Senior Accountant-Payroll, Hybrid Schedule

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate Director, the Sr. Accountant is responsible for all payroll accounting functions including monthly reconciliation of all payroll related accounts with the general ledgers, complete research of all variances in collaboration with payroll operations, ensuring timely and accurate remittance of federal, state and local taxes withholdings, reporting of quarterly taxes, compliance and reporting of union dues, and suspense account monitoring.

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to :

• Manage the monthly reconciliation of all payroll-related balance sheet accounts to the general ledger balance, investigating discrepancies and implementing corrective actions promptly to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Reconcile payroll gross to net amounts monthly and quarterly reconciliation of payroll subledger to the general ledger.
• Prepare journal entries and vouchers with comprehensive supporting documentation to maintain accurate financial records.
• Prepare audit schedules and other documentation to support the financial statement audit, uniform guidance audit, union audits and other audits.
• Ensure timely and compliant state and federal tax reporting to various government agencies and vendors.
• Prepare and file all necessary tax forms and reporting.
• Maintain and enhance internal controls related to payroll accounting to ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial payroll reporting.
• Serve as liaison between payroll and outside benefit providers / administrators ensuring accurate accounting for all payroll-related transactions.
• Assist the Associate Director with system enhancements, as required.
• Assist with the year-end W2-C process.
• Ensure a high level of service is provided.
• Collaborate with the General Ledger Accounting team to analyze and resolve any payroll-related accounting issues, including cash and outstanding check issues.
• Work closely with Human Resources regarding various deductions (union, benefits, etc.).
• Prepare filing for 1042S reporting at year end.
• Complete quarterly reconciliation of 941 and 941-X.
• Keep abreast of all changes / updates related to tax compliance and new regulations.
• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting and / or its equivalent required.
• A minimum of three years' related accounting experience in a large, complex environment required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with Oracle / PeopleSoft preferred.
• Prior payroll accounting experience is preferred.

Other Requirements

• Must be detail-oriented with strong analytical skills and organized work habits.
• Must possess drive and initiative to resolve issues.
• Must have excellent written, oral and interpersonal skills.
• Strong computer skills, including high level of proficiency in Excel and database software, required.
• Must be able to identify priorities within multiple assignments in a high-pressured, short-deadline environment, and be able to work with diplomacy and efficiency in such an environment.
• Must be able to demonstrate excellent organizational, analytical, critical thinking, interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• In addition, the successful candidate must be able to work well with all levels of employees, be flexible in nature, have sound judgment with an open and collaborative style that encourages teamwork and cooperation beyond the immediate team to the broader organization.
• Must have a passion for excellent customer service and commitment to exceptional quality.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.