Payroll Manager

Who we are:

The Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) represents over 117,000 members and nearly 400 locals across the state and employs a full-time staff of over 170. Our members are public school teachers, faculty, professional staff, and education support professionals working at public schools, colleges, and universities. As a member-driven organization and the largest union in New England, our collective power makes MTA an influential voice for educators, students, and their communities. We are proud to be an advocate for social, racial, and economic justice and for a public education system that provides one of the cornerstones of a democratic society.  

Overview:

The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the organization's payroll functions to ensure accurate and timely processing of employee compensation. This includes directing and providing guidance and supervision to payroll staff, maintaining compliance with federal, state regulations, identifying and implementing efficient payroll processes/systems and updating procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise and mentor payroll staff.
• Promote a culture of service and operational excellence.
• Conduct training on payroll systems and compliance standards.
• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities.
• Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains new staff in the department.
• Oversee the daily workflow of the department.
• Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations.

Operations:

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing, reporting, and payment for weekly, semi-monthly, and annual cycles, including review and approval of each payroll cycle’s reconciliation to associated ADP Payroll Register/Report, and ensure accurate and complete transaction records and documentation are maintained.
• Review and approve GL Payroll posting entries, along with the supporting schedules, to record in ADP payroll system activity to General Ledger.
• Oversee employee STD, LTD, and PFML payments to ensure all payments issued by TPA are deposited timely, verify employee benefit leave balances, and ensure employee Form W2's are accurately stated.

Compliance and Audit:

• Ensure accurate deductions and withholdings for taxes, benefits, and other payroll-related items are paid timely and accurately.
• Oversee and review benefit paid time off processes to ensure data is accurately calculated and recorded.
• Ensure the timely preparation and maintenance of accurate payroll transaction records and reports.
• Oversee, verify, and develop in coordination with F & A and HR management SOP for payroll changes, including new hires, terminations, promotions, changes to pay rates, and benefit reporting. 
• Conduct periodic audits of payroll data to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Stay updated on industry trends and changes in payroll legislation to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Primary contact for annual 401k Compliance, Worker's Compensation, and Retirement Plan audits.
• Review the annual Workers Compensation schedule for accuracy, including job classification and earnings. 
• Oversight of the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll earnings and deductions reporting for internal and external users.
• As requested by senior management and auditors, prepare and analyze payroll reports, providing insights and recommendations to senior management.
• Respond to escalated employee inquiries regarding payroll issues and provide resolutions in a timely manner.
• Serve as primary backup for payroll processing.

Systems & Process Improvement:

• Assess payroll systems and processes for efficiency and automation opportunities. Make recommendations regarding software, processes, and procedures.
• Develop and refine payroll policies and procedures to improve workflows and reduce errors.
• Manage transition related to payroll interface with the new financial accounting system as applicable.
• Optimizing modules in ADP Payroll and working with ADP to identify opportunities, to track compensation and payroll data to improve reporting from ADP.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent professional experience considered.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) preferred.
• Minimum of five to 10 years of experience in full-cycle payroll processing, including tax and compliance requirements, with 3+ years in a managerial role. 
• Strong knowledge of U.S. payroll laws and tax regulations.
• Experience in defining and designing reports for both external and internal stakeholders.
• Experience processing payroll in a Union is a plus.
• Knowledge of year-end payroll activities, including reporting and reconciliations.
• Experience with financial accounting system implementation and optimization (payroll preferred).
• ADP Workforce Now or other payroll software preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other applications.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Ability to coach, train, and develop payroll staff, delegate tasks, and maintain high team performance and accountability.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with both external service providers and internal stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure accurate calculations and compliance.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and manage competing priorities.
• Adaptable and flexible; capable of working both independently and under supervision on assigned tasks.

The MTA offers a variety of benefits to its employees, including but not limited to: health insurance, flexible spending account, vision insurance, paid time off, 401(k), company retirement plan, life insurance, and more.

*MTA reserves the right to waive any qualifications at its discretion*
The MTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff.