Bookkeeper/Payroll

Payroll & Benefits Administrator/Bookkeeper

Department: Accounting/HR

Reports To: Treasurer, Finance Committee, and Lead Minister

Status: Part-time, Non-Exempt

Pacific Unitarian Church: A Unitarian Universalist Community is a welcoming, loving people - who come together to nurture our spirits, create community, and work for justice in the world.

We value integrity, stewardship, collaboration, and care for our staff and community. Our Finance Committee plays a vital role in supporting our mission by ensuring strong systems, accountability, and responsible management of resources.

Position Summary

The Payroll & Benefits Administrator is responsible for the accurate and compliant administration of payroll, retirement contributions, and related employee records. This role manages bi-monthly payroll processing, currently through Gusto, oversees retirement plan contributions, currently through Empower, supports health and dental insurance benefits administration, and ensures proper reconciliation in QuickBooks Online. The position works closely with the Finance Committee, the Personnel Committee, the Board of Trustees, and Pacific Sage Preschool, to maintain payroll integrity, California regulatory compliance, and high service standards for employees.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Process bi-monthly payroll in Gusto, including final payrolls issued on an employee’s last day in accordance with California labor law.
• Download payroll reports and CSV files and prepare audited payroll journal spreadsheets.
• Get approval for annual W-2 processing in Gusto each January.
• Maintain payroll accuracy by updating Gusto for pay increases, employment changes, new hires, and terminations as directed by Personnel and the Board.
• Transmit payroll and retirement contribution data to for PSP. Notify in writing/email what PSP’s cash liability is.

Retirement & Benefits Administration

• Prepare retirement contribution files, upload them to Empower, and remit payments twice monthly based on payroll activity.
• Ensure retirement deductions in Gusto align with our Church benefit program and employee elections in Empower.
• Serve as the primary liaison with UUA’s Empower representative to resolve system, reporting, or contribution issues.
• Support benefits administration processes, including coordination related to Medical and Dental Insurance billing updates and ensuring payroll systems reflect current benefit and elected buy in costs.

PTO & Employee Records

• Maintain and update PTO tiers in Gusto.
• Process PTO tier promotions at 3rd and 6th employment anniversaries.
• Ensure employee payroll and benefits records are accurate, current, and confidential.

Reconciliation & Financial Operations

• Reconcile payroll and benefits activity in QuickBooks Online (QBO)
• Collaborate with the Finance & Operations team to support audits, reporting, and compliance needs.

Required Qualifications

• Experience in payroll and/or benefits administration
• Demonstrated knowledge of payroll compliance, preferably including California labor law
• Knowledge of standard Bookkeeping processes
• Experience working with Gusto, Empower, and QuickBooks Online or similar systems
• Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with nonprofit, educational, or mission-driven organizations
• Familiarity with retirement plan administration and payroll reconciliations
• Experience working collaboratively with finance, HR, and external vendors

Compensation & Benefits

• $23-25/hour
• 20 hours per month

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $23.00 - $25.00 per hour

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Morning shift

Application Question(s):

• Do you have knowledge of basic accounting practices and fundamentals?

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275