Staff Accountant, Payroll Accounting

About the Role

As a reporting Department to the Chief Financial Officer, the Comptroller’s Department is a team of dedicated professionals who ensure the accuracy of the Port Authority’s finances. The Payroll Accounting role's overall purpose and mission is to ensure all employees are compensated accurately and on time while maintaining strict adherence to federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Payroll Accounting role is interesting and rewarding for several reasons, primarily stemming from its critical importance to both employees' livelihoods and business operations, combined with a dynamic environment of continuous learning and technological advancement.

Responsibilities

Reporting directly to the Staff Accounting Supervisor, the selected candidate’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Assist in the compilation, printing and distribution of the PA bi-weekly and PATH weekly payroll process.
• Analyze payroll query results and exception reports.  Adjust employee pay sheets if necessary.
• Prepare and calculate an employee’s final earnings after authorized separation from service.
• Update, maintain and distribute the over payment spreadsheet for use within the Agency.
• Research and respond to employee and Departmental (Labor negotiators, Law, HRD, etc) inquiries regarding payroll issues and concerns.
• Prepare and process off cycle check requests. 
• Cancel and reissue checks or direct deposit statements.
• Assist in the analysis and output of retroactive payments.
• Control of petty cash processing, expense account uploads and supplemental payment issuances.
• Assist in the preparation and upload of year-end payments to represented employees.
• Complete departmental and Agency-wide ad hoc requests. Support staff with timekeeping responsibilities. Document and streamline existing business processes. Ensure complex and/or sensitive data is compiled, documented and presented in a clear and concise manner.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Corporate Finance from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 1 years of relevant work experience.
• In lieu of Bachelor’s Degree, a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience can be accepted.

Desired Qualifications

Ideal candidates will present the following profile:

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance or Business from an accredited college or university.
• Experience with Payroll Laws and Regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple assignments, meet deadlines, work independently, prioritize work and perform effectively under pressure.
• Demonstrated analytical, decision-making and problem solving skills with a strong understanding of accounting and tax.
• Demonstrated supervisory skills.
• Effective written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with internal staff at all levels and external business partners.
• Thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite applications.
• Working knowledge of PeopleSoft and SAP.
• Knowledge of the Port Authority accounting and financial structure.
• Knowledge of Port Authority business and operations.

Selection Process

The application process varies by position, but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in-depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check.

Compensation, Benefits & On-Site Collaboration Requirements:​

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recogni