Senior Payroll Specialist (17871)

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Our diverse community of students, faculty, and staff represent every state and more than 150 countries. Our internationally recognized faculty are today's thought leaders in the areas of public policy, law, the arts, communications, international development, and more. Our staff are innovative, service-oriented, and dedicated to moving the university towards achieving its strategic goals. We are committed to an excellent experience for all of our students, faculty and staff and share a passion for creating change through our knowledge and our work.

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Summary/Objective

The Sr Payroll Specialist performs the essential processing and auditing steps in the production of assigned Biweekly and Monthly payrolls. Additional processing includes: taxable moving expenses, weight watchers’ deductions and wellness incentives, other taxable gifts, California payroll, wire transfers for international employees, housing allowances, cell phone allowances, and overtime calculations for employees with multiple positions. This position will also act as backup for Payroll Specialists, Staff Accountant (wires for tax payments and retirement contributions), Garnishment processing, and Payroll Manager (as assigned). This position handles wage inquiries related to Workers Compensation, Unemployment claims, and prepares and submit the DC Labor Report. This position will review payroll data to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and university policies and procedures. This position requires strict adherence to critical deadlines.

This position requires interaction with the HR delivery teams, managers, supervisors and employees within their respective areas of assignment across the university.

Essential Functions

1. Perform the essential processing and auditing steps in the production of assigned Biweekly and Monthly payrolls. Process and record all special, manual, voids and replacement checks. Verify accuracy of requests. Ensure checks are posted to positive pay system at the bank. Print, prepare and distribute produced checks to requestors.
2. Prepare the Transit (Metro check) and list for processing each month and distribute to Specialists. Provide Parking report to Specialists every Monday for processing.
3. Research, resolve problems concerning faculty, staff, and students earnings and deductions while maintaining confidentiality required. Calculate and submit various accounting and payroll adjustments such as separation/termination payouts, retroactive payments, multi-job overtime, short term disability and other miscellaneous type payments. Interact with other departments for precise and punctual payments. Respond to customer inquiries via email, phone or in person. Prepare gross up calculations as requested. Prepare payroll analysis sheets for customers. Monitor and answer customer inquiries from Payroll email inbox. Prepare and process EAP loan requests and any other monthly reports that may be required.
4. Assist in auditing all payroll data entered for each payroll. Includes reviewing of electronic time sheets or leave reports submitted for accuracy and compliance with university policy and procedures, verifying accuracy of tax forms submitted and entered and ensure compliance with legislation, checking for accuracy of direct deposit and other payroll deduction set ups and changes. Each month load bank checks cashed file to payroll system to show all cleared checks. Back up Specialists’ processing in their absence.
5. Provide backup for Payroll Operations Manager with running key payroll processes such as payroll CALC, leave audit and special check processing. Update leave accruals for each payroll. Backup the Staff Accountant-Payroll in preparation of tax and retirement payments or creation of journal entries as needed.
6. Prepare and file quarterly DC Unemployment reports and payments. Review and analyze benefits being paid for accuracy
7. Responsible for unclaimed property and final reporting to Controller’s Office. Requires staying abreast of checks that have been held in Payroll Office.
8. Assist with preparation and distribution of year-end W-2 reports. Organize/alphabetize tax forms, direct deposit forms, time sheets and leave reports for filing.
9. Perform special projects as assigned.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Full Time, 35 hours/week.
• May sometimes be required to work overtime to finish payroll processes.
• Coordinator/Analyst B.
• Non-Exempt.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in business administration, accounting or other relevant field.
• 2-4 years of relevant experience.
• At least 3 years of related work experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Accounting background.
• Experience leading/coordinating the work of junior payroll specialists.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience using an automated payroll system is required.
• Must be proficient in all facets of payroll processing for Biweekly and Monthly payrolls.
• Critical and analytical thinking, oral and written communications and customer service skills.
• Proficient knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for payroll, benefit, and audit purposes.

• Must strictly observe confidentiality of information.
• Knowledge of word processing, and spreadsheet software
• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
• To ensure the health and safety of our community AU requires COVID-19 vaccinations for faculty and staff. Click here to learn more about our health and safety directive.

Others

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing thisof activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite.Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options .

Current American University Employees

If you are a current employee at American University, please log intoAsuccessfulU through themyAU portal . Once in AsuccessfulU, please select the Careers tile which will take you to our internal career page.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu .

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

Nearest Major Market: Washington DC