Payroll Associate

Scholastic Book Fairs • Newark, NJ

1d • $70,000 - $83,000

About The Position

The Payroll Associate is responsible for accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for all employees. The role ensures payroll activities follow company policies, tax regulations, labor laws, and statutory requirements while protecting the confidentiality and integrity of employee payroll data. The position also serves as a key contact for payroll-related inquiries and contributes to process improvements and system enhancements.

The Payroll Associate processes payroll and related employee changes, administers equity compensation plans, supports time-tracking reconciliation, prepares payroll reconciliations and reports, and responds to employee questions. The role coordinates with HR, Finance, Benefits, and HRIS/Time Attendance teams to support accurate payroll data and resolve issues.

Requirements

• Knowledge of payroll legislation and employment standards.
• Knowledge of income tax regulations and statutory deductions.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong problem-solving and reconciliation abilities.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• High level of integrity and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder-management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Professional payroll certification is preferred.
• Additional training in payroll legislation, taxation, or payroll systems is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Process weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly payroll accurately and within established deadlines.
• Review and validate payroll inputs, including hires, terminations, promotions, salary changes, bonuses, overtime, commissions, leave, and deductions.
• Calculate earnings, taxes, benefits, garnishments, pensions, and other statutory deductions accurately.
• Reconcile payroll registers and resolve discrepancies before finalizing payroll.
• Prepare off-cycle payrolls and special payments when required.
• Maintain accurate employee payroll records, supporting documentation, and payroll master data in payroll and HR information systems.
• Process employee changes in accordance with approved HR documentation.
• Coordinate payroll activities with HR, Finance, and Benefits teams to ensure data accuracy.
• Assist with administration and processing of company equity compensation plans, including ESOP, RSUs, MSPPs, and stock options.
• Track and manage vesting schedules and grant criteria while ensuring data integrity.
• Partner with HRIS/Time Attendance on reconciling hours and resolving time-tracking issues.
• Partner with HRIS/Time Attendance on earnings-code setup and missed-punch errors.
• Reconcile payroll between Workday and Time Tracking systems.
• Prepare payroll journal entries as needed.
• Audit payroll transactions, deductions, tax withholding, garnishments, and retirement contributions for accuracy and compliance.
• Respond to employee inquiries about salaries, deductions, taxes, leave, benefits, and other payroll matters.
• Explain payroll calculations and statutory deductions clearly, and resolve payroll issues professionally while maintaining confidentiality.

Benefits

• Full suite of health and wellness benefits, including a $0 deductible Medical Plan.
• Retirement Savings Plan 401(k) with Roth and Traditional contribution options.
• Tuition-free programs for undergraduate and graduate degrees.
• Generous parental leave program.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with an opportunity to purchase discounted stock at a 15% discount.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed