Senior Payroll / Accounting Specialist

About the Role

National Democratic Institute (NDI) seeks a Senior Payroll/Accounting Specialist to oversee and execute all aspects of payroll and payroll-related accounting matters for the Institute. The Senior Payroll/Accounting Specialist will manage the entire payroll function, facilitate payroll submission processes, and carry out detailed tasks and initiatives related to payroll and labor reporting and processing. This position is based in Washington, DC, and reports to the Controller.

Your Purpose and Impact: 

• Manage a bi-weekly staff payroll & tax reports; ensure that adjustments and transmissions are accurate and timely.
• Initiate timely and accurate preparation, finalization and submission of periodic, quarterly and annual tax reports. including Form W-2 preparation and filing.
• Generate standardized and ad hoc reports for problem analysis, conduct independent analysis of data to draw appropriate conclusions and synthesize the data for effective presentation to appropriate audiences.  
• Perform analytical reviews of payroll and labor outputs to identify errors and control weaknesses and opportunities for process efficiency.
• Track timesheet submission from all staff; review timesheets for accuracy of hour totals, leave usage and approvals.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for the organizational timekeeping system. 
• Oversee wires for payments to Third Country Nationals.
• Manage supplemental pay and imputed income for all expatriate staff.
• Monitor and manage employee leave, reconcile balances to the general ledger accounts.
• Import electronic timesheets to facilitate timely and accurate labor allocation across projects. Review and posting of the labor allocations. Conduct the reconciliation of labor cost allocations to the payroll ledger, actively research and resolve all discrepancies.
• Prepare monthly journal entries for payroll and related general ledger accounts.
• Oversee and maintain timely and accurate monthly reconciliations of general ledger payroll related accounts.
• Prepare reconciliations and necessary payroll reports for audits and tax returns.
• Sustain current knowledge and skills in payroll administration processes with compliance and proactively communicates current and anticipated changes/trends to the Controller.
• Advise Controller of payroll-related concerns , as well as analysis of the effect of inter-department processes on payroll matters.
• Partner with Controller in implementing, maintaining and improving “big picture” internal controls, operating processes, policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field (preferred).
• Minimum of seven (7) years of combined payroll processing and accounting experience required.  Additional years of relevant work experience may be substituted for educational requirements on a one-to-one basis.
• Experience with Rippling HRIS or another large in-house payroll system required.
• Experience with a large general ledger software system, Deltek Costpoint a plus.
• Electronic timesheet and attendance systems experience required.
• Demonstrated ability to accurately and consistently read, analyze, interpret and apply government and organization rules and policies.
• Proven ability to practice discretion and maintain confidentiality and security of all payroll records.
• Proficiency in analyzing and interpreting financial, payroll and benefits data.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to proactively identify and correct errors.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective interaction with all levels of staff and external vendors.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills to effectively present detailed financial information to a variety of audiences and to respond to questions.
• Capacity to independently develop and implement effective strategies and tactics to address problems to accomplish assigned duties and positively impact institutional challenges.
• Flexibility to work additional hours to accomplish assigned duties, as well as during peak periods and deadline timeframes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows environment, particularly in using Excel and Word, as well as overall computer skills and working knowledge of email technology.
• Fluency in oral and written English.

Certifications/Licenses

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification

What We Offer:

We offer an environment committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging as a core part of our culture. We strive to foster empowerment and belonging as these values are central to our mission and to our impact. We believe that diversity in thought helps us solve the complex problems we face around the globe. 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes health, dental, vision, a generous PTO policy, flexible schedules, and a 10% employer contribution to the retirement pension.

This position offers an anticipated salary range of approximately $78,600 - $98,250.

Additional Information: 

While there may be flexibility for remote/hybrid work environment and to comply with tax and legal obligations, successful candidates must be residents of MD, DC, or VA, or relocate prior to the start of employment at NDI. 

Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. NDI does not provide sponsorship.

NDI is an equal opportunity employer (EEO). As such, NDI makes employment decisions and provides equal employment opportunity without regard to an applicant’s or employee’s race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state and local laws. As an equal opportunity employer, NDI encourages individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans or veterans with service-connected disabilities, to apply. 

If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please notify NDI’s Human Resources department at Human_Resources_team@ndi.org.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.