Payroll Analyst

Our purpose is to make life better for people by delivering water for life. Our mission is to provide customer with high-quality water and services at a reasonable cost while promoting the preservation of watershed lands and aquifers. Our vision is to be an innovative water utility that sustains life, strengthens our communities and protects natural resources for future generations. Our STARS values are Service, Teamwork, Accountability, Respect and Safety.

About the RWA:

At the South-Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA), we provide more than just water-we deliver life-sustaining resources to nearly 430,000 consumers every day. As a nonprofit public corporation driven by our commitment to excellence and community, we take pride in being responsible stewards of over 28,000 acres of watershed land, ensuring the sustainability of our environment for future generations. Guided by the principles of Conscious Capitalism, we believe in the power of business to make a positive impact on the region we serve.


When you join RWA, you have more than a job, you have a purpose and will become part of a team that values integrity, environmental stewardship, and community service. You'll work with purpose, knowing that every drop of water we deliver makes a difference, and that our customers trust us to uphold the highest standards of reliability, sustainability, and care.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Sr. Payroll Analyst serves as the centralized point of contact for payroll related inquiries and serves as a resource for payroll processing. Responsible for payroll input, output, and reconciliation, of the organization's weekly payroll and ensures accuracy of monthly pension pay cycles managed by a third-party vendor. Maintains annual payroll related software set up. Works closely with the HRIS & Benefits Manager and manages payroll related data outcome for software updates, upgrades, new implementations, including beta testing, and post upgrade audit. Owns the annual payroll budgeting software setup and collaborates closely with managers across the organization to prepare the annual payroll budget and mid-year payroll projection reports.


Responsibilities:

Payroll Processing & Disbursements

• Process payroll transactions and timely processing of two weekly payrolls
• Calculate and process manual and void checks
• Process court-ordered garnishments and wage verifications
• Prepare retro payments per HR guidance and union contract negotiations
• Prepare annual union increases
• Prepare annual bonus payments
• Monitor uncashed checks; process replacements or voids to avoid unclaimed property
• Responsible for the payroll budgeting process, working closely with cost center owners and finance.
• Supports payroll for subsidiary entities and payroll set-up for new entities as they are aquired.

Pension Administration

• Process pension transactions and reconcile monthly pension payments
• Provide monthly pension reporting to Accounting
• Prepare annual pension reports for Accounting and auditors

Benefits Administration & Funding

• Manage electronic funding for HSA Medical, 457, and 401(k) vendors
• Pull data for new and paid-off 401(k) loans (deduction start/stop)
• Pull medical benefit data for mid-year funding and fund employer HSA
• Prepare annual United Way deductions
• Process Global Metrix 401(k), HSA employer annual funding, and related payments

Reconciliation, Accounting & General Ledger Support

• Prepare payroll reconciliations, journal entries, payment vouchers, and GL posting batches
• Prepare monthly PR distribution account reports for Accounting
• Aid Accounting with payroll-related bank reconciliation differences
• Partner with Accounting to ensure accurate payroll-to-GL data flow

Reporting, Analysis & Budgeting

• Prepare monthly actual vs. budget analyses for overtime and headcount
• Prepare monthly staffing changes reports
• Prepare monthly safety hours reports
• Prepare monthly union dues reports and ensure timely payment
• Prepare monthly United Way & whole life deduction listings to vendors.
• Prepare annual payroll projections and payroll budgets with related reports
• Maintain annual budget updates to custom payroll distribution software tables
• Train managers on budgeting and payroll/budget software

Compliance, Tax & Regulatory Requirements

• Ensure compliance with company policies, union contracts, and wage & hour laws
• Review tax reports, W-2s, and 1099-Rs for accuracy
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and unemployment tax regulations
• Process quarterly electronic unemployment funding to the Department of Labor
• Collect and calculate quarterly vehicle mileage and other fringe benefits per IRS requirements
• Respond to payroll-related correspondence from regulatory agencies

Audits & Internal Controls

• Randomly audit payroll deductions, earnings, and taxes Randomly audit payroll software functionality
• Prepare payroll footnote data and documentation for annual audits
• Compile captive insurance renewal and annual audit data
• Work with internal, external, and financial auditors

Systems, Software & Process Management

• Manage payroll and budget software and issue resolution and vendor support tickets when necessary.
• Lead payroll impacts related to HRIS and budget software upgrades, setup, testing, and training
• Complete annual payroll system setup (holidays, schedules, tax updates, GL changes)
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs)

Training, Partnerships & Customer Service

• Provide payroll processing training to backup staff
• Train employees and managers on timesheet entry
• Partner with Human Resources and Accounting to ensure data accuracy
• Provide reports and payroll information to managers and departments
• Deliver prompt customer service to employees, managers, and pensioners

• Perform other duties as needed to support organizational strategy, mission, vision, and values

QUALIFICATIONS:

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in finance or other related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent math and analytical skills
• 3-5 years of payroll experience
• Proven ability to manage sensitive/confidential information, patience, and tact.
• Excellent planning and prioritization skills in a multi-tasking work environment; strong attention to detail.
• Excellent people skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Advanced skills in the use of Microsoft Office
• Experience with HRIS systems such as Dayforce, CBIZ, or UKG is a plus.

Why Join the RWA?

• Be part of a forward-thinking organization that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Enjoy opportunities for career growth and professional development.
• Competitive benefits package.

The RWA's comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Generous paid time off

• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• 401k and tuition reimbursement plans
• Wellness Program & Incentives

South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (SCCRWA) will not discriminate or permit discrimination against any person or group of persons on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, intellectual disability, mental disability or physical disability including, but not limited to, blindness, (unless such disability, even with reasonable accommodation, prevents the applicant from being able to perform the work involved), or in any manner prohibited by the laws of the United States or of the State of Connecticut. Further SCCRWA will not retaliate against or condone retaliation against any person or group of persons who oppose actions, treatment or conduct that they believe to be discriminatory.