United States of America: Payroll Accountant

Freedom House promotes the spread of freedom and democracy around the world through research, advocacy, and programs that support frontline activists. We are a leader in identifying threats to freedom through our highly regarded analytic reports, including Freedom in the World, Freedom of the Press, Freedom on the Net, and Nations in Transit. With 13 field offices and two U.S. offices, we support the right of every individual to be free.

Position Summary

Set up new employees accounts in timesheet and payroll systems, verify time and process payroll for domestic and expatriate employees. Maintain all payroll issuance and disbursement records, reports, and files on two or more payroll cycles, post, and reconcile all payroll related accounts for accuracy.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate efforts between payroll and HR to ensure proper flow and maintenance of employee data


• Handle the administration of the timesheet system, set up each employee in adherence with the FLSA


• Review and ensure accuracy of approved timesheets, upload data from timesheet system and individual timecards to payroll service


• Calculate and process retroactive, and current salary increases, bonuses, and other pay adjustments


• Process wage assignments and legal garnishments, levies against wages, and other payroll deductions


• Set up all new hires and rehires with their respective benefit elections and premium deductions


• Prepare, verify, and process accurate and timely bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and off-cycle payrolls


• Ensure payroll runs balance and that reports are accurately and promptly produced


• Review for accuracy and ensure that state and federal taxes are filed in a timely manner; ensure correct year-end reports are produced


• Post payroll reductions, deductions, and payments to the general ledger, and prepare accurate reports


• Verify and reconcile all payroll-related accounting records, and ensure accuracy, and completeness, and policy and regulatory compliance


• Ensure W-2 is processed and that year-to-date adjustments effecting reporting requirements are reported accurately and promptly


• Establish and maintain employee records in accordance with FH policy and regulatory requirements


• Maintain strong working knowledge of current federal and state tax regulations to resolve complex tax related issues and make recommendations


• Advise employees on any technical aspects of payroll, and interpret payroll related laws as needed


• Ensure timely reporting and payment of employee and employer withholding taxes, premiums, and miscellaneous withholdings to appropriate agencies


• Write payroll processes and procedures, evaluate, and make recommendations for better efficiencies


• Provide standard and ad hoc reports in user friendly formats to authorized personnel as needed


• Provide payroll and timesheet training to new hi res and other employees as needed


• Assist with financial audits, and assist to document and monitor internal controls


• Resolve all work-related problems promptly, and use good judgment in escalating important issues


• Ensure all work products comply fully with standards, policies, and mission of Freedom House


• Other related duties as assigned

Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing


• Basic awareness and understanding of human rights and democracy promotion


• Mastery of federal laws, and state and local laws pertaining to payroll administration


• Strong ability to understand the flow of transactions and use an integrated accounting and payroll system, CPP certification preferred


• Ability to apply GAA P, Wage and Hour laws, and work with in strict guidelines and procedures


• Strong understanding of accounting theory concepts and application


• Ability to use accounting software such as Deltek Costpoint


• Proficiency with MS Office applications; and extensive knowledge of Excel, Word and Access


• Knowledge of USG Circulars, to include OM B A 1 10, A 122, and A 133


• Demonstrate proficiency in I 0-key by touch operation


• Strong and consistent ability to maintain confidentiality regarding al l aspects of work at all times


• Ability to apply superb attention to detail and consistently produce timely and error-free work


• Strong ability to plan, organize, prioritize work, and multi task under pressure to meet tight dead lines


• Ability to successfully work with diverse groups with limited or no understanding of accounting


• Demonstrate strong analytical skills, excellent judgment in problem solving and decision making


• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills with a client-service focus, and respond to inquiries in a courteous and professional manner


• Ability to work collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, and external agencies


• Ability to effectively manage time to meet goa ls and deadlines in a fast paced environment


• Excellent timekeeping and attendance, and ability to work flexible schedule including evenings and weekends to complete tasks


• Ability to adhere to and work within strict guidelines and procedures

Attributes and Characteristics

• Exhibit strong and sustained commitment to the mission of Freedom House


• Show good stewardship in the use of Freedom House resources


• Respond promptly to stakeholder needs, and solicit stakeholder feedback to improve service quality


• Exhibit excellent phone etiquette, pleasant demeanor, and ethical conduct


• Consistently use good judgment when dealing with all contacts and constituents


• Exhibit high work standards, adherence to procedures, and responsibility for assigned tasks


• Demonstrate strong desire for excellence, and desire to inspire others to attain professional excellence


• Assess own strengths and weaknesses; pursue training and development opportunities; strive to continuously build knowledge and skills


• Work as an effective team member, successfully balance individual and team responsibilities


• Comply with all policies and procedures

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, or finance or business management with emphasis in accounting

Training or Certification:

• CPP or FPC designation


• Payroll and Time and attendance solutions

Experience:

• Four to six years of increasingly responsible payroll experience


• Two years of international non-profit payroll experience


• Knowledge of policies and procedures relative to payroll administration


• Two years GL posting, and reconciling accounts and balances


• Experience using payroll and time and attendance solutions

PRIMARY CONTACTS:

• Internal: U.S. and field employees throughout Freedom House


• External: Timesheet and payroll vendors, financial institutions, tax and regulatory authorities, auditors, etc.

We offer great benefits including

• Generously subsidized dental insurance


• Generously subsidized vision insurance


• Generously subsidized health insurance with three options (HMO, POS, PPO)


• 100% employer paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment


• 100% employer paid short-term disability and long-term disability insurance


• Supplemental/voluntary life insurance for employee, spouse, and child(ren)


• 403(b) Retirement Plan with generous matching funds with 2 year 100% vesting schedule


• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care reimbursable expenses


• Transportation pre-tax payroll deduction for metro, and garage parking in DC


• Generous paid vacation leave, sick leave, personal leave, and holidays


• Tuition Reimbursement for graduate studies


• And much more…

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer

This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job. It is not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks and duties. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the jobholder may differ from those outlined in the job description and that other duties, as assigned, may be part of the job. Freedom House may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.

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