Payroll and Accounting Specialist

New York Civil Liberties Union Foundation•New York, NY

9h•$65,000 - $80,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Payroll and Accounting Specialist will oversee and manage the payroll functions of the organization, ensuring pay is processed on time, accurately, and in compliance with current labor laws and company policies. This position will also support revenue, accounts receivable, and cashflow management functions.

Requirements

At least three to five years of related experience preferably within a service-related environment or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Extensive technical and practical knowledge of payroll processing and reporting, and taxes at the federal, state, and local levels.
Expertise in the payroll software including Time and Attendance and reporting. Paylocity preferred.
Knowledge of workers compensation reporting requirements, domestic partnership, pension audits and 401(K) Plan non-discrimination testing.
Demonstrated ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
Solid understanding of GAAP principles, accounting standards and best practices.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
Ability to pivot and shift to evolving priorities and meet established deadlines.
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
Collaborative and proactive mindset.
Outstanding communication (written and oral) and strong customer service skills.
Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field preferred.
Nonprofit and Union/CBA experience a plus.
Experience with account reconciliation and cash management a plus.

Responsibilities

Manage end-to-end bi-weekly payroll processing for two entities ensuring accuracy and timeliness, following all applicable federal, state, local and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) regulations.
Process all payroll changes including new hires, terminations, promotions, FTE changes, PTO accruals, leaves of absence under FMLA or other unpaid leave, banking information, merit increases, benefit deductions, 401(K) and other compensation adjustments.
Process biweekly 401(K) contributions and payment requests for garnishments, levies, insurance, and pension related items.
Maintain and develop procedures and protocols to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local payroll wage and hour laws, regulations and best practices.
Identify and recommend updates to payroll systems, policies, and procedures to improve efficiency, scalability and accuracy.
Maintain updated knowledge of fringe benefits for all employees including those covered by a CBA.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; and participating in professional payroll associations.
Collaborate with and support Human Resources operations including onboarding new employees, Paylocity training, compliance and employment verifications.
Maintain and update employee PTO balances in accordance with organization policy.
Manage and respond to all payroll related audits for worker’s compensation, pension and retirement plans.
Administer annual mass salary increases mandated by current CBAs.
Monitor adherence to payroll policies and escalate issues as appropriate.
Act as a frontline resource to staff on questions of payroll policies.
Manage relationship with department managers to ensure proper time and attendance practices.
Promptly respond to any payroll-related questions from employees and managers.
Prepare and post all payroll, salary allocations and annual accrual journal entries to the general ledger.
Ensure payroll-related general ledger transactions are coded appropriately, and all benefit liability accounts are reconciled monthly.
Assist with the month-end and year-end close process.
Provide support in annual budget process.
Conduct quarterly and year-end 941 reconciliation.
Liaise with external accountants as needed for tax filings and audits.
Prepare payroll-related schedules for the annual financial audit.
Review and file annual W-2, W-2C and W-3 forms.
Perform other duties as assigned.