00001780 - Payroll Specialist

The Payroll Specialist is primarily responsible for assisting with payroll processes that include four bargaining units and contract positions. Additional areas of responsibility include acting as the point person for the Office of Retirement Services (ORS), as well as technical administration of the payroll data system, reporting and other compliance related processes. The Payroll Specialist works with people at all levels of the organization, so being able to share knowledge and expertise that is approachable is a must.

Requisition ID: 
Position Number:  00001780
Department: Human Resources and Talent Development
Employee Group: Professionals, Management, and Administration (PMA)
Schedule: 40 hours/52 weeks
Compensation: OP3; $50,417 Annually
Benefits: Full Time
Reports to: Payroll Manager
Posting Opens: 
Posting Closes: 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist the Payroll Manager with the biweekly payroll process, review and record information in adherence with best practices and local, state and federal laws.
• Process updates to retirement plans through the Office of Retirement Services (ORS) website.
• Create and maintain payroll processing controls including creation of Balance ID Table, Pay Calendar Table and Pay Run Tables.
• Run, edit and audit reports; process calculations and balance payroll.
• Serve as the front-line contact for payroll. Address and respond to employee questions related to payroll; providing requested forms and reviewing returned documentation for accuracy.
• Import or input timekeeping information into the payroll system, reviewing for completeness and accuracy; being sure to follow-up with supervisors regarding discrepancies as needed.
• Assist with new hire onboarding into HRIS, verifying accuracy of information, including: assignment, employee deductions, leave accruals, tax information and direct deposit.
• Assist HRIS Analyst with requests for information related to audits and compliance reporting.
• Perform W-5 audit for employees with special tax filings status, and get new tax forms annually, as needed.
• Prepare data and reports for internal use, including preparation for contract negotiations.
• Administer parking enrollments and deductions for all employees and perform audits.
• Complete workflow for biweekly payments through Accounts Payable.
• Process biweekly electronic payments for Friend of the Court.
• Complete verifications of employment.
• Monitor and process unemployment claims.
• Communicate payroll information to new hires.
• Ensure payroll work instructions are maintained and updated as needed.
• Keep apprised of local, state and federal compliance related to payroll records, wage and hour, and deductions.
• Ensure employee documentation and forms are accurately and timely placed in appropriate records.
• Recommend payroll best practices, looking for ways to streamline processes and maintain compliance with
• applicable laws and regulations.
• Compile confidential employee information requested by court ordered subpoenas, Friend of the Court, IRS and other Federal and State agencies.
• Assist with leave plan setup and fiscal year accruals.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education Credentials

• Associate's degree or equivalent experience will be considered.
• Certified Payroll Professional or Fundamental Payroll Certification, desirable.

Work Experience

• One to three years experience with payroll processing required.
• Experience with retirement system processing, desirable.

Skills

• Payroll Processing & Compliance: Understanding of payroll systems, laws, and best practices to ensure an accurate and timely payroll processing while maintaining compliance.
• Attention to Detail & Accuracy: Reviewing and processing payroll related data, including timekeeping, deductions, tax filings, and retirement plan updates will require strong attention to detail.
• Analytical & Problem Solving Skills: Running audits, reconciling payroll balances, and resolving discrepancies requires strong analytical thinking and the ability to troubleshoot payroll issues.
• Communication & Customer Service: Acting as the front line contact for payroll means responding to employee questions and explaining payroll policies in a clear and professional manner.
• Confidentiality & Data Management: Handling sensitive employee information, like payroll records, tax filings, and legal documentation requires discretion and the ability to manage confidential data securely.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift a maximum of 10 pounds.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.

Mental Demands

• Strong commitment to confidentiality, commitment to customer service and willingness to work as part of the Human Resources and Talent Development team.
• Ability to organize work, perform multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in order to communicate with both functional users and technical people.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure in a fast paced environment while possessing mature judgment and flexibility.

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced office environment that calls for flexibility, adaptability and the ability to handle multiple interruptions and make quick decisions.