Payroll Specialist

ELIZABETH BOARD OF EDUCATION
Elizabeth, New Jersey
JOB DESCRIPTION
TITLE: Payroll Specialist
QUALIFICATIONS:
* Associate's degree or higher in Business, Accounting, or Finance or
Four (4) years of experience in a Payroll role.
* Experience using financial/accounting software packages.
* Attention to Detail and accuracy.
* Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including effective interpersonal and collaborative skills.
* Finance role in a government agency or other non-for-profit organization is helpful.
* Proficient in MS Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.
* Ability to multi-task.
* Open to change and willing to learn new skills.
* Ability to follow up on pending issues.
* Ability to meet deadlines.
* Required criminal history check and proof of S. citizenship or resident alien status.
REPORTS TO: Senior Accountant - Payroll Manager
JOB GOAL:
Is responsible for the preparation of all regular and supplemental payrolls with a high degree of responsibility, discretion and confidentiality, using independent judgement, for the smooth and efficient administration of payroll.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Serve as the primary contact for outside agencies and employees, with payroll related questions, concerns or inquires while performing the following:
* Research and answer employee inquiries regarding pay policies;
* Assist with payroll forms (e.g. Form W-4, direct deposit, summer savings, etc.);
* Record and update employee information such as personal data and benefits;
* Examine employee files to answer questions from authorized individuals.
* Record changes on individual pay resulting from overtime, absence, leave of absence, union dues, tax changes, social security and pension deductions, hospitalization and group life insurance deductions, and garnishes and attachments to ensure proper notations.
* Review of personnel records to determine names, rate of pay and occupations of newly hired workers and changes in wage rates and occupations of employees on payroll.
* Compile and process all supplemental payroll information: verify remote data entry of timecards and board recommendations to ensure proper notations of programs, disbursement accounts, earning codes, and applicable tax rates. Also responsible for calculation of hourly rate, overtime rate, incentive pay, shift differential, stipends, etc.
* Prepare and maintain payroll proof reports reconciling earnings, tax, and deduction summaries.
* Assist in the identification and resolution of problems, errors, or inadequacies of payroll information.
* Assist with processing of retros/special settlements accordingly.
* Preparation of monthly requisitions and issuance of checks processed to outside agencies.
* Process enrollments, withdrawals, retirements, purchases, loan recertifications and transfers (e.g. interfund transfers/intrafund) of employees in the State of New Jersey Pension Plan/DCRP; and assist beneficiary with death benefit claim.
* Preparation of quarterly reports (e.g. Federal 941s, NJ-927s and WR-30s, TPAF and PERS Report of Contributions, etc.).
* Assist in preparation and distribution of annual federal and state tax reporting, including Forms W-2 and correction reports as required.
* Protect confidentiality of records and information about staff and obtain approval when sharing any such information within legal confines.
* Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Payroll Manager or Business Office Administration.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Twelve (12) month; non-tenurable
Annual Evaluation: Evaluated by the Payroll Manager, consistent with statute, code and collective negotiations agreement.
Date Approved: July 19, 2023