Senior Payroll Analyst

Department Marketing Statement:
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is seeking an engaged, talented, Senior Payroll Analyst professional to join our Payroll team. Reporting to the Payroll Manager, this position is responsible for overseeing Payroll operating procedures, monitoring controls, and performance management within the department.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Relations, or Business Administration.
  • In lieu of a bachelor's degree, a high school diploma or GED and four (4) years of experience in the processing, administration and/or supervision of payroll and the maintenance of payroll records, in addition to the experience stated below, will be considered.

Experience

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible, direct experience in the processing, administration, analysis and/or supervision of payroll and the maintenance of payroll records using automated financial systems.

Certification/Licensure

• N/A

Preferred

• Education
  • Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Relations, or Business Administration
• Experience
  • Three (3), years in a supervisory or management role in Payroll
  • Expertise using large enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, such as PeopleSoft, Oracle, or SAP.
  • Experience supervising and/or processing payroll in an organization of comparable size and complexity.
  • Experience processing payroll in a unionized environment and in the interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements.
• Certification
  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
  • Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)

Medical Group

Satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position either with or without reasonable accommodations.

Mission Essential Designation

In accordance with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) this job has been identified as critical to mission essential functions. Incumbents in this role may be required to report to or continue to work in the event of authorized office closings or service suspensions due to severe weather, natural disaster, fire, operational emergencies or related events.

SUMMARY

The Senior Payroll Analyst oversees the processing and analyses of transactions for multiple payrolls for the Authority. The incumbent proactively identifies business solutions, streamlines processes, and creates opportunities for enhanced customer service. Additionally, the Senior Payroll Analyst exercises judgement in coordinating, communicating, and resolving various payroll and management issues. The incumbent is the first level of escalations for complaints or error resolution.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Processes and analyzes transactions for the weekly and biweekly payrolls; balances and controls earnings and deductions totals; inspects automated system outputs, such as registers and standard reports; determines and corrects out of balance conditions; and researches and prepares special reports for management
• Supervises, reviews work, trains, and provides guidance to lower level represented and/or non-represented staff on behalf of management to ensure the accuracy of all pay documents and calculations and ensures compliance with policies and procedures. Participates in the selection process and makes recommendations on the hiring of lower-level payroll staff.
• Develops and produces meaningful and automated performance metrics to assess payroll processes and report on successes and deficiencies, such as breaks in controls and inefficient processes, to proactively propose solutions.
• Processes sensitive and irregular payments and develops routine queries and other confidential ad-hoc reports to support such payments.
• Coordinates, develops, and maintains written standardized documentation and forms on payroll procedures and processes for reference and training materials.
• Develops and/or provides WMATA-wide and cross-departmental training on the proper accounting for financial transactions.
• Evaluates existing processes to strengthen internal controls and streamline payroll processes.
• Leverages technology to eliminate manual processing, improve customer service responsiveness, and reduce instances of pay shortages, overpayments, and calculation errors.
• Coordinates with external auditors in the preparation of necessary working papers, audit samples, and accounting documentation for the year-end process.
• Serves as acting Payroll Manager, including all associated responsibilities, in the absence of the Payroll Manager.

The functions listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

Evaluation Criteria
Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.

Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:
• Skills and/or behavioral assessment
• Personal interview
• Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
• Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
• Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)
• Review of a current motor vehicle report

Closing
WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.
This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.