Senior Payroll Specialist II

AHRC Nassau•Brookville, NY

14d

About The Position

The Senior Payroll Specialist II is a member of the Accounting Department responsible for end-to-end biweekly payroll processing and ensuring timely, accurate employee wage payments and compliance for AHRC Nassau and its Affiliates. The position operates under the guidance of the Payroll Manager and requires strong communication, analytical, and computer skills, initiative, and current knowledge of payroll practices, rules, and regulatory requirements. The specialist also supports continuous evaluation of payroll processes, increased use of technology, and development of policies and procedures. The role promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion and contributes to a welcoming environment where individuals feel valued. The position is primarily performed in an office environment and involves regular use of computers, telephones, printers, and scanners. Essential functions include reviewing documents, entering and retrieving information, and communicating with employees and stakeholders. The employee may occasionally remain stationary for periods, move throughout the workplace, and lift or transport materials weighing up to 20 pounds. Essential functions must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

Associate degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a high school diploma/GED equivalent plus 5 years of relevant experience.
Proficient knowledge and skills in Microsoft Office, including excellent proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Professional written, verbal, interpersonal, and communication skills, including the ability to communicate with operating management, staff, and other departments.
Strong professional work ethic and problem-solving skills.
Attention to detail and sensitivity when handling confidential data and documents.
Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification track.
Experience with Kronos, UKG Pro, ADP, or Workday.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with program staff, Human Resources, and other departments to ensure timely review, completion, and approval of timecards and applicable status-change forms.
Review and enter manual and electronic timesheets in UKG WFM before importing them into the UKG UltiPro payroll database.
Accurately calculate and allocate overtime and supplemental payments in accordance with policy and compliance requirements.
Process third-party sick pay, car-allowance adjustments, quarterly or year-end Form W-2 adjustments and distribution, and other adjustments as needed.
Generate and support review of pre- and post-pay-cycle reports, including payroll registers, employee deduction summaries, and tax reconciliations.
Review employee PTO benefits for accuracy and policy compliance before payouts.
Review and reconcile pay data for employees on leave of absence, Paid Family Leave, or suspension status to ensure accurate payments and accrual updates.
Research, resolve, and communicate employee wage inquiries; resolve payroll tax discrepancies, multi-period errors, and wage garnishments.
Review reports supporting final payroll transmission to ADP for print services.
Prepare off-cycle payrolls and manual checks as needed.
Occasionally assume the duties of the Assistant Payroll Manager as needed.
Ensure compliance with changes to Federal, State, and Local Department of Labor, FLSA, and IRS regulations.
Generate UKG reports for payroll auditing and employee verification inquiries.
Ensure compliance with correspondence concerning garnishments, tax agency notices, and internal and external audits.
Prepare and provide post-cycle and periodic ad hoc payroll reports for internal or external audit requests from Accounting or other departments.
Work with Payroll Management to review departmental workflows and identify process improvements.
Work with the Payroll Manager to open cases with UKG to address business needs.
Support and assist with peer training on UKG systems, payroll policies, and processes.