Assistant Director, Payroll Accounting-Hybrid

Columbia University in the City of New York • Full-time • New York, New York State, United States • $90k - $110k / year • 1m ago

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world. Columbia is one of the top academic and research institutions in the world, conducting path breaking research in medicine, science, the arts, and the humanities. It includes three undergraduate schools, thirteen graduate and professional schools, a world-renowned medical center, four affiliated colleges and seminaries, twenty-five libraries, and more than one hundred research centers and institutes. The creation of the Columbia Climate School is the first new school in 25 years at the University. Columbia can claim 86 Nobel Laureates as well as over 380 new inventions each year. Columbia is rated in the top 10 of private employers in NYC, and minorities make up 45% of faculty and staff. We are committed to attracting and retaining the best and brightest in the workforce to support our mission of excellence in higher education and research.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Reporting to the Payroll Director, the Assistant Director is responsible for the management of payroll accounting including general ledger reconciliation of payroll liability accounts, proper and timely remittance of federal, state and local taxes withholdings and union dues and timely tracking and resolution of suspense postings. The role directly manages a team of three individuals to accomplish the responsibilities of the team.Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

· develops and maintains University payroll policies and procedures for payroll accounting;

· assists the Payroll Director in identifying opportunities for process improvement and participates in the design and implementation of enhancements;

· helps develop payroll accounting training materials and provides on-going guidance to school and department administrators;

· timely and compliant state and federal tax reporting to various government agencies and vendors including timely reconciliation filing and tracking of quarterly Form 941s….

· timely and compliant union dues reporting and payment processing

· ensures a high level of employee service is provided;

· liaises with ADP and other benefit providers and vendors who provide key payroll services,

· partners with departments to monitor all department payroll suspense accounts and facilitates communication with various University departments to clear these items on a monthly basis,

· provides effective resolution to advanced services requested through the University’s inquiry management tool, Service Now;

· manages, reviews and approves the monthly reconciliation of all payroll related ledger accounts and quarterly reconciliation of payroll subledger with the general ledger

· prepares support for University financial audits and support all audits

· collaborates with Pensions, Tax, Benefits and HR teams, completing research as required. Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, plus a minimum of four years’ experience related to payroll general ledger accounting and payroll financial operations; at least five years related experience strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience required working with large payrolls (15,000+ employees) or similar scale financial processes, with PeopleSoft (or similar ERP). Experience in a large, complex environment is a plus. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) essential, along with a demonstrated ability to prepare reports, summaries and analyses and present findings and recommendations. Must be detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem solving skills, and have the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, working with diplomacy and efficiency in a high-pressured, short-deadline environment. Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, superior management skills, active listening skills, plus the ability to work closely and effectively with a diverse group of University administrators, characterized by strong consensus building and relationship building skills, essential. Must be able to negotiate issues and resolve problems. In addition, the successful candidate must be able to work well with all levels of management, both internally and externally, be flexible in nature, have sound judgment with an open and collaborative style of leadership that encourages teamwork and cooperation beyond the immediate team to the broader organization, and a strong role model, manager and coach. Must have a passion for excellent customer service and commitment to exceptional quality.

To be considered an applicant, all interested parties MUST apply through the Columbia University online employment application system. Paste the following quick link into your browser to access this position posting:

http://opportunities.columbia.edu/cw/en-us/job/547496?lApplicationSubSourceID=

Columbia University is an Equal Employment / Affirmative Action Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits: