Title: Payroll Senior Associate

Employee Status: Regular Full Time

Work From Home Option: Not Applicable

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Overview:

The Payroll Senior Associate is a seasoned individual contributor who works independently with minimal supervision. The Payroll Senior Associate helps establish and implement projects, programs, and processes in support of the organization's overall Payroll strategy. Applies advanced knowledge of payroll to establish best-of-class policies, procedures, and plans for the area. Responsible for designing and/or ensuring compliance with payroll processes, including calculating gross and net pay amounts (e.g., salary, overtime, shift payments, sales commissions, bonuses, deferred compensation, benefits, tax withholdings, deductions, payroll liabilities, etc.).

Essential Functions:

• Works independently under limited supervision to execute tasks for the Payroll team, exercising a high level of decision making to effectively resolve problems and roadblocks as they occur.
• Leads payroll processing activities, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely execution of payroll cycles.
• Analyzes payroll data and trends to identify process improvements and implement best practices.
• Manages compliance with payroll-related tax laws, deductions, and benefit contributions.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams, including HR and Finance, to address payroll-related challenges and system enhancements.
• Trains and mentors junior payroll team members, providing guidance on processes and issue resolution.
• Coaches more junior colleagues in techniques, processes, and responsibilities.
• Accurately process, but not limited to, weekly payrolls, Collective Bargaining Agreement payout, changes, and union deductions, using our cloud-based Human Capital Management software, iCON, and time and attendance workforce management system to ensure compliance, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Reconcile payroll before transmission and validate reports.
• Run various audit reports pre- and post-payroll processing to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance. Research and resolve discrepancies and analyze any variances, etc.
• Once payroll is reconciled, submit the journal entry to Finance to record the payroll liabilities in the General Ledger.
• Assume the submission of respective local union audit reports to the respective union auditors:
  • W-2 Statements for the Local Group(s)
  • Quarterly 941 Forms for the New York Racing Association, Inc. filings
  • 940 Form for the New York Racing Association, Inc. filing
• Reports outlining the Quarterly SUI filings and Reports of Hours / Earnings for the Local Union Group(s)

Qualifications:

• Minimum Requirements:
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
    
  • At least five (5) years of payroll and/or time and labor experience as well as human resources experience, preferably in a union environment.
  • Solid proficiency with MS Word, MS Excel, and web-based systems.
    
  • Experience with web-based HR/payroll systems
  • Experience with Time Tracking Systems
  • Basic Accounting knowledge and performing reconciliations.
  • Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), highly desired
• Skills Proficiency Level: Payroll Systems, Payroll Reporting, Analytical Skills, QuickBooks (Accounting Software), Bookkeeping, Balancing (Ledger/Billing), Ethical Standards and Conduct, Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Record Keeping, Report Writing, Tax Preparation, W-2/W-2c year-end reconciliation, Data Entry, Customer Service, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.), Collaboration and positive relationship-building both internally as a team and externally, Problem-solving and troubleshooting., Conflict and resolution management, Managing priorities and multi-tasking, Effective written and verbal communication, Organization, Critical Thinking
• Competencies:
  • Elevates Everyone’s Experience through meaningful interactions and communication. And, by treating each other with respect and consistently displaying value and appreciation for the contributions of others.
  • Advances a Culture of Safety and Integrity by acting in the organization’s best interest, adhering to all policies, and upholding ethical standards.
  • Innovates and adapts by seeking feedback to improve performance, introducing new ideas and solutions to advance the organization.
  • Shows Pride of Ownership by being accountable for your role and responsibilities, mentoring colleagues, maintaining transparency in all interactions, and sharing your success with everyone involved.
  • Achieves Excellence by delivering your best effort, demonstrating exceptional leadership attributes, and persevering through challenges.
    • Challenge the status quo and increase process efficiency.

Summary of Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

Primarily sedentary in nature with no special demands required as this is an office role.

Pay Range / Salary: $110,000 - 120,000 annually