Payroll Specialist

Supports the Payroll Supervisor in coordinating day-to-day operations and payroll inputs for delivery of payroll services, in a way that balances required service levels to employees, a high level of statutory compliance and strong partnerships with stakeholders. Assists the Payroll Supervisor in managing the impact on payroll processing resulting from UNFCU strategies/initiatives, changes in regulatory rules, and new projects.
Engages and collaborates with other UNFCU departments to execute payroll timely, accurately, and efficiently, while complying with all applicable regulatory, labor and tax laws and guidelines.
This position is expected to be hybrid.
NYC Salary Range - $75,840 - $85,000 annually; compensation is commensurate to geographic location.
Regardless of seniority or role, uphold UNFCU's mission, core values, and guiding principles by providing an exceptional service experience to colleagues and members alike through consistent demonstration of our service excellence behaviors
Responsible for executing the full-cycle payroll process ensuring timeliness and accuracy of employee payments (i.e., processing of US & international payroll data for hourly, salaried and commissioned employees)
Create payroll journal entries and reconciliations, as well as liaise with the Accounting team on all payroll related general ledger questions
Assist in day-to-day payroll operations, coordinating with vendors and the internal team to deliver pay accurately, timely, effectively, and within all regulatory, labor and tax guidelines
Process employee expense reimbursements in accordance with UNFCU policies
Work with Payroll Supervisor on managing year-end payroll accruals, such as vacation and incentives, as well as providing data to other departments for annual budgets
Assist with external and internal audits
Ensure the accurate processing of time and attendance records, as related to payroll
Manage all required record keeping for employee tax deductions, allowances, and incentives
Oversee the processing of benefits contributions and deductions, such as health insurance, vacations, third party sick pay, tuition reimbursements and retirement plans, as it relates to payroll
Respond to payroll inquiries from staff
Assist Payroll Supervisor in devising the processes and controls needed to operate effectively while managing risk
Remain knowledgeable and be able to process payrolls independently, in the absence of the Payroll Supervisor to support business continuity
Assist and work closely with HR on payroll conversion projects ensuring they are rolled out with a coordinated effort between teams
Associate's degree in Accounting or any related field, or some college coursework completed, and at least 4 years of experience in processing payroll (multi-state experience a plus)
Working experience and knowledge of UKG strongly preferred
Strong knowledge of payroll best practices and federal and state regulations regarding payroll, benefits, and payroll taxes
Robust experience with payroll accounting, reconciliations and compliance
Proficient in Microsoft Office including exceptional Excel skills (IF statements, VLOOKUP, Pivot tables, etc.)
Ability to read, interpret, and implement new payroll and regulatory pronouncements
Proficiency in working with and analyzing larger data files
Superb organizational and project management skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills
Versatility, resourcefulness, and a willingness to accept prominent work assignments
Strong analytical and problem solving skills
Excellent detail orientation
Ability to manage relationships at all levels throughout the organization
Ability to consistently meet deadlines and work under pressure
Able to multi-task in a fast paced environment
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision