POSITION OVERVIEW

The Payroll and Benefits Associate is responsible for the accurate and timely payroll processing and the administration of employee benefits and related programs. The associate will work closely with the Human Resources and Finance teams to ensure payroll is processed accurately and in compliance with all federal, state, and

local regulations. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality. The associate will be the primary point of contact for employee questions regarding payroll, benefits, and timekeeping.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Payroll Administration (Primary Focus):

o Process bi-weekly payroll for all employees using our HRIS/Payroll system, ADP Workforce Now, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness.

o Manage time and attendance system inputs, review timesheets, and resolve discrepancies.

o Process new hires, terminations, changes in compensation, and various deductions (e.g., tax, benefits, garnishments).

o Ensure compliance with federal, New York State, and New York City wage and hour laws, including minimum wage, overtime, and paid leave requirements (e.g., NYC Paid Safe and Sick Leave, NYS Paid Family Leave).

o Reconcile payroll prior to transmission and validate confirmed reports.

o Serve as the primary contact for payroll-related inquiries from employees and external vendors.

Benefits Administration (Primary Focus):

o Administer all employee benefit plans (health, dental, vision, life, disability, 401(k), commuter benefits, etc.).

o Manage new hire benefits enrollment, qualifying life event changes, and annual open enrollment processes.

o Process and track all leaves of absence (FMLA, NY PFL, STD, LTD) in compliance with federal and state regulations.

o Liaise with benefits carriers and vendors to ensure smooth administration, resolve issues, and communicate plan updates.

o Conduct benefits orientations and guide employees on plan options and procedures.

HRIS Management & Data Integrity:

o Maintain accurate and confidential employee data in the HR Information System (HRIS), ensuring data integrity for payroll and benefits.

o Generate various HR and payroll reports for compliance, analysis, and auditing.

Employee Support & General HR:

o Serve as a knowledgeable resource for employees regarding payroll and benefits.

o Assist with recruitment administration and new hire onboarding processes as needed.

o Participate in special HR projects and initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a meticulous, organized, detail-oriented professional with strong payroll and benefits administration. The ideal candidate will be a proactive problem-solver with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field.
• 2-3 years of experience in dedicated payroll processing and benefits administration.
• Proven expertise with HRIS and payroll systems (ADP Workforce Now preferred).
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, New York State, and New York City employment laws, including FLSA, ERISA, FMLA, NY PFL, NYC Paid Safe and Sick Leave, and COBRA.

REQUIREMENTS

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and processing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly for payroll discrepancies and benefits escalations.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities, proven to meet strict deadlines.
• Discreet and professional in handling sensitive and confidential employee information.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for explaining complex benefits and payroll information.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Customer service-oriented approach when assisting employees.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Stationary works station: The employee must be able to remain in a stationary sitting position for up to 8 hours a day with appropriate breaks.
• Manual dexterity: The role requires the frequent use of hands for typing, writing, and handling office equipment.
• Visual acuity: The employee must have the visual ability to perform extensive computer work for long periods, including reading and analyzing data on a computer screen.
• Communication: The role requires communicating clearly and effectively in both written and verbal forms.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• HR experience working in a Museum, Cultural Institution, and/or public-facing non-profit organization
• Advanced technical proficiency across a range of HRIS platforms, preferably ADP Workforce Now

HOW TO APPLY

Please upload your resume and cover letter through our online careers page.

Please note that while each submission will be carefully considered, the Museum can only contact applicants whose knowledge, skills, and work experience best fit the position's requirements.

Interview Process

1. Introductory Interview (Phone Interview)

2. Second Interview (Virtual or On-site with Chief People Officer)

3. Final On-site Meeting with HR Team/ Professional Reference Check

Application Deadline:

No phone calls or faxes, please.

The New York Hall of Science is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment with the best employees. We provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military service, marital status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. We support a drug-free workplace.

If there are preparations, we can make to help ensure you have a comfortable and positive interview experience, please let us know.

We recognize that an applicant is unlikely to meet 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.