Payroll Manager/Accounting Specialist

Sinai Akiba Academy is seeking a talented Payroll Manager/Accounting Specialist—an integral position within the Business & Operations department that sits at the intersection of Accounting and Human Resources. The person in this role works closely with the Controller, Director of Human Resources and the Chief Financial and Operations Officer (CFOO). They are an exempt full-time administrator and directly report to the Controller. This role is responsible for the daily review of timecards, communication with employees and supervisors regarding time entries, missed punches, time off requests, and all things payroll related. The person in this role will also assist the Controller and CFOO with various accounting and financial related projects. 

Sinai Akiba Academy is a preeminent private Jewish day school in Los Angeles, serving students in Early Childhood through Grade 8. Sinai Akiba Academy is undergirded by our school mission to engage students in the joy and discipline of learning, and nurture a community of ethical, critical thinkers who, shaped by our evolving Jewish tradition, walk through the world with confidence and humility. 

Our core values of Kehillah Kedoshah (Sacred Community); Talmud Torah (Academic Excellence); Derech Eretz (Kindness, Empathy, & Respect); Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof (Ethical Responsibility); Avodat Halev (Soulful Intention), and Ahavat Yisrael (Love for Israel) serve as a commitment with the students, families and community members that we serve to energize the present, explore the past, and embrace the future.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Payroll 

• Drive all aspects of the payroll process and work with HRIS vendor, benefits brokers, federal and state agencies, and internal stakeholders
• Manage the administration of payroll and benefits as reflected on the payroll including earnings, taxes, special deductions, taxes, garnishments, retirement plan (403B), flexible spending, life, health, dental and disability insurances, vacation, sick leave, leave of absence, workers compensation, FMLA, and other items that affect employee pay and/or company liability
• In collaboration with Controller and Director of Human Resources, ensure pension contributions are calculated and communicated in a timely manner in accordance with federal requirements, and vendor and internal processes
• Reconcile benefit invoices against payroll system data and prepare retirement plan remittances
• Run payroll audits and compliance, including quarterly tax reporting, garnishments, pension plan audit, unclaimed/cancelled checks, workers’ compensation and corporate audits 
• Maintain and implement policies and standard operating procedures to ensure compliance and 
• internal controls
• Prepare journal entries for semimonthly payroll and reconcile quarterly 941s to trial balance 
• Work with, and provide information to, benefits brokers, workers’ compensation adjusters, financial auditors and 403b auditors, as needed 
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops and reviewing professional publications 
• Communicate with employees regarding pay, deductions, time off requests, approvals, and timekeeping
• Coordinate with Human Resources on new hires, terminations, and employee changes
• Prepare payroll reports for management and audits
• Manage garnishments, levies, and other payroll adjustments 

Accounting

• Prepare accurate and timely monthly financial statements and journal entries
• Assist in the preparation of various monthly reports and supporting documents related to audit, review and tax engagements
• Resolve and communicate account discrepancies
• Record payroll-related journal entries and reconcile payroll accounts

General Responsibilities

• Learn, use, and apply technology as required by School to enhance learning, provide feedback to students and parents, and engage with colleagues. Technology includes but is not limited to JagNet, Google Workspace, Paylocity, and any other School approved software.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or Head of School in support of the school’s mission

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration
• 5+ years of accounting experience required; non-profit sector preferred 
• 2-3 years hands-on functional payroll experience or equivalent 
• Significant experience using Paylocity preferred
• Detailed knowledge of US Federal, CA State and local payroll tax laws
• Possess subject matter expertise of federal, CA state and local payroll and tax laws 
• Strong working knowledge of HIPAA, FMLA, Workers’ Compensation, FLSA, and ADA 
• Strong planning, organizational and time management skills, as well as attention to detail and strong analytical problem-solving skills 
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and ability to articulate oral and written information clearly 
• Excellent knowledge of Payroll/HRIS systems 
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word 
• Ability and desire to work independently and as a team member with the community and other employees 
• Positive, upbeat and enthusiastic about working in a non-profit environment

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Annual Salary Range: $85,000 - $100,000
• Excellent benefit package with a portion of medical paid by SAA
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• 403b and employer funded retirement plans
• Professional development opportunities

In the spirit of pay transparency we share the base annual salary range for this position: $85,000 - $100,000. Annual base salary is exclusive of fringe benefits, retirement plan employer contributions or potential stipends (for eligible employees). Pay ranges at SAA are reasonable estimates of what the School anticipates paying for a role but are not guaranteed. If hired at SAA, your final annual base salary will be determined by factors such as skills, education, experience, job level, part-time status and number of months of work per academic year. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity with our current employees as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the full annual base salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical for SAA in order to allow for future and continued salary growth.

Applicants may submit their cover letter and resume for consideration to Elham Makabi, Chief Financial and Operations Officer, at emakabi@sinaiakiba.org.

Sinai Akiba Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and strictly prohibits any type of harassment or discrimination in regards to race, religion, age, color, sex, disability status, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender expression, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and/or local laws.