Payroll Associate

Scholastic; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) plan

Tuition assistance

Parental leave

ESPP with discount

Job summary

Scholastic is seeking a Payroll Associate to manage accurate, timely payroll for all employees in a confidential environment. You will oversee weekly to monthly payroll cycles, ensure tax compliance, and support equity compensation administration.

You will collaborate with HR, Finance and Benefits, handle inquiries, and contribute to payroll system improvements. This role is based in New Jersey with comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of payroll legislation and employment tax regulations.
• Strong Excel and numerical analysis capabilities.
• Ability to reconcile payroll data and resolve discrepancies.
• Proven integrity and confidentiality in handling payroll information.

Responsibilities

• Process weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly payroll accurately and on time.
• Maintain payroll records and master data in HRIS/Workday systems.
• Assist with ESOP/RSU administration and vesting tracking.
• Coordinate payroll data with HR, Finance and Benefits teams.
• Perform payroll reconciliations and prepare journal entries.

Skills

Payroll legislation

Excel proficiency

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Independent work

Stakeholder management

Payroll certification

Education

Payroll certification (preferred)

Tools

Workday

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)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Payroll legislation and employment standards. Income tax regulations and statutory deductions. Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong problem-solving and reconciliation abilities. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills. High level of integrity and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills
• Professional payroll certification is preferred.
• Additional training in payroll legislation, taxation, or payroll systems is an advantage.

Time Type:

Full time

Job Type:

Regular

Job Family Group:

Finance

Location Region/State:

New Jersey

Compensation Range:

Annual Salary: 70,000.00 - 83,000.00

EEO Statement:

Scholastic is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is clear: there shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam veteran. Those factors shall not influence the determination of qualifications for a job or other opportunity within the company. Further, all personnel actions (such as compensation, tuition aid, benefits, transfers, promotions, and dismissals, company-sponsored training, social and recreational programs) shall be administered without discrimination.

EEO is the Law Poster

EEO Scholastic Policy Statement

Pay Transparency Provision