
Supports coordination with external payroll vendors by collecting reporting needs and communicating resolutions to stakeholders.
Processes and issues employee paychecks, statements of earnings, deductions, and Time & Attendance data in a timely manner.
Collaborates with internal (HR, Finance) and external stakeholders to deliver customer service on payroll issues.
Participates in annual self-audit of workers compensation premium for employees at all entities.
Provides routine training to managers and employees on payroll processes and procedures to enable independent use of the payroll system. May train new hires on time entry and payroll system.
Performs routine reconciliations for all payroll accounts on the general ledger; researches and resolves routine discrepancies. Escalates as necessary.
Assists with month-end/year-end closes including trial balances, adjusting entries, and basic schedules.
Assists in preparation of financial reports, statements, and summaries for submission to stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
Supports auditing and SOX procedures by maintaining accurate financial documentation and schedules. May assist with responding to routine inquiries.
Executes routine compliance tasks and ensures adherence to related policies and procedures.
Required to complete occasional evening and weekend work to meet deadlines or address emergencies as needed.
Performs other duties or special projects as required or assigned.