Senior Associate, Payroll

Senior Associate, Payroll (Hybrid)

Position Overview

The Senior Associate, Payroll Services is a member of the payroll group within the Finance department. Payroll Services is responsible for processing, payroll tax filings, and retirement plan transactions for Pew Charitable Trusts and its subsidiaries, the Pew Research Center and the Election Trust Initiative. The payroll function supports approximately 1,000 domestic staff across multiple U.S. locations. The day-to-day duties of this position include processing domestic payroll, auditing payroll data and employee facing customer service. Customer service inquiries/follow up could include timesheet follow up, commuter benefits, onboarding and offboarding, and reconciliation questions.

This position is based in Pew's Washington, DC office and reports to the Manager, Payroll Services. This position participates in Pew's hybrid work program with core days in the office and the flexibility to telework the remaining days. Staff also enjoy four telework "flex weeks" per year.

Key Responsibilities

• Process domestic payroll in Workday and related taxes in ADP.

• Liaise with ADP tax service to ensure accurate calculation and timely remittance of federal, state, and local payroll taxes.

• Approve direct deposit and tax form submissions in Workday.

• Follow up on timesheets and investigate errors.

• Audit payroll data and resolve discrepancies.

• Reconcile taxable wages via ADP Smart Compliance before approving W-2s.

• Assist with wage garnishments, benefits withholding, and severance payments.

• Maintain documentation for all payroll transactions.

• Prepare general ledger entries for payroll.

• Act as backup to other payroll staff.

• Update payroll policies and procedures as needed.

• Monitor compliance changes loaded into Workday.

• Test configuration changes in sandbox environment including earnings/deductions codes, software releases, benefit plans, open enrollment elections, and total rewards statements.

• Ensure proper policies, procedures, and internal controls are implemented.

• Propose revisions and communicate any changes to payroll procedures once approved.

• Store payroll documents securely and purge records per retention policy.

• Seek opportunities for efficiency improvements.

• Manage commuter benefits program and reconcile withholdings.

• Collaborate with benefits department on leave requests and retirement plan reconciliation.

• Support audits and surveys related to 401(k), workers' compensation, and 990 requests.

• Remit employee deferrals and employer contributions to retirement plans.

• Participate in special projects as needed.

• Maintain effective working relationships and serve as a trusted advisor.

• Resolve general ledger reconciling items.

• Reconcile and process ADP invoices.

• Engage in professional development activities.

• Maintain annual payroll schedules and communicate updates.

• Generate standard and ad hoc reports.

• Research and resolve payroll issues.

• Backup for processing international payroll with PwC.

Requirements

• Experience with Workday strongly preferred.

• Strong proficiency with Excel (data analysis, lookup functions, pivot tables).

• Excellent clerical and mathematical skills with high attention to detail.

• Strong communication skills (written and oral).

• Good organizational and project management skills.

• Demonstrates initiative and strong work ethic.

• Maintains professionalism and confidentiality.

• Team player with ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Generally requires 4 years of payroll experience, and a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

Travel

This position does not anticipate travel

Salary Range

The salary range represents a reasonable estimate of the annual salary based on Pew's commitment to provide equitable and market-competitive pay. The actual salary offered will take into consideration many factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills and experience, internal pay equity, and business need.

Total Rewards

We offer a competitive salary and benefit program, including: comprehensive, affordable health care through medical, dental, and vision coverage; financial security with life and disability insurance; opportunities to save using health savings and flexible spending accounts; retirement benefits to help prepare for the future; and work/life benefits to maintain a good balance.

Pew is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, or any other protected characteristics.