Payroll Specialist

Why is This a Great Opportunity?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional who takes pride in accuracy, organization, and service. The Payroll Specialist will play an important role in ensuring timely and compliant payroll processing for a large group of retirees. This role offers the chance to work in a structured environment with meaningful responsibilities, while contributing to the financial well-being of individuals who have dedicated their careers to public service.

It’s ideal for someone who enjoys both detailed transactional work and process improvement in payroll and accounting systems.

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for processing monthly payroll, maintaining detailed pensioner and payee records, and ensuring compliance with all payroll, tax, and reporting requirements. This position supports payroll operations, accounts payable processing, and financial reporting activities, while maintaining confidentiality and accuracy in all transactions.

• Process monthly payroll for all payees, including updating pensioner records electronically, calculating tax information, and making required deposits and payments.
• Meet with new or prospective retirees to complete necessary payroll and benefits paperwork.
• Manage accounts payable, including preparation of weekly checks to third-party payees.
• Prepare monthly financial reports projecting payroll-related expenditures and account activities.
• Maintain and update pensioner data, including addresses, phone numbers, and benefit status.
• Coordinate electronic record-keeping and collaborate with IT specialists to support payroll deductions and benefit programs.
• Manage records and payments for retirees receiving deferred retirement option plan (DROP) distributions.
• Prepare year-end tax data and forms, including 1099-R and 1099-MISC, and ensure timely and accurate reporting for state and federal requirements.
• Reconcile payroll-related bank accounts and ensure accurate month-end reporting.
• Assist with audit requests and respond to inquiries regarding payroll and payment activity.

Education:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of experience in payroll processing or related accounting functions.
• Experience managing complex payrolls or pension-related payments preferred.
• Proficiency with Quick Books Online and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) required.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of payroll practices, taxation, and regulatory compliance.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in data management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with retirees and team members.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with professionalism.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a deadline-driven environment.
• Comfort working both independently and collaboratively within a small team structure.