Compensation and Benefits Accountant

United Food and Commercial Workers

Compensation and Benefits Accountant

Based in Washington DC
near Metro (on-site)

Organization:
United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) is North America’s neighborhood union; standing together to improve the lives and livelihoods of workers, families and communities. Our members work primarily in the retail food, meatpacking, poultry, food processing and manufacturing and retail store industries.

Location:
Washington DC, near Metro (on-site)

Position Description: 
The Compensation and Benefits Accountant applies accounting principles to manage financial reporting and analysis for the UFCW Benefit Plans. Additionally, the position is responsible for the ongoing calculation of the Employer Contribution Calculation (ECC) for the entire organization. In addition, the position supervises payroll staff accountants and oversees the review and coordination of U.S. and Canadian payroll processes, including biweekly, monthly, annuity, and off-cycle payrolls, payroll reconciliations, year-end reporting, compliance requirements, and process improvements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Include the following. Other duties may be assigned. This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented.

Accounting Records

• Maintains accurate financial records for all benefit plans.
• Analyzes, calculates, and records general ledger activity.
• Prepares journal entries and performs bank reconciliations for all benefit plans.
• Records monthly benefit payments to retirees.
• Reconciles pension benefit accounts.
• Serves as a liaison with custodian banks regarding accounting records and adjustments.
• Prepares and enters monthly investment journal entries into the accounting system.
• Prepares various year-end investment schedules.

Audit and Reporting

• Administers the accounting portion of annual external audits for benefit plans.
• Prepares accounting reports for management and external auditors.
• Reviews draft audit reports to ensure financial statements are reconciled to the general ledger.
• Prepares year-end reconciliations and schedules for pension benefit accounts.

ECC Calculation

• Coordinates with Human Resources to monitor and advise on salary changes for all employee groups.
• Calculates ECC balances based on management’s assumptions.
• Reconciles ECC balances to calculations prepared by the Benefits Office.
• Reports findings to ECC Committee.
• Informs the Comptroller of any concerns regarding the ECC threshold.

Payroll Supervision and Compliance

• Supervises two payroll staff accountants.
• Oversees and reviews the U.S. biweekly, monthly and annuity payroll, Canadian biweekly-and annuity payroll and coordinates the task assignments and backup for other members of the group as needed. Develops ad-hoc payroll reports. Answers payroll inquiries.
• Coordinates W-2 and Canadian T4 preparation and verification; coordinates unemployment filings through payroll processing companies, assists with International's year-end audit and 990; coordinates US annual workers compensation audit; coordinates annual Canadian provincial and workers compensation reporting.
• Prepares monthly reconciliations of the payroll bank account and payroll clearing account.
• Analyzes, on a continuing basis, the Payroll Office group's current organizational procedures to identify and implement opportunities to improve processes.
• Ensures compliance with U.S. and Canadian payroll rules and regulations.
• Stays current with changes in payroll rules and regulations.

Additional Duties: Other duties as assigned. Must maintain confidentiality of UFCW records and financial information.

QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• A bachelor's degree in accounting and a minimum of five years of advanced accounting experience are required. CPA certification is desirable. Supervisory experience is also required.
• Computer/Software Skills
• Proven experience with accounting and payroll systems and Windows-based applications is required. Strong Microsoft Excel experience is required. ADP and Sage Intacct experience is preferred.

Communication Skills
Strong written and oral communication skills are required.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Required

• Must be able to handle multiple accounting functions, including financial statements, general ledger control, financial analysis and reporting, investment accounting, new software applications, and oversight of a portion of the accounting operation in a confidential environment. Effective communication skills are required in dealing with staff and various offices.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are a must. 
• Strong quantitative skills are required.

Job Demands
Ability to work in an intense, deadline-oriented, and confidential office environment. Ability to work long and sometimes irregular hours, particularly at year-end, to meet the demands of the position. Must maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive UFCW records and financial information.

Working Conditions
The work is performed in a normal office environment where the noise level is usually moderate. The work atmosphere is fast-paced and deadline-oriented.

Physical Demands
The position involves, but is not limited to, written and oral communication skills, use of a computer keyboard, close vision, sitting for extended periods, stooping, bending, and reaching.

This is an exempt position under the Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Reasonable accommodations will be provided pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

COMPENSATION
Salary Range: $125,000 – $135,000.

The UFCW provides a very generous benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Life insurance provided with ability to purchase supplemental life insurance at favorable rates.
• Retirement Savings Account.
• 401(k) plan with employer matching.
• Pension plan.
• Dependent care reimbursement account program.
• Health care reimbursement account program.
• Transportation program benefits.
• Three weeks of paid vacation, 12 days of paid short-term sick leave, Extended Sick Leave program, paid parental leave.
• Prepaid Legal Plan (for DC/MD/VA only).

Duration: 
This is a full-time position; posting closes when position is filled.     

Vaccination Requirement: The UFCW requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment, consistent with applicable law. Any request or questions may be submitted to View email address on unionjobs.com .

To Apply:
Submit cover letter, résumé to: View email address on unionjobs.com

We believe our success rests on recruiting and retaining a diverse staff. UFCW is an equal opportunity employer. Woman and people of color are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided pursuant to the state and federal laws.

WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information at .