Payroll Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

The Payroll Manager is accountable for payroll operations, including the processing of bi-monthly payrolls in compliance with all applicable tax regulations for our multi-state US employees. This position reports to the Senior Director of Accounting.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the end-to-end payroll processing for US multi-state payroll using Paylocity, including regular semi-monthly, equity, bonus, incentive comp/commission, and out-of-sequence payrolls
• Manage, review, update, and approve employee-initiated changes to the employees’ payroll profile in Paylocity (i.e. employee address, tax elections, ESPP elections, 401K contributions, benefits deductions etc.)
• Reconcile payroll before transmission; process and validate confirmed reports
• Manage 401K administration for employee and employer contributions, and compliance audits
• Manage and maintain company tax, employee account and tax setups in equity administration platform
• Process ESPP activity including employee contributions, refunds, and compliance audits
• Manage and maintain all payroll-related tax accounts (i.e. withholding, UI, local, and any other payroll accounts as needed) as well as setting up all payroll-related tax accounts in any new states
• Serve as the subject matter expert on the payroll system and all payroll-related tax compliance requirements for all state we are established in
• Partner with HR to complete employee onboarding, ensuring new hires are accurately entered into Paylocity on a timely basis, managing the onboarding document audit, employee profile set-up, set up time off policies, and update for benefits as employees become eligible and enroll
• Manage accurate and timely quarterly and annual tax reconciliations and reporting, including W-2’s
• Investigate any discrepancies or unusual items related to payroll or payroll taxes
• Serve as the contact for employee payroll inquiries
• Assist the Accounting team with journal entries and account reconciliations
• Assist Controller in review and approval of Concur expense reports, ensuring accurate support and coding
• Develop ad hoc financial and operational reporting as needed
• Attend and participate in staff and team meetings as requested
• Fulfill other payroll or accounting duties and responsibilities as requested or as assigned
• Maintain a professional development plan for yourself and present this to your supervisor for regular review and support

 EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Business related field, and/or equivalent experience in payroll and benefits department preferred
• 7+ years of full-time payroll processing experience at a complex multi-state organization is required; Life Sciences company experience is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of payroll rules and regulations including taxes
• Experience with payroll systems; Paylocity is a plus
• Familiarity with benefits administration
• Ability to work independently in a time-sensitive environment, self-motivated and self-directed, and ask for support and guidance as needed
• Strong SOX experience
• Strong ability to independently research and interpret payroll and new tax requirements
• Excellent problem-solving skills and an ability to research complex issues
• Flexible mindset with the ability to identify multiple solutions or options to overcome- challenging situations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to influence and present ideas to all levels of employees throughout the organization
• Team-oriented with the ability to collaborate and build effective relationships across multiple departments and functions in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to proactively manage multiple tasks and workloads; flexible, able to adapt/adjust with short notice
• Capable of making sound judgments and anticipating needs
• Capable of handling tight deadlines in a calm manner
• High level of accuracy
• Able to maintain a strict level of confidentiality in all aspects of the position
• Advanced skills in MS Excel and proficiency with MS Word and PowerPoint

At ARS, we are proud to offer a highly competitive compensation & benefits package.