Payroll Manager

Join Our Team as a Temporary Payroll Manager at the International Republican Institute (IRI)!

ABOUT IRI

The International Republican Institute (IRI) advances democracy and freedom. We link people with their governments, support politicians to be responsive to citizens, and motivate those citizens to engage in the political process.

At IRI, every employee plays a crucial role in advancing our mission across the globe. We’re looking for passionate individuals who embody our Core Values and are eager to contribute to our dynamic team. Our values include:

• Respect: We lead with trust, empathy, and dignity; empowering colleagues and partners.
• Teamwork: We collaborate across teams; solve problems together; are humble and ready to learn.
• Ownership: We take initiative; champion solutions; deliver results for IRI’s mission.
• Excellence through Execution: We balance thoughtfulness with timeliness; learn from results; prioritize progress over perfection.
• Transparency: We share information openly; give direct feedback; build trust through honest communication.
• Freedom: We are empowered to make decisions, try new approaches, and adapt as needed.

ABOUT THE ROLE: PAYROLL MANAGER (TEMPORARY)

The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing the payroll and timesheet function. This role manages and coordinates IRI’s payroll and related payroll duties to comply with the organization and regulations using UKG software. The Payroll Manager is also responsible for data integrity and applicable reporting and the necessary coordination between Finance and Human Resources.

This is a temporary position anticipated to end on October 15, 2026, with the potential for a one-week extension through the processing of the pay period if needed. It is a hybrid position located in Washington, DC, expected to work in-office at least two days per week.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Payroll Processing

• Ensures prompt and accurate review and processing of semi-monthly payroll for US-based and Expatriate Staff at IRI.
• Directs communications and support to staff in ascertaining the completeness and timeliness of IRI personnel electronic timesheets. Assists staff with proper project codes and troubleshoots when issues arise related to timesheet input. Communications with JAMIS technical and IT consultants for matters related software operations and import/export of data with UKG and JAMIS. 
• Responsible for communications and resolutions with UKG related to payroll processing. Ensures that employee paychecks are accurate and complete to include proper gross amounts, deductions, tax withholdings, and benefit deductions.
• Responsible for Timesheet Module data being properly imported to JAMIS with complete and accurate labor data and rates used for IRI’s project costing.
• Responsible for properly documenting all timesheet reclassifications with written justification for adjustments and that adjustments are properly reflected in JAMIS for project cost tracking and reporting.
• Properly records and reflects correct tax status and withholding for special payroll provisions such as housing, moving allowances, danger pay, education benefits, and post differential related to Expatriate overseas staff.
• Manages year-end preparation, processes, and adjustments.
• Manages new employee set-up, as well as rate changes, deductions, liabilities, and processes for terminating staff in both UKG and JAMIS.
• Manages timely and correct payment processing of garnishments, and all other deductions.
• Troubleshoots payroll issues as they arise.

Payroll Posting

• Ensures that payroll is recorded and classified in the system and general ledger accurately and timely.
• Posts reports required at the close of processing payroll on SharePoint.
• Partners with the HR Business Partner in gathering and understanding any changes to the payroll spreadsheet/checklist or exceptions related to the payroll process.

Payroll Records

• Ensures accurate recordkeeping through the reconciliation of information (specifically the labor file) to make sure what is being exported from JAMIS is what is reflected in UKG through multiple reviews.
• Prepares accounting journal entries.
• Reconciles payroll tax liability accounts in the general ledger to ensure that all taxes and other compensation withholdings are deducted and settled accordingly.
• Manages the processing and reviewing of monthly, quarterly, and annual state and federal payroll taxes for IRI.
• Conducts annual W2 reconciliations.
• Ensures that all government required forms are accurately and timely filed to include annual W-2’s, quarterly 941’s, etc. and responds to payroll related inquiries from government agencies.
• Researches states/localities as needed to ensure IRI follows tax registration and is compliant in reporting in the states/locations where business is conducted.

Benefits

• Ensures proper setup of benefit codes in Jamis in agreement with employee benefit elections.
• Manages monthly account reconciliation to support benefit accounting is complete and accurate.
• Processes leave accruals per payroll period manually and yearly rollover leave accruals.
• Manages creation of 403b census each payroll period.

Audits

• Supports internal and external audits as part of compliance requirements.
• Responsible for adequate audit support for all timesheet and payroll related matters to include program audits, annual financial audit, 403(b) annual audit, Worker’s Compensation insurance annual audit, pension audits, and other external audits. Prepares audit schedules and provides audit support as needed for all payroll and timesheet related matters.
• Performs all state and local payroll tax audits as they arise as well as other audit/reporting related to payroll and HR and Finance.
• Assists in annual internal audits for payroll and benefit requests. Liaises with auditors and manages payroll audits.
• Manages monthly review of the IRI Unemployment Insurance (UI) account.

Process Improvements

• Evaluates business processes on a regular basis to ensure IRI is up to date on common payroll practices.
• Create and maintain written process and procedures with periodic review and updates.

Partnership

• Serves as a trusted partner with the Finance and HR teams to ensure accurate general ledger reporting and reconciliations.
• Acts as point of escalation and works to identify, track, document, and resolve errors, issues, and risks proactively with timely further escalation of unresolved items to senior management.
• Project lead for payroll-related projects, including continuous development of processes that are scalable and support the company's growth.
• Assists with development and maintenance of electronic filing and retrieval systems.
• Prepare reports for quarterly, fiscal year, and semi-monthly reports.
• Trains new hires during onboarding on how to access and properly complete their timesheet, including how to select and enter project codes, overtime, and holidays.
• Other duties as assigned.

Note: This post is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required in this role. Further details of the role will be shared during the recruitment process.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We seek a passionate, resourceful, and technically fluent individual with:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years of accounting experience in accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash management.
• Minimum 3 years of processing payroll, preferably with UKG.
• Capable to work under pressure and able to prioritize. 
• Good communicator, both verbally and in writing.
• Detail oriented and highly organized.
• Collaborative, team-oriented individual.

IRI TOTAL COMPENSATION

The anticipated hourly pay range for this exempt position is $38.46/hour to $43.27/hour USD.

The pay for this position is determined based on a wide variety of factors including but not limited to an individual’s professional experience, qualifications, education and other business needs along with internal equity considerations. Employees are not typically hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are made based on the aforementioned considerations.

Due to this role being temporary and expected for less than 6 months, it is only eligible for federally mandated and District of Columbia benefits.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS – RESUME, COVER LETTER, REFERENCES

In your application, please include a copy of your most up-to-date resume along with a cover letter that outlines your background and explains why you are interested in this opportunity. Additionally, please include the contact details of at least 2-3 professional references. If you are selected for an interview, we will contact your references before the final interview.