Payroll Leader

Burns is a nationally respected provider of specialized engineering services, bringing highly-technical, sought-after engineering expertise to complex transportation and critical infrastructure projects.

For more than 50 years, we have built our reputation on outstanding client service. Ranked a Top Workplace and ENR Top 500 Design Firm, we are personally invested in helping our clients achieve their goals, sharing in their passions, and successfully guiding them through the challenges of complex projects using our no surprises Burns Unique Client Experience.

We are currently seeking a Payroll Leader to join our headquarters in Philadelphia, PA.

Position Summary

The Payroll Leader is responsible for overseeing the company's payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, tax filings, and compliance with legal requirements. The Payroll Leader will establish and implement the payroll function's standard practices and also serve as a point of contact for payroll-related inquiries.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Payroll Processing:
  
  
  
  • Oversee and manage the end-to-end payroll process and ensure accurate, timely multi-state payrolls for 500 salaried and hourly employees on a bi-monthly basis, including off-cycle payrolls when required.
  • Process payroll changes, including new hires, terminations, and salary adjustments, in a timely manner.
  • Review and validate payroll calculations (i.e., earnings, deductions, benefits, and taxes)
  • Address and resolve payroll discrepancies in a timely and professional manner.
  • Prepare and submit payroll-related reports and filings, such as tax payments, year-end forms, audit requests, and other required documentation.
  • Prepare month-end accounting entries.
  • Identify and implement process improvements to enhance payroll accuracy, efficiency, and service delivery.
  
  
  
  
• Compliance & Reporting:
  
  
  
  • Maintains payroll policies and procedures to ensure compliance with company policy.
  • Implement strong internal controls to audit the accuracy of each payroll.
  • Stay updated on changes in payroll and tax legislation and implement necessary changes to maintain compliance.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of wage and hour laws and other relevant regulations.
  • Responsible for resolving tax issues and payroll related reconciling items including working with taxing authorities, Accounting, and UKG technical support personnel.
  • Coordinates the preparation of regulatory reporting and ad hoc management reporting.
  • Provides support and prepares information required for internal / external audit processes.
  • Maintain and update employee payroll records in compliance with federal and state regulations.
  
  
  
  
• Employee Support & Communication:
  
  
  
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for employee inquiries regarding payroll issues (e.g., paycheck discrepancies, tax withholdings, benefits deductions).
  • Resolve payroll discrepancies and issues in a timely and professional manner.
  
  
  
  
• System Management & Improvements:
  
  
  
  • Manage and optimize payroll systems and software, ensuring they meet the needs of the organization.
  • Manage payroll systems, ensuring proper functioning and integration with Accounting software.
  • Work with UKG to evaluate system updates and functionality to gain process efficiencies.
  
  
  
  
• Benefits Administration:
  
  
  
  • Work with HR to assist in the administration of state and Burns disability plans.
  • Coordinate payroll-related benefits administration, including deductions for health insurance, retirement contributions, Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, and other employee benefits.
  • Ensure proper enrollment, changes, and deductions are applied according to company policies and employee elections.
  
  
  
  
• Collaboration:
  
  
  
  • Collaborate with HR and finance departments to ensure seamless data exchange and accurate reporting.
  • Assist in training HR, Accounting, and managers on payroll-related processes.
  
  
  
  
• Documentation & Confidentiality:
  
  
  
  • Maintain accurate payroll records, including timesheets, pay stubs, and tax forms.
  • Ensure strict confidentiality of employee pay and personal information.
  
  
  
  

Qualifications:

• Education:
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  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field (preferred).
  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or similar certification is a plus.
  
  
  
  
• Experience:
  
  
  
  • Minimum of 5 years of payroll experience, including a minimum of 2 years managing a multi-state payroll process with 500 employees.
  • Proven experience with payroll software.
    
    
    
    • UKG and/or Deltek experience are strongly preferred.
    
    
    
    
  • Must have experience with payroll tax and benefits administration compliance.
  
  
  
  
• Skills & Abilities:
  
  
  
  • Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws and tax regulations.
  • Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with employees at all levels.