Payroll Specialist

Role: Payroll Specialist Reports to: Payroll Manager Program: 9003-Finance Department: Admin Location: Arlington Administration Setting: 100% On-site Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm Status: Full-time/Non-Exempt/Non-Management Openings: 1

Summary:

The Payroll Specialist is part of the Finance Department and is responsible for supporting preparation and disbursement of bi-weekly payroll, including garnishments benefits and taxes to approximately 800+ employees consistent with federal and state wage and hour laws. The Payroll Specialist must be dedicated and committed to accuracy in all transactions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist in ensuring bi-weekly employee payroll is processed accurately, on time and through the appropriate channels. Assist in the development and implementation of quality and internal controls and efficient workflows to process maintain and track the following:

Employee department assignments. Accuracy of compensation including premium pay and bonuses. Accuracy of employee voluntary and involuntary deductions. Employee payroll vouchers. Accuracy of payroll related clearing accounts. Employee payroll files Worker’s Compensation audit Monthly, quarterly, and year-end process

Assist in the timely transmittal or processing of funds after payroll, such as payroll taxes, retirement contributions, and garnishments. Assist in the compliance with all local, state, and federal laws regarding payroll and reporting. Assist in confirming the preparation and submission of comprehensive federal and state quarterly and annual reports, such as 941, W-2, W-3, DE-9. Assist in the calculation, deduction and reconciliation of garnishments, tax levies, and general deductions. Assist in maintaining the accuracy of accruals, utilization, and award bank balances such as sick, vacation and other paid time off. Assist in the accuracy and timely payment of termination pay. Assist as an expert in time and attendance rules and the accuracy of employee pay. Assist in the distribution and collection of functional timesheets for each payroll as per government grant requirements. Assist in the creation of payroll reports and summaries to assist management with accounting, data analysis, budgeting/reporting process and documentation for audit projects. Assist in the maintenance of systems that keep employee confidence and protect payroll operations by ensuring accuracy of payroll information and keeping information confidential. Assist in maintaining systems that provide timely responses to employee questions and requests. Assist in the maintenance of payroll guidelines and updates to policies and procedures. Work with grants and billing team to ensure the accuracy of department and contract allocations in the payroll system. Assist in the preparation of training documentation and presentations to assist all employees with utilization of the payroll system. Assist in the creation and delivery of weekly Time and Attendance Training during New Employee Orientation. Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, networking, and professional organizations.

Qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED or Equivalent Strong knowledge and understanding of related state and federal laws and regulations required. Ability to perform mathematical and data processing tasks rapidly and accurately. Strong administrative skills with a high level of attention to detail, ensuring thorough, accurate, and high‑quality work. Excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software (especially Excel) A highly motivated self-starter, with ability to coordinate multiple projects/tasks at once. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Able to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities and meet deadlines. Problem solving and conflict resolution skills, and professional judgment. Flexible, adaptable, and capable of working in a fast-paced, professional environment. Must be able to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information. High degree of ethics and integrity Strong customer service orientation required. Must possess a courteous and professional demeanor and exhibit good judgment when assisting/interacting with others.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s in relevant field preferred; education requirements may be substituted with comparable work experience. Actively working toward payroll certification

Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

Two years’ experience processing payroll for mid- to large-size organizations of 200 to 700+ employees. Prior experience with Ceridian/Dayforce payroll system. Non-Profit experience. Bilingual Spanish

Work Environment:

Primarily indoor office and congregate living facility environment On occasion walk or drive to different agency sites. Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, and occasionally lift or carry up to 35-pounds. May necessitate working in busy and loud environments May be exposed to elements like cold, heat, dust, noise, and odor May need to bend, stoop, twist, and sit throughout the day