Payroll Analyst

Regional Water Authority•New Haven, CT

2d•$83,710 - $93,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Payroll Analyst serves as the centralized point of contact for payroll related inquiries and serves as a resource for payroll processing. Responsible for payroll input, output, and reconciliation, of the organization's weekly payroll and ensures accuracy of monthly pension pay cycles managed by a third-party vendor. Maintains annual payroll related software set up. Works closely with the HRIS & Benefits Manager and manages payroll related data outcome for software updates, upgrades, new implementations, including beta testing, and post upgrade audit. Owns the annual payroll budgeting software setup and collaborates closely with managers across the organization to prepare the annual payroll budget and mid-year payroll projection reports.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in finance or other related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
3-5 years of payroll experience
Proven ability to manage sensitive/confidential information, patience, and tact.
Excellent planning and prioritization skills in a multi-tasking work environment; strong attention to detail.
Excellent people skills.
Effective oral and written communication skills
Advanced skills in the use of Microsoft Office

Nice To Haves

Experience with HRIS systems such as Dayforce, CBIZ, or UKG is a plus.

Responsibilities

Process payroll transactions and timely processing of two weekly payrolls
Calculate and process manual and void checks
Process court‑ordered garnishments and wage verifications
Prepare retro payments per HR guidance and union contract negotiations
Prepare annual union increases
Prepare annual bonus payments
Monitor uncashed checks; process replacements or voids to avoid unclaimed property
Responsible for the payroll budgeting process, working closely with cost center owners and finance.
Supports payroll for subsidiary entities and payroll set-up for new entities as they are aquired.
Process pension transactions and reconcile monthly pension payments
Provide monthly pension reporting to Accounting
Prepare annual pension reports for Accounting and auditors
Manage electronic funding for HSA Medical, 457, and 401(k) vendors
Pull data for new and paid‑off 401(k) loans (deduction start/stop)
Pull medical benefit data for mid‑year funding and fund employer HSA
Prepare annual United Way deductions
Process Global Metrix 401(k), HSA employer annual funding, and related payments
Prepare payroll reconciliations, journal entries, payment vouchers, and GL posting batches
Prepare monthly PR distribution account reports for Accounting
Aid Accounting with payroll‑related bank reconciliation differences
Partner with Accounting to ensure accurate payroll‑to‑GL data flow
Prepare monthly actual vs. budget analyses for overtime and headcount
Prepare monthly staffing changes reports
Prepare monthly safety hours reports
Prepare monthly union dues reports and ensure timely payment
Prepare monthly United Way & whole life deduction listings to vendors.
Prepare annual payroll projections and payroll budgets with related reports
Maintain annual budget updates to custom payroll distribution software tables
Train managers on budgeting and payroll/budget software
Ensure compliance with company policies, union contracts, and wage & hour laws
Review tax reports, W‑2s, and 1099‑Rs for accuracy
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and unemployment tax regulations
Process quarterly electronic unemployment funding to the Department of Labor
Collect and calculate quarterly vehicle mileage and other fringe benefits per IRS requirements
Respond to payroll‑related correspondence from regulatory agencies
Randomly audit payroll deductions, earnings, and taxes
Randomly audit payroll software functionality
Prepare payroll footnote data and documentation for annual audits
Compile captive insurance renewal and annual audit data
Work with internal, external, and financial auditors
Manage payroll and budget software and issue resolution and vendor support tickets when necessary.
Lead payroll impacts related to HRIS and budget software upgrades, setup, testing, and training
Complete annual payroll system setup (holidays, schedules, tax updates, GL changes)
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Provide payroll processing training to backup staff
Train employees and managers on timesheet entry
Partner with Human Resources and Accounting to ensure data accuracy
Provide reports and payroll information to managers and departments
Deliver prompt customer service to employees, managers, and pensioners
Perform other duties as needed to support organizational strategy, mission, vision, and values