HR Senior Confidential Specialist (Payroll)

HR Senior Confidential Specialist (Payroll), 142021BHR

                                                            Human Resources, Washington, DC

 Posting Period:  August 10, 2021 – Open Until Filled

Salary Range: $95,919 – $163,534

Position Emphasis: The position supports the NEA’s strategic objective to focus the energy and resources of its 3 million members toward the promotion of public education by providing highly-skilled technical and professional expertise in employee payroll services for the Human Resources (HR) department.

Position Summary: The essential functions of this position involve administering NEA’s Workday payroll system, including day-to-day plan administration, complex problem-solving and planning; employee counseling, education, and communication. The incumbent implements, maintains, and reviews payroll processing systems to ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll transactions including salaries, benefits, wage garnishments, taxes, and other deductions. The incumbent prepares and maintains accurate records and reports of payroll transactions; coordinates audits and interacts with NEA and external auditors; ensures compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and best practices, reconciles bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual tax reconciliations. The incumbent also prepares timely regulatory filings with the Department of Labor (DOL), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and other regulatory agencies. The incumbent assures proper tax treatment, accounting, and disposition of withholdings, such as taxes, deductions for benefits, retirement contributions, and other savings. Ensures systems are set-up and updated to reflect NEA’s current employee base, including wages, benefits, sick, annual and other leave in accordance with contracts (union and non-union). Works collaboratively within a team structure and contributes information to the Retirement Board, Retiree Health Committee, 401(k) Committee and makes recommendations for NEA actions to effectively anticipate and budget for changing payroll administration/costs. The incumbent also provides analysis of financial statements and employee payroll information and costs; reconciles Payroll Accounts (GL) and resolves discrepancies, utilizes the HRIS, processes registration for State and SUI set-up/activation, ensures that automated systems reflect accurate data and meets the need for effective payroll administration and regular reporting.  Participates in the establishment of policy guidelines and recommends changes and improvements in programs to meet NEA’s strategic objectives and enhance cost-containment possibilities. Uses computer and/or laptop and associated software to carry out responsibilities. 

Minimum Education Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills may be acquired. Minimum Qualifications: Five years of professional work experience involving administration of automated payroll systems, experience with payroll audits and financial accounting. Experience working with Workday payroll, ADP Smart Compliance, Workday HCM software and/or similar software applications. Desirable Additional Qualifications: Human Resources or Payroll certifications such as Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) and/or continuing course work in a payroll certification/accreditation program preferred. Experience applying major benefit laws such as ERISA and COBRA and regulations governing pension and other benefit plans. Experience and skill using computers in Windows environment and experience with Microsoft Teams or other videoconferencing technology. Other Requirements: Must be able to work extended hours, evenings and weekends on short notice. Occasional travel required.

Selection Criteria: Tier 1 (Essential): Demonstrated experience in the full range of payroll administration, e.g., counseling: communicating and explaining detailed payroll information, performing various calculations: preparing, analyzing, and reconciling reports; writing correspondence, resolving problems; and establishing procedures for efficiency of operations. Demonstrated experience with automated benefits or Human Resources payroll/accounting systems, Workday HCM, Ultimate Software and ADP. Experience working with PeopleSoft as well as General Ledger knowledge and journal entry processing. Demonstrated proficiency using spreadsheet software, preferably Excel. Working knowledge of payroll laws and regulations. Ability to read and interpret benefit plans and insurance contracts. Experience in benchmarking regulatory and compliance issues. Demonstrated flexibility and effectiveness in setting priorities and handling multiple projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing priorities, in a highly-pressured work environment. Proficient analytical and report writing skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion. Excellent attendance, references and/or performance reviews. Tier 2 (Significant): Attention to detail and strong mathematical and accounting skills. Experience using Microsoft Word for Windows and Excel, UltiPro, PeopleSoft, HTML, and SharePoint software. Experience working in a team and/or collaborative work environment. Experience filing IRS and other government benefit forms. Tier 3: Experience working in a union environment. Experience in other functional areas of Human Resources.