Who we are:
The Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) represents over 117,000 members and nearly 400 locals across the state and employs a full-time staff of over 150. Our members are public school teachers, faculty, professional staff, and education support professionals working at public schools, colleges, and universities. As a member-driven organization and the largest union in New England, our collective power makes MTA an influential voice for educators, students, and their communities. We are proud to be an advocate for social, racial, and economic justice and for a public education system that provides one of the cornerstones of a democratic society.
Overview:
The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the organization's payroll functions to ensure accurate and timely processing of employee compensation. This includes directing and providing guidance and supervision to payroll staff, maintaining compliance with federal, state regulations, identifying and implementing efficient payroll processes/systems and updating procedures.
Essential Job Functions:
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Supervise and mentor payroll staff.
- Promote a culture of service and operational excellence.
- Conduct training on payroll systems and compliance standards.
- Strong leadership and team-building capabilities.
- Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains new staff in the department.
- Oversee the daily workflow of the department.
- Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations.
Operations:
- Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for weekly, semi-monthly, and annual cycles.
- For each pay period, review weekly and semi-monthly payroll reconciliation of changes for accuracy and completeness and ensure that reconciliation agrees to ADP Payroll Register.
- Implement, maintain, and review payroll processing systems to ensure timely and accurate calculation of salaries, bonuses, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions.
- Manage the preparation and maintenance of accurate records and reports of payroll transactions and submit for internal reviews.
- Prepare GL Payroll posting entry, along with supporting schedule that reconciles payroll system activity to GL.
- Reconcile payroll general ledger accounts, ensuring all payroll-related transactions are accurately posted.
- Track employee STD, LTD and PFML payments and confirm all payments issued by TPA are deposited and employee form W2s are accurately stated.
Compliance and Audit:
- Ensure accurate deductions and withholdings for taxes, benefits, and other payroll-related items are paid timely and accurately.
- Oversee and review benefit paid time off processes to ensure data is accurately calculated.
- Partner with HR department to audit payroll and HR data and develop consistent standard operating procedures for data entry and payroll and benefit reporting.
- Oversee and review payroll changes including new hires, terminations, promotions, and changes to pay rates.
- Monthly, reconciliation of payroll liability accounts.
- Conduct periodic audits of payroll data to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Stay updated on industry trends and changes in payroll legislation to ensure ongoing compliance.
- Primary contact for annual 401k Compliance, Worker's Compensation, and Retirement Plan audits.
- Prepare quarterly reconciliation of Form 941 to GL.
- Update Retirement and 401K remittance schedules after each payroll to ensure deposits are transmitted timely.
- Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual payroll earnings and deductions reporting for internal and external users.
- Respond to employee inquiries regarding escalated payroll issues and provide resolutions in a timely manner.
- Prepare and analyze payroll reports, providing insights and recommendations to senior management.
- Serve as primary backup for payroll processing.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Systems & Process Improvement:
- Assess payroll systems and processes for efficiency and automation opportunities. Make recommendations relating to software relating to process and procedures.
- Develop and refine payroll policies and procedures to improve workflows and reduce errors.
- Manage transition related to payroll interface with new financial accounting system as applicable.
- Optimizing modules in ADP.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience in a broad range of financial accounting and reporting) is required.
- 5-10 years of payroll experience, including 3+ years in a managerial role.
- Processing payroll in a Union a plus.
- Strong knowledge of payroll regulations.
- Experience with financial accounting system implementation and optimization (payroll preferred).
- Proficiency in ADP or other payroll software and Microsoft applications.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong attention to detail for accurate calculations and compliance.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong analytical and mathematical skills to handle complex payroll data.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
- Strong organizational and leadership skills.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
*MTA reserves the right to waive any qualifications at its discretion*
The MTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff.
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