Payroll Specialist at Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute

Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute

Payroll Specialist

Founded in 1987 by the late David Packard, MBARI is a nonprofit oceanographic research center advancing marine science and engineering to understand our changing ocean. Located in Moss Landing, California, the heart of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, MBARI offers ready access to the open ocean and deep sea. Ongoing research programs range across autonomous and remotely operated underwater vehicle systems, control technologies, ocean physics, chemistry, geology, biology, ocean instrumentation, and information management. MBARI hosts approximately 200 employees, with shore facilities that include state-of-the-art science and engineering laboratories, manufacturing and electrical fabrication shops, and dock facilities for MBARI vessels.

MBARI has a position open for a Payroll Specialist. This position ensures that payroll and payroll related transactions are processed and documented in accordance with federal and state regulations and MBARI policies and procedures. The incumbent must have skills in IRC regulations as they apply to payroll, California labor law as it is applied to hours worked, understanding of accrual accounting in relation to payroll transactions and the general processing of those transactions, communication, automated report generation and writing procedures. This position must maintain current and accurate desk procedures, utilize the automated systems and reports to maximize accuracy and efficiency, and be able to navigate regulatory changes as it applies to payroll processing.

The incumbent must have the ability to pay strict attention to detail, be solutions driven, and hold a high level of professional standard and confidentiality.

Primary responsibilities:

1. Process Payroll – Using Deltek Cost Point, process payroll from over 200 timesheets calculating gross payroll from hours worked, taxable fringe benefits, alternate pay rates, adjustments as needed, and other transactions impacting the value of payroll for a given period. Reconcile employee balances that are on medical leave and

received state benefits.

2. Process Insurance Payments – Calculate from reports and understand payroll related payments such as federal and state payroll taxes, retirement contributions, garnishments, health savings account contributions, flex account contributions, and insurance payments. Review and pay monthly insurance bills related to employee benefits.

3. Quarterly and Annual Payroll Filings – Timely prepare and reconcile quarterly payroll filings, federal form 941 and CA DE9. Prepare and reconcile annual payroll filings,form W-2 and W-3. File all forms electronically.

4. Employee benefits – Understand and review how benefits apply to employees given changes in status. Includes health care eligibility for ACA compliance, appropriate level of leave accrual, and retirement eligibility.

5. Process employee transactions – Monitor and maintain transactions that pertain to employee’s payroll to ensure transaction are recorded and processed timely. Including employee authorized deductions, taxed fringe benefits such as gift cards, transfers of labor between projects and any elective deduction changes. Handle forms related to court ordered garnishments. Verification of unemployment claims.

6. Monthly reconciliation – Reconcile on a monthly basis payroll accounts to ensure zero accounts are properly maintained and all accounts balances tie to supporting schedules.

7. External Audit – Maintain required payroll schedules for review under audit with external agencies, including MBARI’s auditors and state or federal audits for specific programs. Participate in audits as needed by providing schedules or pulling necessary support from auditor selections.

Qualifications:

• A.A. degree in Business or related field, and 7-10 years demonstrated experience required.

• Working knowledge of payroll, accounting software, and spreadsheet applications.

• Must have excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, as well as be able to work with diverse groups of people.

• Have a strict attention to detail.

• Appropriate handling of confidential information is paramount.

Ready to apply?

Job Code: Payroll Sp

Please submit a cover letter, including reference to relevant training and/or experience, and a curriculum vitae by e-mail to jobs@mbari.org , or by mail to the below address.

MBARI

Jessica Chapman

7700 Sandholdt Road

Moss Landing, CA 95039

Salary range:

$43.00 – $53.00/hour

MBARI offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, 403B retirement plan, and paid time off, such as vacation, holiday, and sick leave.

MBARI is a non-profit, private oceanographic research institute, and an equal opportunity employer. MBARI considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, disability, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and local laws.

MBARI Welcomes Diversity