Why would I want this job?

Reporting to the Associate Director Payroll, the Associate Payroll Operations role is a key member of the Finance team responsible and accountable for supporting and processing the rapidly growing US payroll and accounting function, ensuring payroll is processed timely, completely, and accurately and in compliance with Federal and State regulations and mandates.  The Senior Associate Payroll Operations will support the administration of the AMEX Corporate Credit card as well as, any payroll related special projects and process improvement initiatives including, but not limited to, ADP US Payroll service enhancement initiative, US multi-state tax allocation project, and various other HR/Payroll related process improvement initiatives.

This individual contributor role will partner closely with HR, Finance, IT, and Tax to develop and improve end to end Hire-to-Retire processes.  The ideal candidate for this role will be a hands-on proactive self-starter with excellent verbal and written communication skills, cross functional project management and end-to-end process experience, executive presence, and the ability to influence and drive process change that is required to enhance the employee experience and ensure compliance with Federal and State labor laws.

What would I be doing?

  • Ensure payroll operation and accounting policies and processes are implemented and operating effectively to ensure completeness and accuracy of results and compliance with Audit, SOX, and regulatory requirements.
  • Ensure complete, accurate, and timely preparation and distribution of payroll including salaries, benefits, garnishments, withholding taxes, and other deductions.
  • Perform and review period-to-period reconciliations and comparative analysis to ensure completeness, accuracy, and identify any unusual activity requiring further investigation.
  • Ensure state registrations are completed in a timely manner, as applicable, to support payroll withholding tax reporting and payroll processing.
  • Support equity compensation transactions (RSU and Warrant Exercises) by executing payroll withholding taxes (next day deposit rule) and issuing net remit settlement payments to employees.
  • Support US commercial initiatives including quarterly incentive compensation bonus settlements, vehicle reimbursement / fleet program, etc.
  • Process 940/941 tax payments, accurate and timely year-end reporting (W-2, W-2c, etc.).
  • Serve as the internal contact for employee related payroll questions.  Maintain employee confidence by ensuring high discretion and treating sensitive payroll information as confidential.
  • Identify and participate in cross functional process improvement projects as needed to remediate recurring pain points and integration issues.
  • Participate in ERP and systems implementation projects as needed
  • Participate in internal and external audit reviews as needed and fulfill audit data requests, including workers compensation audits, 401K audits, and payroll tax audits, as applicable.
  • Administer the AMEX Corporate credit card program in the US
  • Ensure governmental statistical reporting requirements are met.
  • Assist in the preparation of public reporting disclosures for compensation matters.

What would make me qualified?

  • 4+ years of payroll operations best practice experience with solid understanding of payroll accounting processes, general accounting principles, and monthly close requirements
  • BA or BS recommended
  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred
  • Hands on experience with ADP Workforce Now software, financial ERP systems, and account reconciliation/certification tools
  • Ability to multi-task as a self-starter in a fast-paced, lean organizational environment with time sensitive deadlines and project support
  • Proven ability to work cross functionally and influence end to end transversal process changes
  • Comfortable with ambiguity and the need to create processes and procedures based on best practices
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with executive presence and ability to influence and drive process improvement changes.
  • Strong excel and financial analysis skills and abilities, with strong attention to detail
  • Strong SOX internal control knowledge and experience
  • Benefits experience a plus