Lead Payroll Analyst

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The Lead Payroll Specialist reports to the Manager, Payroll Operations and works closely with the Payroll team and Human Resources to resolve internal processing and payroll issues. The Payroll Specialist processes one or more payrolls, maintains related records, prepares and/or files tax reports and voluntary deduction reports, processes involuntary deductions such as levies and garnishments, prepares accounting transactions and documents, documents and updates procedures, and prepares special reports for senior management.

They verify the accuracy of payroll data through proper balancing, resolving discrepancies, reconciling the interface between the payroll system and posting to the general ledger.

• Oversee the preparation and processing of the payroll; validates changes, gross to net; deductions, makes pay adjustments, resolves payroll problems, remits taxes, 403(b) payments, garnishments, and union dues. Ensure accuracy of employee records. Cross train in order to prepare and process semi-monthly, and weekly payrolls. Acts as liaison to Student Employment Office to coordinate student payroll processing and resolve issues.
• Reconcile, and prepare for accounting review all required federal and state quarterly and annual taxes and reports, social security contributions, and voluntary and involuntary deduction reconciliations. File monthly and quarterly tax returns. Ensure proper tax treatment for tuition remission, non-resident alien taxes, non-comp benefits and other taxable items. Prepares quarterly and year‑end balancing and auditing reports and assists in validating and issuing W‑2 and 1042 forms.
• Assembles and validates information for fiscal and calendar year‑end audits including but not limited to internal and external audit, 403(b) audit, workers' compensation, federal or state audits. Prepare and research data for union information requests. Prepare and research data for abandoned property filing.
• Oversee and manage foreign tax compliance; develop process for collecting, validating and entering individual information into Sprintax, reconcile taxes and validate 1042‑S information and reporting.
• Assist with implementing and testing payroll modules and tax updates. Assist in training departments’ supervisors and employees in payroll processes as it relates to time collection and employee self‑service. Recommend internal best practices. Develop annual payroll calendar in Workday. Will take a lead role in Workday testing and training of various users.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or business or equivalent experience in any of these fields required.
• 5+ years of prior in‑house payroll experience required.
• CPP certification preferred.
• Prior payroll experience in higher‑ed environment preferred.
• Experience with third‑party tax preparation providers preferred.

• Knowledge of federal and state laws related to payroll; related compliance requirements, filings and remittance.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Demonstrated customer service focus for serving internal and external customers.
• Self‑starter; ability to take initiative, work independently and as part of a team and results oriented.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Familiarity with non‑resident alien taxation; related regulations, forms, processes and procedures.
• Ability to work with accounting to resolve issues such as account reconciliations and abandoned property research and resolution.

• Requires long periods of mental concentration.
• Requires constant coordination of mental and visual attention.
• Requires ability to stand and/or sit for long periods of time.
• Requires ability to lift and move objects that are under 10 lbs.
• Amount of time required to travel to do this job less than 15%.

• Usual office conditions.

Compensation: $72,500.00 - $88,900.00 annually, commensurate with experience.

Grade of Position: 23‑09E

Scheduled Weekly

Hours:

36.25

Division:
Division of Finance

In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well‑being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week. Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out‑of‑pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time‑off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible.

Additional benefits such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings are available. Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.