Payroll Specialist

Job description

Department: Finance
Reports to: Payroll Supervisor
Status: Non-exempt,
Probation: 90 Days
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision; also including Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, and 403(b) Retirement Plan
CENTER MISSION
Building a world where LGBT people thrive as healthy, equal, and complete members of society.
DEPARTMENT SUMMARY
The Finance Department is responsible for all financial and accounting matters of the Centers’ ten locations throughout the Los Angeles area. There are a wide variety of areas within the Finance department, including treasury, accounting, government grants, tax, contracts, Payroll, and risk management. The Finance Department is a team of hardworking individuals who are committed to providing timely financial reporting so that the Center can continue to provide much-needed services to the community.
JOB SUMMARY
The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll activities for all employees at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. Reporting to the Supervisor, Payroll, this role involves verifying payroll data, coordinating employment status changes, managing benefits deductions, responding to payroll inquiries, and supporting payroll-related projects. The position requires strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and adherence to payroll laws and organizational values.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Payroll Processing
• Process semi-monthly payroll for all employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Review and verify timesheets, attendance records, and other payroll-related data for completeness and correctness.
• Calculate and process payroll adjustments, deductions, and garnishments as necessary.
• Coordinate with People & Culture (P&C) to process new hires, terminations, and employment status changes.
• Ensure accuracy of employee data including hours worked, taxes, and benefits deductions.

Benefits and Deductions Coordination
• Manage employee benefits deductions such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and flexible spending accounts.
• Collaborate with P&C and Finance departments to reconcile payroll-related accounts and resolve discrepancies under the guidance of the Payroll Supervisor.

Payroll Support and Compliance
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries regarding pay, taxes, deductions, and related matters with a customer service focus.
• Generate payroll reports and analyze data to identify trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Stay informed about changes in payroll laws, regulations, and best practices to ensure compliance.

System and Process Improvement
• Utilize payroll software systems effectively to streamline payroll processes and maximize efficiency.
• Identify and recommend opportunities to enhance payroll systems and procedures to improve accuracy and user experience.

Training and Subject Matter Expertise
• Support training of staff on payroll-related policies, procedures, and systems.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on payroll matters, providing guidance and assistance to colleagues as needed.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• High school diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in payroll processing or a related field.
• No license or certification is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with HRIS and payroll software systems.
• Strong mathematical and data analysis skills.
• Working knowledge of payroll principles, laws, regulations, and best practices, particularly in California.
• Familiarity with payroll processes including benefits deductions, garnishments, and tax compliance.
• Knowledge of issues relevant to the LGBTQ community is preferred.
• Ability to navigate complex union environments.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field is a plus.
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now or similar payroll systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations in a multicultural environment.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation or equivalent certification is a plus.
• Bilingual skills, particularly English/Spanish fluency, are preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods while using a computer and workstation.
• Manual dexterity and repetitive hand motion required for data entry and use of payroll software.
• Ability to read screens and printed materials.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / SCHEDULING REQUIREMENTS
• Work is performed primarily in an office environment. • Full-time, 100%, non-exempt, confidential position. • Probation period of 90 days. • Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, and a 403(b) Retirement Plan. • Compliance with the Center’s COVID-19 vaccination policy as a condition of employment, subject to applicable laws.</div>

The Los Angeles LGBT Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering diversity within its staff. Applications are encouraged from all persons regardless of their race, color, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, religion, disability, age, military or veteran status, including status as a victim of domestic violence, assault or stalking, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation or activities, medical or health conditions, or marital status.