Payroll Specialist

As the Payroll Specialist, this position will primarily be responsible for processing and supporting the full Payroll and Benefits accounting cycle. The Payroll Specialist will have a solid understanding of the Payroll and Benefit process from start to finish and how that relates to the overall accounting function of the organization and its objectives. While building and maintaining internal and external relationships to support cross functional teams, this position will build a critical awareness of process improvements and related efficiencies to move the Payroll and Benefit functions forward, aligning with organizational changes and future growth. This position will support and execute these processes while supporting a fast-paced environment and dynamic group of professionals within the Finance and Accounting teams. The Payroll Specialist reports to the Accounting Lead.   

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Process and execute company-wide Payroll accounting cycle, while ensuring the accurate and timely implementation of employee salary and benefit data, including managing benefit invoice reconciliations, general ledger journal entries, and employee requested updates
• Maintain effective working relationships with employees, to ensure proper salary and benefit data is recorded in an accurate and confidential manner for new, existing, and termed employees
• Processes payroll and benefit entries in accordance with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures; reviews and analyzes semi-monthly timecards for non-exempt employees for reasonableness and reconciles hours between pay periods; ensures that mandatory and voluntary withholdings and deductions are accurately calculated and reported
• Partner with Human Resources to efficiently onboard and offboard employees throughout the payroll cycle, ensuring accurate and timely processing of payroll changes related to employee status, benefits, and compensation
• Perform analysis of benefit related invoice reconciliations, coding, backup documentation, identifying discrepancies and independently working to resolve and correct issues; determine and recommend appropriate course of action needed to ensure accuracy and timely completion of related tasks
• Support timely reporting requirements and ensure requests are completed on a routine and ad-hoc basis to establish accurate financial data critical to financial or other stakeholder’s needs
• Participate in monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes to ensure proper execution of the Payroll and Benefit reconciliation process and related activities
• Conduct monthly reconciliations of payroll and benefit related accounts to the general ledger; identify and correct discrepancies in a timely manner during the financial reporting period
• Calculate and maintain employee time management hourly rates and associated indirect overhead percentages to be recorded to capital projects
• Support the maintenance and validation of all necessary updates and modifications in the payroll system Automatic Data Processing (ADP) to ensure accurate and timely payments to employees and state taxing authorities
• Support active Payroll and Benefit process improvement initiative and recommendations while maintaining an accurate, functional procedure and policy documentation library for the position
• Prepare recurring monthly and miscellaneous journal entries and related support schedules
• Compile and support annual W-2 reconciliation and reporting process
• Assist with annual payroll related compensation and benefit budget calculations and system inputs
• Create and manage payroll reporting and analysis, including conducting detailed census analyses between payrolls, preparing and submitting payroll-related reports, and ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies and relevant regulations
• Compile payroll and benefit reporting for workers compensation and corporate insurance renewals and associated audits thereafter
• Actively participate in cross-functional team projects and initiatives as it relates to the Payroll and Benefits process and other needs of the utility
• Assist directly in annual financial audit, budget process, regulatory reporting activities and other ad-hoc projects within the finance function
• Adhere to a high level of confidentiality for the benefit of individual employees and the company
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3 to 5 years of experience in payroll and benefit accounting practices
• Experience processing and administering payroll using ADP Run, ADP Workforce Now, and managing Time and Attendance platforms
• Leverage experience with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) such as BambooHR and Employee Navigator, demonstrating technical savvy to optimize payroll processes and seamlessly integrate various platforms to enhance efficiency and accuracy
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and related MS Office products, dynamic ERP systems such as Oracle Fusion, PeopleSoft FCM, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, or other large scale multi-module accounting systems
• Experience working in a fast-pace dynamic and growth mindset environment
• Ability to stay organized, work independently, and prioritize order over all inputs and outputs of position and daily needs, as directed
• Self-starter who can problem solve, utilize, and exhaust available tools and resources, and take initiative independently or as part of a team
• Process oriented, with strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong professional, written, and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to utilize critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills daily

Why work at Wind Energy Transmission Texas (WETT)

We offer an opportunity to be an integral part of a company that eagerly pursues to provide Texans with the best energy transmission value and service available by delivering clean, renewable energy. Benefits of being an employee of WETT; include, but are not limited to the following:

• Annual Salary will be based on experience and credentials
• Generous paid time off (PTO), holidays, and many more
• A Hybrid Work Schedule
• Great health and wellness benefits including parental leave
• Matching 401k
• Collaborative team approach environment
• Only resumes that meet qualification requirements will be reviewed.