Senior Payroll Specialist

Pay Range: $ 69,700.00 - $101,300.00

We offer a pay-for-performance compensation program including bonuses for all employees and a competitive benefits package. See https://www.cuofco.org/careers for a high-level overview of our benefits package and bonus offerings.

Remote Eligible: Hybrid

General Purpose of the Position

The Senior Payroll Specialist oversees and directs all payroll operations, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing. This role involves strategic planning and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to optimize payroll systems and processes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (includes the following). May perform other duties as requested or assigned.

• Leads the end-to-end payroll processing for the entire organization, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Conducts audit processes to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance of payroll records and procedures; completes payroll adjustments and corrections as necessary.
• Calculates and processes payroll for employees on a regular schedule, including wages, bonuses, overtime, and deductions, and handles complex payroll calculations such as executive compensation and multi-state payrolls.
• Processes all adjustments that impact employee pay, including time and attendance updates, salary changes, benefits updates, and changes to tax withholdings, as necessary.
• Reviews and validates timesheets, attendance records, and other relevant documentation to ensure accuracy and completeness of payroll data and maintains compliant retention processes.
• Ensures legal compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations and reporting requirements; monitors regulatory changes and updates internal processes accordingly.
• Prepares and submits quarterly and annual tax filings and related reporting at federal, state, and local levels (including 941's and W2's) in a timely and accurate manner.
• Conducts recurring reconciliations for benefit and financial plans including medical insurance, retirement plans, and spending accounts; partners with appropriate stakeholders to resolve discrepancies.
• Coordinates with internal and external teams for annual 401k compliance and non-discrimination testing.
• Evaluates existing payroll related processes and recommends or implements changes to align with best practices and foster continuous improvement.
• Leads payroll-related projects, such as implementing new payroll systems or policies, and coordinates with various stakeholders to ensure successful project completion.
• Completes administrative payroll tasks, including verifications of employment, responses to unemployment claims, or similar payroll requests.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for employees regarding payroll-related inquiries, discrepancies, and issues, provides guidance and education, and responds promptly and professionally to employee questions and concerns, providing clear and accurate information.
  
  

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's Degree (B.A.) from an accredited four (4) year college or university. Four or more years of payroll-specific experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. UKG experience preferred.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Proficiency in MS Office Suite, including MS Excel. Strong understanding of payroll reporting and record keeping requirements. Strong organization skills and attention to accuracy and details. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, including knowledge of wage and hour laws. Advanced organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to prioritize, problem-solve, work under pressure, and manage multiple assignments effectively. Able to take initiative and work independently. Highly technical and analytical; ability to remain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is typically required to sit for long periods. The employee continually is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop and reach with hands and arms. The employee will occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Limited travel required to visit CU locations as needed.

Core Competencies

MEMBER FOCUSED

Creates trust by building relationships and actively discovers the right solutions for Members and peers; understands that the credit union exists as a result of Member trust and loyalty in the organization and employees; is passionate and dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external Members.

COOPERATION AND TEAMWORK

Relates well to all kinds of people; builds appropriate rapport; works harmoniously with others; uses and understands diplomacy and tact; encourages collaboration; seeks opinions; is candid with peers; values working relationships. Readily puts in extra effort to accomplish important tasks.

DECISION QUALITY

Understands the member's best interest is first; demonstrates decisions which are based on creating the best possible outcome for the member; makes decisions based on a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment; most recommendations and decisions turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time; sought out by others for advice and solutions.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Uses rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems creating effective solutions; is resilient and will own the solution and the problem; can see hidden problems; is excellent at honest analysis; looks beyond the obvious and doesn't stop at the first answers.

ACTION ORIENTED

Pushes self and others to achieve the best possible results for the Member, organization and employees; proactively seeks out opportunities; raises hand, rather than waits to be asked; not fearful of acting with a minimum of planning; understands that it's OK to make a mistake (fail forward).

ADAPTABLE

Learns on the fly; is a relentless, versatile and an active learner; open to change; can learn new skills and knowledge; analyzes both successes and failures for opportunities to improve; understands that different situations and levels may call for different skills and approaches; works to deploy strengths; works on compensating for weaknesses and limits.

INNOVATION

A cultural mindset that supports new ideas, fosters experimentation and drives continuous improvement to deliver member value.

Combines and brings forward ideas in unique ways to make connections between disparate ideas; willingness to explore different lines of thought and suggestions and try new ideas through experimentation, views situations from multiple perspectives; brainstorms multiple approaches/solutions to benefit members.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, Females/Minority/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin