Sr Payroll Specialist

At Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), we share a common mission – to deliver scientific solutions that tackle global challenges. Join our team, and you will play a vital role in advancing this important work!

What we offer:

• Competitive Pay: $100,398 to $124,021, based on relevant experience and years.
• Career Growth Opportunities: 89% of the Controller’s leadership team has been promoted from within.
• Inclusive Culture: We invest in our teams, with an average tenure of 14 years on the Controller’s team.
• Generous Time Off: Includes vacations, holidays, sick leave and an annual Winter Holiday shutdown.
• Parental Bonding Leave: Available for parents.
• Family Care Leave: Supporting your family’s needs.
• Pet Insurance: Because we care about your furry companions.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly detail-oriented, reliable, and experienced payroll professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines. Reporting to the Payroll Lead, the Senior Payroll Specialist will be responsible for executing and managing complex payroll functions, including the development, implementation, and enforcement of payroll processes, timekeeping policies and procedures, in compliance with federal, state and University of California regulations.

Key responsibilities include ensuring the timely and accurate processing of Lab payroll, including labor distribution records, labor resource adjustments, benefit and leave accruals, overtime, and miscellaneous payments. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional problem-solving abilities, strong attention to detail, and the capacity to work efficiently in a dynamic environment.

Job Duties:

Under limited supervision, the Senior Payroll Specialist will perform the following duties:

• Oversee, execute, and monitor payroll transactions, processes, and systems to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Reconcile biweekly and monthly payrolls to corresponding UCPath invoices and the general ledger.
• Independently research, analyze, and resolve discrepancies and reconciling items in system outputs and reconciliations.
• Develop and implement solutions to complex payroll issues through detailed evaluation and analysis.
• Collaborate with Human Resources and the UCPath Service Center to resolve sensitive and complex employee inquiries.
• Manage AskUs tickets and serve as a liaison between employees and the UCPath Center for escalated issues.
• Use computer databases (e.g., PeopleSoft FMS) to analyze complex financial data, working with programmers to create and develop custom reports. Prepare regular, non-standard, and ad hoc reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee monthly and year-end payroll close activities.
• Coordinate the processing of fringe benefits and imputed income.
• Reconcile quarterly 941 reporting and year-end W-2 reporting.
• Conduct system testing for payroll-related applications, including the Lab Employee Time System (LETS) and UCPath.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field, or equivalent training and experience with a minimum of 3 years payroll processing experience.
• Comprehensive understanding of payroll practices, tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Experience in developing and implementing policies and procedures.  Confident in owning processes and acting as a resource for others.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently within tight deadlines.  Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
• Handle confidential information with the utmost discretion and security.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Hands-on experience with HRIS systems.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel for data analysis.
• CPP certification preferred.

Notes:

• This is a full-time, career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• This position is budgeted to pay $100,398 to $124,021, which fits within the full salary range of $94,476 to $159,420. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, plus also aligned with the internal peer group. 
• This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
• This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule - a combination of teleworking and performing work on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Berkeley Lab is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity Links:

Know your rights, click here for the supplement: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law - "Know Your Rights" and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.