Payroll Specialist, Global Finance

International Justice Mission•Virginia - Hybrid, VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

International Justice Mission (IJM) is seeking a Payroll Specialist, Global Finance, to lead the end-to-end payroll process and deliver accurate, timely payments in compliance with federal, state, and local laws. The role develops and executes payroll strategies that strengthen efficiency, controls, and employee service, while overseeing payroll data, deductions, account reconciliations, and complex issue resolution. It partners with Accounting Systems teams on system enhancements and configurations and collaborates with HR, Accounting, and third-party providers to resolve payroll, tax, and benefit issues. The Payroll Specialist also serves as a point of contact for employee payroll questions, supports audits, and mentors staff. The position is hybrid, onsite Tuesdays and Thursdays, for candidates in the Washington, DC area, or remote for non-local candidates. It reports to the Director, US Finance & Accounting. Current authorization to work in the United States is required; visa sponsorship is not available now or in the future.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least five years of payroll-processing experience.
At least five years of multi-jurisdiction payroll-tax experience.
Extensive multistate payroll-processing experience.
Demonstrated knowledge of payroll principles, practices, regulations, procedures, and payroll-tax laws.
Ability to apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
High proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
Professional written and oral communication skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Advanced proficiency in payroll systems, reporting tools, Workday payroll, and Microsoft Excel.
Knowledge of payroll accounting, payroll taxation, and statutory reporting requirements.
Eager commitment to IJM’s Core Values: Christian, Professional, and Bridge-Building.
Self-starter with strong initiative.
Effective team player who fosters a collaborative environment.
Flexible, collaborative, and eager to support others.
Strong customer-service orientation and clear communication.
Mature orthodox Christian faith.
Current authorization to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Payroll-processing experience in a lead role.
Multi-jurisdiction payroll-tax experience in a lead role.
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.
At least three years of Workday payroll-processing experience, including strong knowledge of configuration and functionality.
Experience processing payroll in an ERP.
Multistate payroll-processing experience using Workday.
Experience with Workday accounting modules.
Payroll experience in grants accounting and nonprofit organizations.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the payroll operating strategy and oversee payroll and payroll tax processing for the organization.
Set priorities, coordinate responsibilities and deadlines across contributing teams, and lead improvements that strengthen payroll accuracy, efficiency, and continuity.
Partner with HR on expatriate taxation and hypothetical tax calculations.
Develop and apply payroll policies and Workday processes for US and global employees in coordination with HR teams.
Lead training and provide employee support regarding payroll calculations, deductions, and time-card submission.
Work with the Director, US Finance & Accounting to update payroll policies and related financial statement practices for new GAAP and regulatory requirements.
Partner with the Director, US Finance & Accounting to assess and execute payroll improvements by evaluating process risks, operational needs, and opportunities to improve processing efficiency and effectiveness.
Identify opportunities to improve Workday, ADP, and other payroll-system processes, functionality, workflow, data management, and automation.
Lead testing of new and updated Workday functionality and support system upgrades.
Serve as a point of contact for employees and resolve payroll questions through clear, timely, service-oriented communication.
Coordinate with HR, Accounting, external auditors, and third-party vendors on payroll information, approvals, and deadlines.
Train new staff to prepare and submit timesheets and other payroll-related forms; mentor staff and provide practical guidance on payroll processes and requirements.
Perform monthly payroll ledger analysis and account reconciliations, resolving discrepancies promptly.
Develop custom reports from the ERP system and support users in retrieving payroll data.
Maintain payroll software, systems, policies, and procedures and recommend updates.
Ensure financial, tax, and payroll year-end reporting requirements and deadlines are met, including W-2 and Affordable Care Act reporting.
Prepare weekly, monthly, quarterly, and year-end management reports covering gross payroll, hours worked, vacation accrual, taxes, benefits, garnishments, and deductions.
Evaluate payroll accuracy, turnaround times, workflow efficiency, data quality, and employee service; identify recurring issues, implement process improvements with responsible teams, and assess their impact.
Participate in monthly and year-end close activities, including account analysis, reconciliations, and journal entries such as payroll liabilities reconciliation and quarterly PTO accrual entry.
Review and approve employee and payroll reports for timely and accurate payment settlements.
Resolve questions and secure approvals for employee data changes.
Support the Global Assurance team and external auditors with payroll information and documentation.
Prepare annual Form 990 payroll reporting schedules.
Coordinate with third-party vendors to complete the annual 403(b) Form 5500 filing.
Participate in IJM’s community of spiritual formation.