Payroll Specialist

Job Responsibilities

• Aid clients in processing payrolls, assisting with onboarding new clients, and addressing clients' unique needs.
• Maintain an assigned base of payroll clients, approximately 175-200 clients, based on knowledge and experience level.
• Provide excellent customer service support by resolving client issues and concerns promptly and accurately, while building long-term relationships.
• Stay updated on payroll and payroll tax rules and regulations and ensure compliance.
• Ensure all data entry changes are accurately keyed in a timely manner.
• Ensure deadlines are met and payrolls and reports are produced accurately.
• Serve as a single point of contact for clients and coordinate with other internal departments to fulfill client needs.
• Handle escalated calls from other payroll team members as needed.
• Support and assist management in the training of other payroll team members.
• Perform adjustments, reconciliations, and audits, researching all issues.
• Assist management in documenting workflows and processes and procedures.
• Learn to coordinate and perform a variety of complex payroll/HR/Time duties in the preparation, processing, and maintenance of payroll, salary, and benefit calculations.
• Process payrolls for new clients to ensure all parts are functioning smoothly.
• Ensure client notes and issues are documented within Newtek (iSolved).
• Train new clients on iSolved online system as needed, reporting and productions available.
• Monitor all internal/external communication channels, including email and voicemail notifications, providing responsiveness.
• Communicate effectively with clients and colleagues to establish cordial/effective working relationships.
• Be comfortable being on video camera while engaging with clients/customers, attending company/department meetings, etc., as required.
• Make independent decisions on problem resolution that are consistent with Newtek's policies and procedures.
• Escalate significant client issues to Payroll Specialist II or management as needed.
• Assume responsibility for establishing and maintaining effective communication and coordination with Newtek team and management.
• Keep management informed of area of activities and of any significant client problems.
• Demonstrate initiative frequently by constantly looking for and recommending ways to improve.
• Attend and participate in meetings as required.
• Maintain a professional manner and positive attitude with all Newtek and clients at all times.
• Identify areas of client dissatisfaction and coordinate with management to resolve.

Qualifications

• High School or equivalent experience and a minimum of 1 year of full-cycle payroll processing experience in a complex environment including multiple pay groups and pay cycles within a payroll service bureau preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field preferred.
• Prior working experience as a Payroll Client Services Specialist preferred.
• American Payroll Association certification (FPC or CPP) preferred.
• Basic knowledge of payroll tax laws at the federal and state levels.
• Experience and operating knowledge of at least two payroll/HCM systems such as ADP Workforce Now, Workday, Paychex, or Ceridian with experience in iSolved a plus.
• Strong client relationship building skills.
• Experience handling mid-size payrolls.
• Good knowledge of payroll and time systems, production environment and implementation practices.
• Willingness to learn and gain a basic understanding of other Newtek products and solutions.
• Good professional oral, written communication skills; follow detailed directions; set priorities and organize work to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work under time constraints and meet schedules; at times with unexpected deadlines while ensuring client's payroll needs are met.
• Resourceful, one that takes accountability ownership for their job.
• Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships with all levels of management.
• Bilingual a plus or may be required based on company needs.
• Strong interpersonal skills and must possess a positive attitude.
• Attention to accuracy and detail in processing information.
• Ability to manage multiple, high priority tasks and adjust to shifting priorities, while meeting deadlines.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Flexible and cooperative in fulfilling all obligations.
• Must possess drive and enthusiasm and thrive in a team environment.
• Able to handle highly sensitive data with confidentiality and integrity.
• Excellent work ethic with a desire to succeed.
• Proficient in Windows based computer applications (Microsoft Office Suite), advanced Excel (v-lookups, pivot tables,) and data import/export.
• Internal systems; iSolved, etc.
• External systems; MasterTax, etc.