Payroll Specialist (Secaucus)

Abra Health is in search of a Payroll Specialist to join our team!

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurately and timely processing payroll for employees and ensuring payroll transactions comply with company policies, applicable federal and state regulations, and payroll procedures. This position manages payroll data, reviews timekeeping and compensation information, processes payroll adjustments, responds to employee payroll inquiries, and assists with payroll reporting, reconciliations, and audits.

The Payroll Specialist works closely with Human Resources, Finance, managers, employees, and payroll service providers to ensure payroll is processed accurately and efficiently.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Payroll Processing

• Process regular payrolls accurately and timely in accordance with established payroll schedules.
• Review and verify employee payroll information, including hours worked, salaries, hourly rates, bonuses, commissions, deductions, reimbursements, and other earnings.
• Review timecards and timekeeping records for accuracy and completeness.
• Process payroll adjustments, off-cycle payments, manual checks, supplemental payments, and corrections as needed.
• Calculate and process employee deductions, including benefits, retirement contributions, garnishments, and other authorized deductions.
• Review payroll registers and reports prior to payroll submission to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Coordinate direct deposit changes and assist with payroll-related banking requirements.
• Ensure payroll deadlines are met and payroll is processed according to company procedures.

Employee and Manager Support

• Respond to employee and manager questions regarding pay, deductions, direct deposit, timekeeping, tax withholding, and payroll policies.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies in a timely and professional manner.
• Explain payroll calculations, deductions, earnings, and adjustments clearly to employees and managers.
• Maintain confidentiality when handling employee compensation and personal information.

Payroll Reconciliation and Reporting

• Reconcile payroll reports to ensure payroll expenses, deductions, and liabilities are accurate.
• Review payroll reports for unusual or unexpected changes and investigate discrepancies.
• Prepare and maintain payroll-related reports for Finance, Human Resources, management, and auditors.
• Assist with payroll-related journal entries and accounting reconciliations as needed.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and supporting documentation.
• Assist with month-end, year-end, and audit-related payroll requests.

Compliance and Tax Administration

• Maintain knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local payroll requirements.
• Assist with payroll tax reporting and compliance activities.
• Support the administration of wage garnishments, levies, and other legal payroll deductions.
• Ensure payroll practices comply with applicable wage and hour requirements.
• Assist with year-end payroll activities, including W-2 and other applicable reporting.
• Support internal and external payroll audits by providing accurate documentation and reports.

Payroll Systems and Process Improvement

• Maintain accurate employee information within the payroll system.
• Assist with payroll system testing, implementation, and updates.
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• Assist with system integrations between payroll, timekeeping, benefits, retirement, and other HR systems.
• Participate in payroll projects and process improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of payroll processing experience preferred.
• Experience processing payroll for multiple states preferred.
• Working knowledge of payroll principles, wage and hour requirements, and payroll deductions.
• Experience with payroll and timekeeping systems.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict payroll deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with ADP Workforce Now or a similar payroll platform.
• Experience with multi-state payroll.
• Experience with hourly and salaried employees.
• Experience processing bonuses, commissions, reimbursements, and other supplemental earnings.
• Experience with payroll reconciliations and audits.
• Experience with 401(k) and other benefit deductions.
• Experience with payroll tax and year-end processes.

Key Competencies

• Accuracy and Attention to Detail
• Confidentiality and Integrity
• Payroll Knowledge
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
• Organization and Time Management
• Communication
• Customer Service
• Accountability
• Process Improvement
• Ability to Meet Deadlines

Education

High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate's or bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

Salary : $65,000-$70,000.

Work Environment

This position is primarily office-based and requires regular interaction with employees, managers, Human Resources, Finance, and external payroll providers. The Payroll Specialist must be able to work effectively in a deadline-driven environment, particularly during payroll processing periods.

All employees have the responsibility to adhere to our organization's policies, procedures, and code of conduct, as well as uphold all facets of our comprehensive compliance program. This commitment is fundamental to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, ethics, and regulatory adherence within our workplace.