Senior Union Payroll Associate

This position is located in New York, NY.

About the role

Our client is seeking a Senior Union Payroll Associate to ensure timely and accurate processing of multi-state, multi-company weekly and bi-weekly payrolls for union and non-union freelance employees. The role requires compliance with collective bargaining agreements, company policies, and federal, state, and local regulations.

Responsibilities

• Process multi-state, multi-company weekly and bi-weekly payrolls for union and non-union freelance employees in accordance with collective bargaining agreements, company policies, and regulations.
• Handle on-demand payments, retroactive payments, one-time payments, tax adjustments, stop payments, void checks, direct deposit reversals, and overpayment collections.
• Interpret and set up withholding orders for levies, garnishments, child support, and other involuntary wage assignment orders within regulated periods.
• Understand union pay and paid time off rules, the timekeeping system, and address employee questions regarding payroll and taxation, including employer-paid union benefits.
• Assist employees and management with payroll-related questions, concerns, or requests using technical knowledge, effective communication, and active listening.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, internal controls, and SOX controls.
• Serve as a go-to expert for union payroll questions, managing timely resolution of customer issues, including escalations, root cause analysis, and implementing remedial procedures.

Requirements

• 4+ years of hands-on union payroll processing experience, preferably with IBEW, IATSE, AFTRA, and/or NABET collective bargaining agreements.
• Experience interpreting and setting up withholding orders for levies, garnishments, child support, and other involuntary wage assignments.
• Experience with automated time and attendance systems.
• Strong working knowledge of FLSA, federal, state, and local wage and hour, and tax regulations.
• Ability to interpret collective bargaining agreements for pay and paid time off rules.
• Intermediate Excel skills, including VLOOKUP and pivot tables.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills – approachable, responsive, and team-focused.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent judgment, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• High degree of professionalism and ability to deliver high-quality customer service.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships.
• Initiates and leads standardization and process improvement initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP).
• Experience with Workday Payroll.

Key Competencies & Behaviors

• Union Payroll Expertise: Hands-on multi-state payroll processing and strong understanding of collective bargaining agreements.
• Compliance & Accuracy: Knowledge of payroll regulations, taxation, garnishments, wage/hour laws, and strong attention to detail.
• Problem Solving: Ability to resolve complex payroll issues, handle escalations, and perform root-cause analysis.
• Process Improvement: Identifies opportunities to standardize processes, improve efficiency, and strengthen controls.
• Communication & Collaboration: Professional, responsive, and effective when working with employees, management, and cross-functional teams.
• Organization & Analytical Skills: Strong judgment, prioritization, Excel skills, and ability to consistently meet payroll deadlines.

Work Environment

This is an onsite position located in New York, NY.

Pay

The approximate pay range for this position is between $32.00 and $45.00 per hour. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to background, knowledge, skills, and location.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance Plans.
• Employee-Owned Profit Sharing (ESOP).
• 401K offered.