Payroll Specialist - Newark

Company Description

About KIPP TEAM and Family

KIPP TEAM & Family is our network office that includes support teams - such as Leadership Development, Recruitment, Advocacy, Facilities, Finance, HR and more - dedicated to empowering our schools and ensuring the success of KIPP students throughout New Jersey and Miami. Our schools are part of the nationally recognized “Knowledge Is Power Program” network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools dedicated to preparing students for success in college and in life. The first KIPP New Jersey school opened in Newark in 2002 and since then our school network has expanded to educate 8,135 students in grades K-12. By 2025, KIPP New Jersey will provide a world-class education to over 10,300 students across fifteen schools in Newark and five in Camden.

In 2018, we grew our KIPP community in response to a need for high-quality school options for students in Greater Miami’s Urban Core communities. That led to the creation of KIPP Miami, which currently educates more than 1,000 students in four schools, with plans to reach 5,800 students by 2025. By offering highly effective educators with strong bonds to families, more time in school learning, services that support a variety of student needs, and a culture focused on achievement, our students in New Jersey and Miami are on the path to and through college, career, and choice-filled lives.

Job Description

Here's what you should know:

The KIPP TEAM & Family Payroll Specialist will provide high touch delivery and service of payroll and systems management to the KIPP TEAM and Family Schools, Inc network. This role is responsible for, including but not limited to, performing the essential duties associated with semi-monthly, multi-state payroll processing. This roll will support the Payroll Director with processing and reviewing payroll, analysis and perform adjustments related to quarterly and yearly payroll and tax reconciliations, provide audit and reporting support, and assist with general payroll related inquiries. The Payroll Specialist will report to the Payroll Director and work closely with the Human Resources team to process timely and efficient payroll and tax reports.

Here's what you'll be doing:

Payroll & Time Management System

• Compile and record payroll data such as bonuses, stipends, garnishments, employee deductions and overtime pay for organized payroll processing.
• Monitor, review and confirm corrected computations of hourly and overtime timecards, confirming completeness and accuracy.
• Troubleshoot with external payroll vendors as needed.

Payroll Processing & Compliance

• Timely and accurate processing of payroll transactions, including but not limited to, salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, benefits contributions, and other deductions that may apply.
• Manage the processing of new hires, terminations, employee leave pay and rate changes timely and efficiently.
• Work with the Payroll Director to make sure all semi-monthly payrolls, quarterly adjustments and yearly taxes and amendments are processed on time.
• Create and maintain custom reports for various payroll, tax audits and compliance requests.
• Provide support with conducting internal payroll and tax audits and reconciliations on a monthly, quarterly, and yearly cycle.
• Partner with the Payroll Director and Human Resources teams to collaborate and ensure all payroll compliance testing and reporting are accurate and precise.
• Maintain a comprehensive and detailed internal payroll processing and tax manual for reference and updates.

Stakeholder Management

• Make recommendations and assist with updating and referencing all payroll team outward facing documentation related to payroll for easy self-service for all stakeholders (HR Wiki, Zendesk Macros, Zendesk Help Center articles, ADP, etc.) for increased engagement.
• Respond and engage in assigned payroll related, HR Helpdesk (Zendesk) inquiries, adhering to and maintaining appropriate service level.
• Ensure effective communication with stakeholders.

As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above essential duties and responsibilities.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE

• Demonstrated knowledge of multi-state payroll processing.
• Demonstrated knowledge of payroll policies, best practices and procedures.
• Demonstrated knowledge of local, state and federal tax regulations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of HRIS and/or payroll system(s)

SKILLS

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficient in Excel and Google Docs.

ABILITIES

• Ability to multi-task and manage competing priorities and multiple assignments at once.
• Ability to travel to school locations to meet with staff as needed.
• Ability to manage a high volume of work while maintaining and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to handle highly sensitive information with absolute confidentiality and professionalism.

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands:

• Prolonged periods of working at computer and sitting at a desk.

Physical Requirements

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Must Haves

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources or related field.
• At least 4 years of progressive payroll experience.

Additional Information

In addition to a competitive salary, KIPP TEAM & FAMILY offers a full comprehensive benefits plan, including health care, retirement, a school laptop and transportation benefits for TEAMmates commuting into New Jersey from the New York City area.

KIPP New Jersey | KIPP Miami is an equal opportunity employer