Principal Accountant- Payroll Deductions - Hybrid

We are hiring a Principal Accountant (Payroll Deductions) Hybrid for one of our clients in Newark
, NJ
.

• Ensures accurate and timely processing of payroll updates including new hires, terminations, and changes to pay rates.
• Runs payroll for various payroll cycles (Off-cycle's, Weekly, Bi-weekly, and Monthly).
• Prepares and maintains accurate records and reports of payroll transactions.
• Provides support for audits related to payroll.
• Facilitates audits by providing records and documentation to auditors and implements processes and procedures to improve payroll efficiency and accuracy.
• Provides oversight and direction to Payroll union staff in performing tasks.
• Participates in the implementation and development of NJ TRANSIT policies and procedures to maintain consistency, improve methodology and efficiency of accounting operations.
• Ensures accurate withholding of deductions from employee pay, in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Oversees electronic payments of employees pay, ensuring mandatory direct deposit participation for specified groups of employees. Handles employee account setup, payroll payment reversals and bank returned funds, as well as creating manual check replacements.
• Responsible for accurate and timely disbursements and reporting to third parties, including processing the weekly and monthly interface files to Accounts Payable.
• Performs and reviews analyses of selected general ledger accounts; identifies and resolves reconciling items and accounting issues on a timely basis.
• Responsible for all pension-related deductions, payments, and reporting, including defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, and NJ State pension plans (PERS and PFRS).
• Processes inbound and outbound payroll interface files, while complying with required file layout specifications, troubleshooting errors, and reconciling data.
• Oversees NJ Transit Pension Payroll. Reviews and approves pension calculations, pension and deduction refunds, voluntary/nonvoluntary deductions, taxes, direct deposit and address changes.
• Provides oversight direction to the clerical staff in the performance of specific tasks and responsibilities.
• Runs Discoverer Reports and prepares detailed reports for third party payments, as well as all levels of management to facilitate the flow of Payroll information and resolve issues.
• Tests for periodic system upgrades.
• Performs other duties and miscellaneous projects as requested by management.
• Provides excellent customer service to all internal/external customers.

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, human resources, or related area.
• The hiring team is targeting candidates with stronger payroll tax and payroll deductions experience and/or a more substantial accounting background.
• Three to five years of payroll experience.
• Relevant combination of education and experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.
• Experience with payroll processing.

• Knowledge of payroll functions including preparation, balancing, timekeeping and accruals.
• Required proficiency in MS Excel, spreadsheets, macros, Access databases, and other MS applications.
• Detail oriented with a high degree of accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Able to multi‑task and prioritize meeting deadlines.
• Must have excellent written and verbal skills.

• Payroll HCM (Oracle) experience is a plus.
• Discoverer or Orbit Report Writer experience is a plus.

• 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.

• WFH or Office: 3 days per week in office, 2 days remote.
• The hiring team would like candidates to be administered an Excel test and have a passing score prior to being interviewed.