Payroll Manager

Payroll Manager

Under the general direction of the Controller, the Payroll Manager manages and oversees payroll operations and activities and must ensure that proper controls and processes are in place to produce payroll in a timely and accurate manner and to maintain compliance with union contract provisions and state and federal taxation, withholding, pension, and reporting requirements. The Payroll Manager will exercise the day-to-day direct supervision of staff responsible for processing the District's payroll. The Payroll Manager also researches, resolves, and interprets complex issues with regard to federal and state laws, regulations, statutes, retirement plans, pensions, and collective bargaining agreements. The Payroll Manager works closely with Human Resources and must maintain a high level of discretion and integrity when handling sensitive employee information.

Distinguishing Characteristics : This position is distinguished by its responsibility for the full range of payroll oversight and management and staff supervision. The Payroll Manager will participate in payroll-related projects, which may include the implementation of new software systems.

Supervision Received and Exercised : This position reports to the Controller and will supervise one Payroll Specialist. This position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert knowledge and be a vital member of various project teams that may be instituted.

Working Conditions : Normal working conditions for this position are in both an office and field setting. Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultants' facilities, and other locations as required. This position is not eligible for remote work.

Essential Functions : Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following :

• Manage and oversee payroll operations and activities to ensure that District employees are paid in an accurate and timely manner.
• Ensure that payroll activities and transactions comply with established federal and state laws, codes, and regulations.
• Maintain up-to-date and thorough knowledge of all federal, state, and local wage, hour, and payroll tax laws, benefit provisions and eligibility requirements, tax status of benefits programs, including, but not limited to health and welfare and section 125 plans, pensions and retirement savings programs and interpret federal and state laws governing complex payroll issues.
• Review, evaluate, interpret, and implement union contracts, collective bargaining agreements, and other employment agreements for proper wage rates, variable compensation rates, multi-role employees, manage Paid Time Off (PTO) bid schedules, multiple union dues and unemployment insurance rates and other specifics for accurate entry and processing through the payroll system.
• Oversee the preparation and maintenance of a variety of automated and manual records and reports related to the payroll function including, but not limited to, timesheets, pay rates system implementation, salary adjustments, retirement, FMLA. Review information for accuracy, identify discrepancies, and make corrections and resolve problems as necessary.
• Review, audit, and submit District payroll tax returns, W2s, CalPERS, Railroad Retirement, and State Controller's Office reports.
• Support the workers compensation audit by producing data, reports, and reconciliations.
• Coordinate project accounting with Finance to accurately charge employee time and burden to capital projects.
• Manage and implement changes in the payroll and timekeeping systems as needed due to changes in law or other reasons.
• Provide day-to-day leadership to staff in payroll and answer inquiries and respond to District employees' complaints and questions concerning payroll.
• Write and present comprehensive, concise, and clear reports, memos, and other communications.
• Act as the backup for the Payroll Specialist and have the ability to perform the full payroll cycle independently.
• Oversee and participate in the input of payroll, payroll tables, personnel, and related data into an assigned computer system; maintain various automated records; initiate queries and generate computerized lists and reports; assure accuracy of input and output data.
• Document and update procedures and instructions on payroll activities and reconciliations.
• Train and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel, including disciplinary actions as needed.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Education / Experience : Bachelor's Degree in accounting or related field. Minimum seven (7) years of prior directly relevant experience, including a minimum two (2) years supervisory experience. Increasingly responsible professional experience in a mid-size payroll department (public or private). Applicant must also have had three years of recent experience in a management or supervisory role.

A combination of experience / skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position may be considered.

Certificates / Licenses : Possess and maintain a California driver's license, Class C, and a satisfactory driving record for the last five years. Maintain compliance with the District's policies regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics.

General Requirements : Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, internal control practices, public finance, and financial reporting. Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations applicable to finance and accounting; ability to interpret and apply regulations. Knowledge of payroll laws and regulations. Exceptional written and oral communication skills. Ability to gather, organize, and analyze information, develop sound conclusions, and synthesize concepts. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals including staff, consultants, vendors, and general public. Demonstrated proficiency in computer software programs in a Windows environment, particularly the Microsoft Office suite, spreadsheet and accounting software applications, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as JD Edwards.

Physical Requirements : The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must possess the ability to use the telephone and computer for extended periods, manual dexterity to complete clerical functions and work with office equipment and lift equipment up to 25 pounds daily. The employee must be able to hear, see, and communicate verbally to exchange information. The employee must be able to physically travel between District locations and other destinations, work in evenings when required, work in hazardous conditions, and negotiate a variety of different and irregular terrain as is typical along a railway right of way. The employee may be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals. The employee must be able to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.

Machines / Tools / Equipment : Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs. Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a fax and scanner machine, copy machine, and telephone. Ability to carry and operate a mobile on-call device.

Application Information : All applicants must complete and submit an online application at www.gonctd.com / careers. A job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check. NCTD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.