Payroll Associate at Scholastic in Newark, NJ

Job description

Job Description: THE OPPORTUNITY The Payroll Associate is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll for all employees. The role ensures payroll activities comply with company policies, tax regulations, labor laws, and statutory requirements while maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of employee payroll data. The Payroll Specialist also serves as a key point of contact for payroll-related inquiries and contributes to payroll process improvements and system enhancements. RESPONSIBILITIES Payroll Processing Process weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly payroll accurately and within established deadlines. Review and validate payroll input, including new hires, terminations, promotions, salary adjustments, bonuses, overtime, commissions, leave, and employee deductions. Ensure accurate calculation of earnings, taxes, benefits, garnishments, pensions, and other statutory deductions. Reconcile payroll registers and resolve discrepancies before payroll is finalized. Prepare off-cycle payrolls and special payments when required Payroll Administration Maintain accurate employee payroll records and support documentation. Process employee changes in accordance with approved HR documentation. Maintain payroll master data within the payroll and HR information systems. Coordinate payroll activities with HR, Finance, and Benefits teams to ensure data accuracy. StockPlan Administration Assist with the administration and processing of the company Equity Compensation plans (ESOP, RSUs, MSPPs, Stock Options) Track and manage vesting schedules and grant criteria ensuring Perfect data integrity. Time Tracking Partner with HRIS/Time Attendance on reconciling hours and time tracking issues. Partner with HRIS/ Time Attendance on Earnings Code set up and Missed Punches errors. Payroll Reconciliation & Reporting Perform payroll reconciliations between Workday and Time Tracking systems. Prepare payroll journals entries as needed. Review payroll registers identify discrepancies and resolve issues prior to payroll completion. Audit payroll transactions, deductions, tax withholding, garnishments, and retirement contributions to ensure accuracy and compliance. Employee Support Respond promptly to employee payroll inquiries regarding salaries, deductions, taxes, leave, benefits, and other payroll matters. Provide clear explanations of payroll calculations and statutory deductions. Resolve payroll issues professionally while maintaining confidentiality. About Scholastic For more than 100 years, Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) has been meeting children where they are – at school, at home and in their communities – by creating quality content and experiences, all beginning with literacy. Scholastic delivers stories, characters, and learning moments that empower all kids to become lifelong readers and learners through bestselling children’s books, literacy- and knowledge-building resources for schools including classroom magazines, and award-winning, entertaining children's media. As the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books through school-based book clubs and book fairs, classroom libraries, school and public libraries, retail, and online, and with a global reach into more than 135 countries, Scholastic encourages the personal and intellectual growth of all children, while nurturing a lifelong relationship with reading, themselves, and the world around them. Learn more at www.scholastic.com . Some benefits that we offer: Full suite of health and wellness benefits (including a $0 deductible Medical Plan) Retirement Savings Plan 401(k) with options for both Roth and Traditional Contributions Tuition-Free programs for undergraduate and graduate degrees Generous Parental Leave Program Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with opportunity for discounted stock at a 15% discount Thank you for your consideration in choosing Scholastic. #LI-AR1 Qualifications HOW YOU CAN FIT (Qualifications) Knowl