Payroll Manager/Accounting Specialist

Sinai Akiba Academy•Los Angeles, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Sinai Akiba Academy is seeking a talented Payroll Manager/Accounting Specialist —an integral position within the Business & Operations department that sits at the intersection of Accounting and Human Resources. The person in this role works closely with the Controller, Director of Human Resources and the Chief Financial and Operations Officer (CFOO). They are an exempt full-time administrator and directly report to the Controller. This role is responsible for the daily review of timecards, communication with employees and supervisors regarding time entries, missed punches, time off requests, and all things payroll related. The person in this role will also assist the Controller and CFOO with various accounting and financial related projects. Sinai Akiba Academy is a preeminent private Jewish day school in Los Angeles, serving students in Early Childhood through Grade 8. Sinai Akiba Academy is undergirded by our school mission to engage students in the joy and discipline of learning, and nurture a community of ethical, critical thinkers who, shaped by our evolving Jewish tradition, walk through the world with confidence and humility. Our core values of Kehillah Kedoshah (Sacred Community); Talmud Torah (Academic Excellence); Derech Eretz (Kindness, Empathy, & Respect); Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof (Ethical Responsibility); Avodat Halev (Soulful Intention), and Ahavat Yisrael (Love for Israel) serve as a commitment with the students, families and community members that we serve to energize the present, explore the past, and embrace the future.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration
5+ years of accounting experience required; non-profit sector preferred
2-3 years hands-on functional payroll experience or equivalent
Significant experience using Paylocity preferred
Detailed knowledge of US Federal, CA State and local payroll tax laws
Possess subject matter expertise of federal, CA state and local payroll and tax laws
Strong working knowledge of HIPAA, FMLA, Workers’ Compensation, FLSA, and ADA
Strong planning, organizational and time management skills, as well as attention to detail and strong analytical problem-solving skills
Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and ability to articulate oral and written information clearly
Excellent knowledge of Payroll/HRIS systems
Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word
Ability and desire to work independently and as a team member with the community and other employees
Positive, upbeat and enthusiastic about working in a non-profit environment

Responsibilities

Drive all aspects of the payroll process and work with HRIS vendor, benefits brokers, federal and state agencies, and internal stakeholders
Manage the administration of payroll and benefits as reflected on the payroll including earnings, taxes, special deductions, taxes, garnishments, retirement plan (403B), flexible spending, life, health, dental and disability insurances, vacation, sick leave, leave of absence, workers compensation, FMLA, and other items that affect employee pay and/or company liability
In collaboration with Controller and Director of Human Resources, ensure pension contributions are calculated and communicated in a timely manner in accordance with federal requirements, and vendor and internal processes
Reconcile benefit invoices against payroll system data and prepare retirement plan remittances
Run payroll audits and compliance, including quarterly tax reporting, garnishments, pension plan audit, unclaimed/cancelled checks, workers’ compensation and corporate audits
Maintain and implement policies and standard operating procedures to ensure compliance and internal controls
Prepare journal entries for semimonthly payroll and reconcile quarterly 941s to trial balance
Work with, and provide information to, benefits brokers, workers’ compensation adjusters, financial auditors and 403b auditors, as needed
Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops and reviewing professional publications
Communicate with employees regarding pay, deductions, time off requests, approvals, and timekeeping
Coordinate with Human Resources on new hires, terminations, and employee changes
Prepare payroll reports for management and audits
Manage garnishments, levies, and other payroll adjustments
Prepare accurate and timely monthly financial statements and journal entries
Assist in the preparation of various monthly reports and supporting documents related to audit, review and tax engagements
Resolve and communicate account discrepancies
Record payroll-related journal entries and reconcile payroll accounts
Learn, use, and apply technology as required by School to enhance learning, provide feedback to students and parents, and engage with colleagues. Technology includes but is not limited to JagNet, Google Workspace, Paylocity, and any other School approved software.
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or Head of School in support of the school’s mission