Payroll and Benefits Associate

Position Title

Rate of Pay

Payroll and Benefits Associate

$65,000 per year

Department

Work Location

Human Resources

On-site

Reports to

Work Schedule

Chief People Officer

Monday - Friday (9 am - 5 pm)

FLSA Status

Position Classification

Non-exempt

Full-Time, Regular, Non-Supervisory

Since its founding at the 1964-65 New York World's Fair, the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) has inspired millions of people - children, teachers, and families - by offering innovative, participatory ways to learn and encouraging people to explore their curiosity and nurture their creativity. Located in Queens, the most ethnically diverse county in the country, NYSCI welcomes 400,000 visitors each year and serves thousands more through outreach in schools, teacher professional development, and participation in a variety of public events and research initiatives.

NYSCI is a leader in the science museum field, recognized for its highly regarded exhibitions, programs, and products, all of which are informed by our inclusive, research-derived approach to STEM learning and engagement called Design, Make, Play. The defining characteristics of Design, Make, Play - open-ended exploration, imaginative learning, personal relevance, deep engagement, and delight - are the ingredients that invite broad participation in STEM and make engagement and learning irresistible. Through this transformative model for STEM exploration, NYSCI engages a broad community of learners in STEM by fostering the excitement of self-directed exploration and by tapping into the joy of learning intrinsic in young people's play. NYSCI has approximately 87 full-time and over 103 part-time and casual staff members.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Payroll and Benefits Associate is responsible for the accurate and timely payroll processing and the administration of employee benefits and related programs. The associate will work closely with the Human Resources and Finance teams to ensure payroll is processed accurately and in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality. The associate will be the primary point of contact for employee questions regarding payroll, benefits, and timekeeping.

The ideal candidate will have experience in payroll processing and benefits administration. This experience includes reviewing timecards, entering payroll information, running payroll reports, and analyzing payroll reports. A strong understanding of NY payroll best practices is a must. Benefits administration includes adding, terminating, and making all benefits enrollment changes, understanding plan designs, reconciling benefits invoices, strong reporting for audits, and open enrollment. Candidates who do not have both payroll processing and benefits administration will not be considered.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Payroll Administration (Primary Focus) :

o Process bi-weekly payroll for all employees using our HRIS / Payroll system, ADP Workforce Now, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness.

o Manage time and attendance system inputs, review timesheets, and resolve discrepancies.

o Process new hires, terminations, changes in compensation, and various deductions (e.g., tax, benefits, garnishments).

o Ensure compliance with federal, New York State, and New York City wage and hour laws, including minimum wage, overtime, and paid leave requirements (e.g., NYC Paid Safe and Sick Leave, NYS Paid Family Leave).

o Reconcile payroll before transmission and validate confirmed reports.

o Serve as the primary contact for payroll-related inquiries from employees and external vendors.

Benefits Administration (Primary Focus) :

o Administer all employee benefit plans (health, dental, vision, life, disability, 401(k), commuter benefits, etc.).

o Manage new hire benefits enrollment, qualifying life event changes, and annual open enrollment processes.

o Process and track all leaves of absence (FMLA, NY PFL, STD, LTD) in compliance with federal and state regulations.

o Liaise with benefits carriers and vendors to ensure smooth administration, resolve issues, and communicate plan updates.

o Conduct benefits orientations and guide employees on plan options and procedures.

HRIS Management & Data Integrity :

o Maintain accurate and confidential employee data in the HR Information System (HRIS), ensuring data integrity for payroll and benefits.

o Generate various HR and payroll reports for compliance, analysis, and auditing.

Employee Support & General HR :

o Serve as a knowledgeable resource for employees regarding payroll and benefits.

o Assist with recruitment administration and new hire onboarding processes as needed.

o Participate in special HR projects and initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a meticulous, organized, detail-oriented professional with strong payroll and benefits administration. The ideal candidate will be a proactive problem-solver with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field.
• Working with labor unions is preferred .
• 2-3 years of experience in dedicated payroll processing and benefits administration.
• Proven expertise with HRIS and payroll systems (ADP Workforce Now preferred).
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, New York State, and New York City employment laws, including FLSA, ERISA, FMLA, NY PFL, NYC Paid Safe and Sick Leave, and COBRA.

REQUIREMENTS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

BENEFITS

NYSCI strives to be an inclusive place to work. We work to foster multiple voices and perspectives, empower staff as problem solvers, and support professional growth for all.

The New York Hall of Science also offers generous benefits and perks for all regular full-time employees. These currently include :

HOW TO APPLY

Please upload your resume and cover letter through our online careers page.

Please note that while each submission will be carefully considered, the Museum can only contact applicants whose knowledge, skills, and work experience best fit the position's requirements.

Interview Process

1. Introductory Interview (Phone Interview)

2. Second Interview (Virtual or On-site with Chief People Officer)

3. Final On-site Meeting with HR Team / Professional Reference Check

Application Deadline :

No phone calls or faxes, please.

The New York Hall of Science is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment with the best employees. We provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military service, marital status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. We support a drug-free workplace.

Please let us know if there are preparations we can make to help ensure you have a comfortable and positive interview experience.

We recognize that an applicant is unlikely to meet 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.