Payroll Specialist

Company: David Lawrence Centers For Behavioral Health Job Type: Full-Time/Salaried & Exempt (Monday-Thursday, 8AM-5PM & Friday, 8AM-3PM) Salary: Offering a sign-on bonus, immediate PTO accrual, comprehensive medical/dental/vision benefits, 401(k) with employer match, and professional development/tuition assistance. Job Summary The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of biweekly payroll and associated financial activities. This role serves as a key resource for employees regarding payroll inquiries, ensures compliance with applicable regulations, and supports financial reporting and grant-related processes within a nonprofit behavioral healthcare organization. Key Responsibilities Payroll Processing & Compliance Process full-cycle biweekly payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees, including off‑cycle payments, retroactive adjustments, and manual corrections Review and validate employee timesheets to ensure accuracy of hours worked Calculate wages, overtime, shift differentials, bonuses, and other earnings Maintain payroll data including tax withholdings, benefit deductions, and direct deposit information Process wage garnishments, levies, and other court‑ordered deductions Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations Generate and review W‑2s; reconcile annual totals and coordinate corrections Respond to IRS notices, state agencies, and audit requests with proper documentation Prepare payroll‑related journal entries and reconcile general ledger accounts Monitor and analyze payroll discrepancies and implement corrective actions Troubleshoot payroll system issues including tax codes, deductions, and GL mappings Identify root causes of recurring errors and enhance payroll processes Employee Support & Administration Serve as point of contact for payroll‑related inquiries Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies Maintain organized payroll records in compliance with internal controls Reimbursements & Taxes Process employee reimbursements (mileage, tuition, and other expenses) in accordance with policies Ensure timely processing and verification of payroll tax payments Grant & Financial Support Assist with grant reporting, billing, and compliance Support preparation and submission of grant invoices in accordance with funding requirements Monitor allocation of direct and indirect costs across grants General Responsibilities Prepare payroll reports and ad hoc financial reports as needed Maintain strict confidentiality of all payroll and employee information Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Finance Qualifications Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field OR 5+ years of payroll experience. Experience in nonprofit organizations = Preferred Strong understanding of payroll laws and compliance. Effective communication and problem solving. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment. The understanding that all members of a Team matter equally. Microsoft Office 365 skills (Including Teams/Video Conferencing) and Electronic Medical Records experience. Staying compliant on all training and immunizations. Ability to pass Level II DCF Mental Health Fingerprinting (General Information can be found HERE), Drug Screen and Local Criminal Check. Physical Requirements This position requires a mix of physical activities throughout the workday. Duties involve periods of standing, sitting, and walking, often across various areas of the site. The role also includes tasks that may require bending, reaching, and other physical movements. Candidates must be able to occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds. A reasonable level of physical stamina and mobility is necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. #J-18808-Ljbffr