Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing charter public schools that are closing the academic achievement gap and preparing students from historically underserved communities for success in college and beyond. Uncommon currently manages 55 schools serving more than 20,000 students in six cities: Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, Rochester, and Troy. Uncommon graduates persist in and graduate from college at rates far higher than their peers. We believe that every child deserves an outstanding education, and we are committed to working beyond the walls of our schools to achieve that goal through our professional development workshops, books, and district partnerships. 

About the role

The Payroll Manager leads Uncommon’s organization-wide payroll process! This hands-on and hardworking payroll professional drives day-to-day processes forward, in accordance with high-performance standards, while delivering outstanding customer service! They lead the development of new processes and improvements to existing business procedures to support our goal of delivering services with operational excellence to all regions. 

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Assess the current state of payroll operations and recommend an efficient structure with a focus on process improvement, documentation, and efficiency.
• Lead and guarantee the semi-monthly disbursement of multi-state payrolls, including garnishments, benefits, and taxes to 2,500 employees consistent with federal and state wage and hour laws.
• Ensure the processing of new hires, temporary workers, transfers, promotions and terminations is accurate and timely.
• Lead communication with payroll platform including:
• On all matters relating to current and planned operation – including serving as the point of contact with Human Resources on the payroll platform interface and processes as it relates to payroll (ADP WorkForce Now through March 2020). Effective April 2020 Work Day payroll platform will be operational.
• Maintaining ADP/Work Day systems interface and lead the preparation of all payroll related reports including earnings, taxes, deductions, leaves, disability, nontaxable wages, and government and regulatory filings. Serve as a key member of the implementation of Work Day.
• Work closely with HR to ensure systems are set-up and updated to most effectively handle employee data that affect payroll and benefits processes.
• Drive the development and/or updating of internal payroll policies and procedures to ensure they align with standard methodologies and regulations.
• Monitor changes in tax law at all levels.
• Communicate pertinent process changes to both senior Accounting, Finance and Human Resources staff.
• Act as the lead for payroll audits, agency and employee inquiries, and troubleshooting;

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) required in Finance/Accounting (required)
• 10+ years of progressive experience in payroll operations
• 3+ years staff management
• Multi-state payroll processing experience required
• ADP Workforce Payroll experience preferred, Work Day experience highly preferred
• Knowledge of federal and state (NY, NJ, and/or MA) regulations related to administration of HR operations

Skills and Experience

• Excellent organization, time management, and follow-up skills; ability to prioritize
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Project management skills
• Strong customer-orientation
• History of efficiently implementing/integrating systems, policies, and protocols
• Strong computer and analytical skills, including high proficiency with Excel
• Hands-on, teammate who possesses a can-do demeanor
• Attention to detail, organized and thorough with a desire for continuous improvement
• Proven ability to work and lead project teams

Uncommon Schools offers salaries commensurate with experience and a very generous benefits and vacation package. All staff members receive extensive professional development, and are equipped with a laptop computer and all necessary supplies.

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. At the same time, we work to ensure an inclusive community through creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students.  As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.