Payroll Analyst

About the RWA:At the South-Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA) we provide more than just waterwe deliver life-sustaining resources to nearly 430000 consumers every day. As a nonprofit public corporation driven by our commitment to excellence and community we take pride in being responsible stewards of over 28000 acres of watershed land ensuring the sustainability of our environment for future generations. Guided by the principles of Conscious Capitalism we believe in the power of business to make a positive impact on the region we serve. When you join RWA you have more than a job you have a purpose and will become part of a team that values integrity environmental stewardship and community service. Youll work with purpose knowing that every drop of water we deliver makes a difference and that our customers trust us to uphold the highest standards of reliability sustainability and SUMMARY:The Payroll Analyst serves as the centralized point of contact for payroll related inquiries and serves as a resource for payroll processing. Responsible for payroll input output and reconciliation of the organizations weekly payroll and ensures accuracy of monthly pension pay cycles managed by a third-party vendor. Maintains annual payroll related software set up. Works closely with the HRIS & Benefits Manager and manages payroll related data outcome for software updates upgrades new implementations including beta testing and post upgrade audit. Owns the annual payroll budgeting software setup and collaborates closely with managers across the organization to prepare the annual payroll budget and mid-year payroll projection :Payroll Processing & DisbursementsProcess payroll transactions and timely processing of two weekly payrollsCalculate and process manual and void checksProcess courtordered garnishments and wage verificationsPrepare retro payments per HR guidance and union contract negotiationsPrepare annual union increases Prepare annual bonus paymentsMonitor uncashed checks; process replacements or voids to avoid unclaimed propertyResponsible for the payroll budgeting process working closely with cost center owners and payroll for subsidiary entities and payroll set-up for new entities as they are aquired. Pension AdministrationProcess pension transactions and reconcile monthly pension paymentsProvide monthly pension reporting to AccountingPrepare annual pension reports for Accounting and auditorsBenefits Administration & FundingManage electronic funding for HSA Medical 457 and 401(k) vendorsPull data for new and paidoff 401(k) loans (deduction start/stop)Pull medical benefit data for midyear funding and fund employer HSAPrepare annual United Way deductions Process Global Metrix 401(k) HSA employer annual funding and related paymentsReconciliation Accounting & General Ledger SupportPrepare payroll reconciliations journal entries payment vouchers and GL posting batchesPrepare monthly PR distribution account reports for AccountingAid Accounting with payrollrelated bank reconciliation differencesPartner with Accounting to ensure accurate payrolltoGL data flowReporting Analysis & BudgetingPrepare monthly actual vs. budget analyses for overtime and headcountPrepare monthly staffing changes reportsPrepare monthly safety hours reportsPrepare monthly union dues reports and ensure timely paymentPrepare monthly United Way & whole life deduction listings to annual payroll projections and payroll budgets with related reportsMaintain annual budget updates to custom payroll distribution software tablesTrain managers on budgeting and payroll/budget softwareCompliance Tax & Regulatory RequirementsEnsure compliance with company policies union contracts and wage & hour lawsReview tax reports W2s and 1099Rs for accuracyEnsure compliance with federal state and unemployment tax regulationsProcess quarterly electronic unemployment funding to the Department of LaborCollect and calculate quarterly vehicle mileage and other fringe benefits per IRS requirementsRespond to payrollrelated correspondence from regulatory agenciesAudits & Internal ControlsRandomly audit payroll deductions earnings and taxes Randomly audit payroll software functionalityPrepare payroll footnote data and documentation for annual auditsCompile captive insurance renewal and annual audit dataWork with internal external and financial auditorsSystems Software & Process ManagementManage payroll and budget software and issue resolution and vendor support tickets when payroll impacts related to HRIS and budget software upgrades setup testing and trainingComplete annual payroll system setup (holidays schedules tax updates GL changes)Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs)Training Partnerships & Customer ServiceProvide payroll processing training to backup staffTrain employees and managers on timesheet entryPartner with Human Resources and Accounting to ensure data accuracyProvide reports and payroll information to managers and departmentsDeliver prompt customer service to employees managers and pensionersPerform other duties as needed to support organizational strategy mission vision and valuesQUALIFICATIONS:Educational Requirements:Bachelors degree in finance or other related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience/Skills/Abilities:Excellent math and analytical skills3-5 years of payroll experienceProven ability to manage sensitive/confidential information patience and planning and prioritization skills in a multi-tasking work environment; strong attention to people oral and written communication skillsAdvanced skills in the use of Microsoft OfficeExperience with HRIS systems such as Dayforce CBIZ or UKG is a Join the RWABe part of a forward-thinking organization that values innovation collaboration and continuous opportunities for career growth and professional benefits RWAs comprehensive benefits package includes:Medical dental vision and life insuranceGenerous paid time offShort-term and long-term disability coverage401k and tuition reimbursement plansWellness Program & Incentives