US Payroll Specialist

About Us
The FT has an uncompromising mission: delivering independent, quality information, news and services to individuals and companies around the globe. It's the cornerstone of our reputation and the heart of our ambitions for the future. But for our people, the FT offers so much more than what we do. FT people come from all kinds of backgrounds and work across a huge range of disciplines and locations, and find empowering, warm and welcoming culture that values curiosity and rewards smart, ambitious thinking. Those who are willing to unite around our mission and live our values will find plenty to challenge, inspire and interest them. Like the audiences we serve, no two FT people are the same; but together we help our audience be better informed and understand the world around them. It's a job that's never mattered more, and a career that can take you anywhere you want to go.

Our Commitment To Diversity And Inclusion In The Workplace
At the FT, we give all employees a voice so that diverse perspectives are heard and valued. We believe that a supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves at work. We'll continue to remove barriers for all, and in particular barriers facing employees from underrepresented groups.

About The Role
A member of the Financial Times's Global People team, the US Payroll Specialist will provide payroll administration for the US arm of the Financial Times. This position will be responsible for the preparation of US payroll as well as special projects and administrative support for local and global HR projects and services. Candidates should understand payroll processes, tax regulations, partner with departments, address inquiries, discrepancies, and contribute to payroll efficiency.

Given the nature of our ever-evolving business, we require someone who is easily adaptable and comfortable in a changing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, coordinate and check US payroll via our outsourced managed services payroll vendor, ActivPayroll (AP), including inputting approved pay adjustments, personnel transactions such as new hires, terminations; employee status changes, benefit deductions, commission and bonus payments, 401k changes, garnishments, loan collection, leaves of absence, tax adjustments etc.
• Identify and calculate pay adjustments due to changes taking effect in the middle of a pay period, or prior pay period
• Manage, verify, and process the timesheets for our non-exempt employees
• Foster a positive partnership with the payroll vendor and maintain clear communication for live payroll runs, ongoing projects, and monthly Payroll Governance calls.
• Actively support Workday HRIS and implementation of new features that improve the payroll process and/or data and compliance
• Maintain and update the integrity of employee data and files in all systems in a timely manner, ensuring that all incoming changes are accurately recorded and processed
• Ensure that transactions are processed in compliance with internal policies and procedures as well as government agency regulations
• Manage payroll changes via electronic files ensuring clear communication with AP, benefits vendors, and internal departments for accuracy and timeliness.
• Provide outstanding customer service and act as primary point person to address current and former employee inquiries regarding pay, i.e. Manage Payroll inbox
• Run and analyze compensation and other payroll and HRIS reports as requested
• Conduct quarterly and annual audits to ensure accuracy, while working to remediate any required corrective actions
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned or as responsibilities dictate

Required Skills And Experience

• Excellent written and spoken English
• Minimum of 1 year relevant end-to-end US payroll experience covering payroll calculations, adjustments, audits, and other related tasks
• Background or education in Accounting, Finance or other related field
• Amenable to work in US shift patterns (9:00 PM - 5:00 AM Philippine time) on a hybrid-remote arrangement. Open to review after the first 6-9 months.
• Experience working with an outsourced payroll provider
• Has hands-on proficient experience in conducting and managing payroll calculations
• Structured, organized, proactive, process orientated
• Strong focus on detail and ability to pay close attention
• Self starter, comfortable working autonomously without direction or in-person colleagues; ability to effectively prioritize workload
• Proven ability to anticipate needs, identify tasks without explicit direction
• Use prior payroll experience to make suggestions and lead processes with confidence
• Ability to maintain a high level of trust, discretion and integrity to handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation
• Excellent interpersonal, problem solving and customer service skills
• Ability to liaise with employees at all levels of the organization
• Proficient in MS Excel and the Google Drive systems
• Flexibility with working within a Global Organization across multiple time zones

Preferred Experience

• Proven experience with payroll systems in a similar role or capacity
• Proficiency in Workday HRIS
• Experience working in a shared services industry

What's in it for you? Our Benefits:

Our benefits vary depending on location, but we are committed to providing best in class perks across all our offices as well as an inclusive environment to develop your career. Examples of our benefits include; generous annual leave allowances, flexible working (including working from home), health coverage (medical, dental & vision insurance), 401k and company match, enhanced family leave packages, and Giving Back opportunities. Full details of our benefits can be found here.

Further Information
The FT is committed to providing an inclusive working environment for all. We are an equal opportunities employer who seeks to recruit and appoint the best talent regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We also promote flexible working and will consider specific requests around flexibility for all roles where it can be accommodated. Please let us know if you require any adjustments as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements, or have any questions, please contact a member of our HR team who will be happy to help.