Payroll Specialist

Newport Mental Health - Middletown, RI

Full-time - Mid Level

Middletown, RI

About the position

The Payroll Specialist at port Mental Health is a crucial role responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees. This position ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll regulations while maintaining the confidentiality of employee records. The Payroll Specialist will analyze payroll data to support financial planning and budgeting within the organization, contributing to the overall financial health of port Mental Health. In this role, the Payroll Specialist will process bi-weekly payroll, verifying timesheets and wage computations to detect and reconcile discrepancies. They will manage payroll deductions, including taxes, benefits, and garnishments, and prepare payroll checks and direct deposit statements. Compliance is a key aspect of this position, as the Payroll Specialist will ensure adherence to payroll laws and regulations, prepare and file payroll tax returns, and maintain accurate payroll records for audits. Additionally, the Payroll Specialist will analyze payroll data to identify trends and areas for cost savings, collaborating with the finance department to support budgeting and forecasting efforts. They will serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll inquiries, educating employees about payroll procedures and maintaining confidentiality in handling sensitive information. The role also involves maintaining and updating payroll system software, ensuring data integrity, and performing regular audits of payroll system data. This position is based in Middletown, RI, and may require occasional extended hours during payroll cycles, with a potential for hybrid work options.

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly payroll for all employees, ensuring accuracy and adherence to deadlines.
• Verify timesheets, wage computation, and other information to detect and reconcile payroll discrepancies.
• Manage payroll deductions, including taxes, benefits, garnishments, and other withholdings.
• Prepare and distribute payroll checks and direct deposit statements.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.
• Prepare and file quarterly and annual payroll tax returns.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and prepare reports for audits as needed.
• Stay updated on changes in payroll laws and regulations and adjust processes accordingly.
• Analyze payroll data to identify trends, discrepancies, and areas for cost savings.
• Collaborate with the finance department to support budgeting and forecasting efforts.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll inquiries and issues.
• Educate employees about payroll procedures, benefits deductions, and tax withholdings.
• Handle sensitive information and maintain the highest level of confidentiality.
• Maintain and update payroll system software, ensuring data integrity and accuracy.
• Collaborate with IT and HR departments to resolve system issues and implement updates.
• Perform regular audits of payroll system data to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Requirements

• Associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is a plus.
• Minimum of 3 years of payroll processing experience, preferably in a healthcare or mental/behavioral health setting.
• Experience with payroll software systems (e.g., ADP, Paylocity, or similar) is required.
• Strong understanding of payroll principles, practices, and regulations.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

Benefits

• Excellent Health and Dental Insurance
• Vacation, Sick and Personal time accrued biweekly
• Up to 11 Paid Holidays
• Retirement program through Mutual of America
• Additional supplemental insurance programs
• Tuition reimbursement
• Mileage reimbursement
• Employer paid life insurance
• Flexible spending account (FSA) and dependent care (DCA) spending accounts