Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

PURPOSE

The Payroll Specialist will provide support to the Finance function with a focus on payroll processing, accounting and reporting requirements. The position also partners closely with counterparts in Human Resources. This position leverages expertise in tools and processes to manage highly sensitive personnel data as well as specialized payroll expertise to manage more complicated payroll compliance and reporting needs. This position reports to the Assistant Controller and is a member of the Finance team. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Payroll Processing and Compliance 
  • Leads regularly recurring payroll process to ensure accurate and timely processing each payroll cycle including:
    • Uses the third-party payroll processor platform (currently ADP) effectively
    • Adheres to payroll processes to ensure accuracy, protection of data, and integrity of appropriate controls
    • Ensures that each payroll is documented with reporting to support compliance with all internal and external regulatory requirements for compensation and benefits 
    • Implements special, non-recurring payroll processes as required to support compliance with different wage and tax reporting requirements related to the non-qualified deferred compensation plans and variable compensation.
  • In collaboration with the Assistant Controller and counterparts in Human Resources as applicable, monitor developments in compensation and benefits and payroll practices in particular in order to proactively identify needs/opportunities for changes or improvements in approach, tools or process including:
    • Identifies compliance needs associated with changes in compensation and benefits reporting requirements.
    • Coordinates with Human Resources on any questions related to employee compensation or benefits. 
    • Identifies and implements efficiencies and compliance-related changes needed in the third-party payroll processing system (currently ADP) with input from the Assistant Controller; trains staff in the efficient use of the system. 

• Payroll Accounting and Financial Reporting 
  • Initiates accounting for compensation and benefits related activities, including but not limited to producing quarterly and annual reconciliations, maintaining general ledger records, and posting journal entries. 
  • Provides documentation for independent verification of employer contributions to retirement plans, including but not limited to discretionary contributions and the employer’s safe harbor matching contribution.
  • Analyzes forecast for compensation and benefits expenses against budget, ensuring forecasts are reasonable and variances are supported. Produces reports to support internal management and decision-making specific to compensation and benefits, including but not limited to paid time off analysis. 
  • Provides audit support for compensation and benefits, including but not limited to the qualified retirement plan and workers compensation. 

• Accounts payable transaction processing and vendor management
  • Leads initial analysis to support tax compliance with respect to payments to vendors; maintains online system to prepare and file vendor tax forms. 
  • Maintains vendor records to support reporting requirements.
  • Processes accounts payable ensuring timely payment of invoices.
  • Processes employee expense reports, ensuring timely and accurate processing
  • Actively supports Finance and other functions to provide responses to vendor inquiries
  • Proactively identifies opportunities for improvements related to Finance processes and tools.

• Other Duties as Assigned
  • Advance MACP’s mission and cultural values of excellence, humility, learning, respect, integrity, and making a difference. Support MACP’s vision and commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), which are rooted in our cultural values and embedded in direction from our donor.
  • Contribute to community learning and impact goals, including efforts to strengthen a culture of belonging that embraces different viewpoints, seeks full participation, cultivates welcoming and respectful environments, promotes fair treatment, and confronts discrimination in all its forms. 

Education, Experience and Other Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting (or related field) with 3+ years of relevant experience, or high school degree or equivalent with 7+ years of relevant work experience
• Advanced technical knowledge of payroll processing and related systems (preferred 2+ years of experience with ADP) 
• Strong technical knowledge with Microsoft Office Suite, Excel in particular, with the ability to learn various financial systems
• Ability to maintain the highest level of sensitivity and confidentiality in both internal and external relationships 
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks efficiently and effectively within tight deadlines
• Solid data management, analytical, problem solving, and planning skills with excellent attention to detail 
• Adaptable to various competing demands and a resourceful team-player
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate and interact in person and in writing with internal team members and external constituents 

TRAVEL 

Less than 10% 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment is an office setting with a designated office or workstation at the Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies office in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. 

• We practice a hybrid work schedule with the expectation that employees will work in-office 3 days per week with the option to work remote up to two days per week. This includes working in the office Tuesday and Wednesday and either Monday or Thursday; all employees work remote on Friday. 
• There may be occasions where it is required to be in-office more than 3 days in a week or on a day normally scheduled as a remote workday, depending on the role.
• We practice shared work hours between 9am-3pm Monday-Thursday and 9am-12pm Friday.
• Occasionally, the person in this role may be required to adjust to time pressures and frequent changes. This role may require an irregular schedule or overtime.
• This position is primarily a sedentary role with an adjustable sit/stand desk.
• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office equipment, attend meetings or events, etc. 
• Occasional or intermittent physical activities may include bending, reaching, twisting, stooping, or climbing within an office environment.
• This position requires regular use of a computer to complete work responsibilities. It also includes regularly working with other office equipment and communication technology, such as video conferencing, telephone, and copy/print machine.
• This role also frequently performs multiple tasks simultaneously and works closely with others as part of a team. 

The above statements are not intended to encompass all functions and qualifications of the position; rather, they are intended to provide a general framework of the requirements of the position.  Job incumbents may be required to perform other functions not specifically addressed in this description.

We know that engaging, building trust, and making a difference relies on the collective wisdom and strength of a truly diverse organization. With this in mind, and as an equal opportunity employer, we encourage and strongly welcome candidates of all identities, lived experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.