Payroll Analyst

AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Payroll Analyst

DEPARTMENT: Finance

LOCATION: Los Angeles Campus

The American Film Institute is a nonprofit organization with a mandate to champion the moving image as an art form. Established in 1967, AFI launched the first comprehensive history of American film and sparked the movement for film preservation in the United States. In 1969, AFI opened the doors of the AFI Conservatory, a graduate-level program to train narrative filmmakers.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Payroll Analyst is responsible for the processing of AFI’s bi-weekly payroll, as well as the financial reporting of all payroll information to management. In addition, the Payroll Analyst is responsible for AFI’s 403(b) retirement plan contributions and reporting, and employee deductions for health, life insurance, and Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

• Process payroll records for all employees.

• Produce bi-weekly payroll for the Institute.

• Research payroll activity variance to Finance and assist with annual audit.

• Maintain accurate W-2 forms at calendar year end.

• Maintain Vanguard 403(b) plan contributions and reporting.

• Perform monthly general ledger analysis for each payroll account, quarterly unemployment and annual workers’ compensation, Vanguard 403(b) plan, vacation and sick accruals, and healthcare benefit allocations and other analyses as assigned.

• Generate monthly journal entries for payroll, payroll taxes, insurance, 403 match, and department transfers.

• Coordinate and prepare audit and compliance activities, including annual workers’ compensation audit.

• Act as liaison between AFI and Payroll Processor/System for problem resolution and error correction.

• Review staff bi-weekly timecards for errors and clear up discrepancies with supervisors.

• Review and reconcile all federal and state quarterly tax reports.

• Review and process employee entries in Time and Attendance clock using Payroll Processor/System software.

• Maintain employee database within Payroll Processor/System.

• Collaborate effectively with Human Resources to process Payroll Advice forms including, but not limited to, new hires, salary changes, benefit deductions, promotions, leave of absences, terminations, as well as the resolution of any payroll related issues.

• Provide Institute wide training when required.

• Monitor and respond to Payroll email account assisting with employee password reset, general questions and overall support to staff.

• Assist/guide employees, as needed, in the maintenance of their employee information in the payroll system, such as change of address and withholding allowances.

• Process verifications of earnings and/or garnishment orders.

• Process manual payroll checks, which includes special check requests.

• Reconcile health, dental and life insurance payments to the payroll deductions.

• Reconcile 403(b) contributions, cafeteria plan and flexible spending payments to payroll deductions.

• Distribute bi-weekly payroll checks to staff that have requested checks in lieu of direct deposit.

• Monitor website 403(b) reports for accuracy.

• Serve as back-up for Accounts Receivables during absences.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance or related field preferred.

• Minimum five years experience in payroll processing and reporting.

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification desired.

• Knowledge of ADP Workforce Now, Paycor and/or or other HCM systems, and benefit administration required.

• Knowledge of federal and state payroll regulations, policies and procedures required.

• Ability to perform mathematical and data processing tasks rapidly and accurately.

• Understanding of payroll and financial systems and processes.

• Ability to organize and prioritize duties and requests to meet internal and external deadlines or inquiries with accuracy and detail.

• Challenge existing processes, systems, reports, data analysis and outputs and implements necessary changes to create a best-in-class control environment.

• Ability to troubleshoot issues and discern next steps.

• Exceptionally detail-oriented with the proven ability to handle numerous tasks with appropriate follow-up and reporting activities while not losing sight of the big picture.

• Ability to work independently while being an integral member of a high-functioning team.

• Proven project management skills with the ability to take a project from conception through completion.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex concepts and

procedures in simplistic terms.

• Strong time management, organizational and multi-tasking skills.

• Strong diplomacy skills and professionalism are mandatory; this includes the ability to maintain complete confidentiality and discretion.

• Strong database management and computer skills, with expertise in Microsoft Excel including VLOOKUP and Pivot Tables.

• Possess a positive and professional attitude with internal and external stakeholders.

• Ability to work calmly under pressure.

• Personal integrity and the ability to inspire confidence and trust.