Sr. Payroll Specialist

Sr. Payroll Specialist

Req Id: 617

Job Function: Finance

Location:

Little Rock, Arkansas, US, 72209

Better Connected, Together: Employees Power Our Mission

At Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI), our diverse, dedicated team powers a shared mission: to deliver electricity that is reliable, affordable and responsible.Better connected, together with Arkansas’ electric distribution cooperatives — we provide wholesale power and essential services that improve quality of life across the state, serving more than 1.2 million members and the communities they call home.

Our Employees are the Driving Force Behind Everything We Do

We believe in supporting, valuing, and investing in our people — because when our team thrives, our mission succeeds. If you're looking for meaningful work, a strong sense of purpose, and a place where your contributions truly matter, we invite you to consider joining us.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

Responsible for the coordination of payroll processing operations. Ensures accurate calculation of wages and processing of tax withholding and company deductions. Setting up and processing of benefit and payroll related deductions, contributions, earnings codes and payments. Prepares statistical reports on employee pay, commissions and bonuses; vacation, sick, disability and workers compensation leave; taxes, withholding, etc. oversees the distribution of paychecks and direct deposit programs. Provides training to team on policies, regulations, and processes. Assists team members with resolving errors or responding to inquiries. May be the first level escalation for complaints or complex error resolution. Recruits, interviews, hires and trains new staff in the department, as well as provides constructive and timely performance feedback.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversees procedures and manages inquiries and requests to preparation and distribution of payroll.

• Processes payroll transactions including salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes and other deductions.

• Ensures accurate and timely processing of payroll updates including new hires, terminations, and changes to pay rates.

• Maintains or oversees the maintenance of employee records.

• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and best practices.

• Ensures compliance with Inflation Reduction Act and/or Davis Bacon Act prevailing wage requirements as it relates to payroll functions.

• Facilitates audits by providing records and documentation to auditors.

• Identifies and recommends updates to payroll software, systems and procedures.

• Ensures accurate reporting of payroll and benefit information.

• Serves as liaison between HR and payroll in assisting HR with accounting functions such as budget and deferred compensation processes.

• Responsible for reconciling payroll and benefit accounts monthly and communicating with accounting related to variances.

• Within the HRIS system, verifies correctness of employment/termination data, salary changes, PTO payouts, etc., entered by Human Resources.

• Oversees that all direct deposit and positive pay files are posted by the published payroll dates to appropriate and multiple banks timely.

• Creates communication related to expectations on payroll deadlines and distributes to divisions across the organization, along with training if necessary.

• Responsible for the maintenance for the Top Hat Deferred Compensation contributions in the payroll system.

• Responsible for three annual workers comp audits, including preparation of reports, communication with auditors and resolution/explanation of differences.

• Reconciles all payroll and benefit related accounts with general ledger for AECC and AECI.

• Communicates professionally with all departments/employees within AECC and AECI in answering questions related to payroll matters, and fosters a good working relationship with stakeholders.

• Responsible for payroll system conversions, module implementations and ERP integration.

• Maintains current and updated working knowledge of local, state and federal payroll requirements through partnership with both internal and external auditors and/or Cooperative Tax Management team.

• Performs highly complex payroll analysis and coordination with HR related to implementation of new laws and regulations affecting employees and pay

• Prepares payroll data reports to assist management in business decision making and assists HR in budgeting process and other accounting related payroll/HR functions.

• The ability to handle stress and work well with others are essential functions of this position.

• Perform and/or oversee payroll processes for AECI subsidiary, as needed.

• Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

• Due to our obligation to provide continuous, reliable electric service to our customers, the ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance and the ability to work outside your regularly scheduled office hours when necessary is an essential function of the job.

• Maintain awareness of and compliance with applicable laws and regulations from various regulatory entities, internal policies, procedures, and directives. Ensure ongoing monitoring and timely incorporation of any changes to maintain adherence to compliance standards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Associate degree in Business Administration, plus 7-8 years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements, except for certification or licensure requirements, upon approval of the relevant Vice President.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Experience working with SAP, Success Factors Experience writing reports within a payroll system Ability to be prompt, accurate, confidential, and cordial in assisting employees Ability to maintain professional demeanor in setting with multiple interruptions Thorough understanding of bookkeeping concepts and math skills Experience working in a multi-tasking environment Ability to be flexible and adapt to changes Effective oral communication skills Effective problem solving skills, self-starter.

M ust be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship now or at any time in the future.

Why Join Us?

We invest in our employees with competitive pay, meaningful work, and a comprehensive benefits package that supports your well-being and future:

• 100% Company Funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan

• 401(k) with 3% Dollar-for Dollar Company Match 

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• 9 Paid holidays

• 2 Floating holidays 

• Educational assistance

• Paid time off accrual

• Short-term disability

• Long-term disability

• Free & confidential Employee Assistance Program

EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/DISABLED

Should you elect to apply for this position, AECC/AECI will review your qualifications. If after reviewing the qualifications and experience of all applicants, your skills and credentials meet our needs, someone from our organization may contact you. Please be advised that the time required to complete the applicant review process typically takes between 30 and 90 days but could extend beyond that. Once the position has been filled, all applicants will be notified via email.

Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. are Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affirmative Action Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age or any other protected category.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights ( notice from the Department of Labor.

Nearest Major Market: Little Rock