• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule: Full-Time
• Salary Range: $80,000-$87,000

Position Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Director, the Sr. Accountant, Payroll is responsible for the proper remittance of a variety of withholdings including federal, state, and local taxes and the reconciliation of all payroll-related balance sheet accounts.

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• timely and compliant state and federal tax reporting to various government agencies and vendors;
• monthly reconciliation of payroll-related balance sheet accounts, investigating and taking appropriate action to clear open items in a timely manner;
• reviews internal controls and recommends enhancements;
• serves as liaison between payroll and outside benefit providers/administrators;
• assists the Assistant Director with system enhancements, as required;
• assists with the year-end W2-C process; 
• ensures a high level of service is provided; 
• supporting any related audits;
• works with the Financial Reporting and Operations team to resolve any payroll related accounting issues, including cash and outstanding check issues;
• works closely with Human Resources regarding various deductions (union, benefits, etc.);
• prepares filing for 1042S reporting at year end;
• completes quarterly reconciliation of  941 and 941-X;
• keeps abreast of all changes/updates related to tax compliance and new regulations;
• collaborates with and trains departments to monitor their payroll suspense accounts, ensuring effective communication with various University departments to resolve these accounts monthly.
• processes salary distributions and cost transfers through the Labor Accounting System to accurately allocate salary expenses across departments in compliance with University policy.
• performs 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 or payroll experience in a large, complex environment required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with Oracle/Peoplesoft preferred.

Other Requirements

• Must be detail-oriented with strong analytical skills and organized work habits. 

• Must possess drive and initiative to problem resolve issues along with 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.