Payroll Specialist — Equity & Compliance

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Tuition-free programs

Parental leave

Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)

Job summary

Scholastic seeks a Payroll Associate to ensure accurate, timely payroll processing for all employees. You will handle weekly to monthly payroll, validate inputs, and manage deductions while maintaining compliance with tax regulations and company policies.

You will also assist with Equity Compensation administration and time-tracking reconciliation, coordinating with HR, Finance, and Benefits teams to ensure data integrity. Excellent attention to detail and confidentiality are essential.

Qualifications

• Payroll legislation and employment standards.
• Income tax regulations and statutory deductions.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• 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 communication skills.
• Confidentiality and integrity.
• Independent worker with minimal supervision.
• Stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Process weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly payroll accurately and within deadlines.
• Review and validate payroll input: new hires, terminations, promotions, salary adjustments, bonuses, overtime, commissions, deductions.
• Ensure accurate calculation of earnings, taxes, benefits, garnishments, pensions, and other deductions.
• Reconcile payroll registers and resolve discrepancies before finalizing payroll.
• Prepare off-cycle payrolls and special payments when required.
• Maintain payroll records and support documentation.
• Process employee changes in HRIS/Time Attendance.
• Coordinate payroll with HR, Finance, and Benefits teams for data accuracy.
• Assist with administration of Equity Compensation plans (ESOP, RSUs, MSPPs, Stock Options).
• Track vesting schedules and grant criteria; ensure data integrity.
• Partner with HRIS/Time Attendance on reconciling hours and errors.
• Perform payroll reconciliations between Workday and Time Tracking systems.
• Prepare payroll journals entries; review registers for discrepancies and compliance.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries; explain calculations and deductions.
• Maintain confidentiality and provide professional service.

Job description

Scholastic seeks a Payroll Associate to ensure accurate, timely payroll processing for all employees. You will handle weekly to monthly payroll, validate inputs, and manage deductions while maintaining compliance with tax regulations and company policies.

You will also assist with Equity Compensation administration and time-tracking reconciliation, coordinating with HR, Finance, and Benefits teams to ensure data integrity. Excellent attention to detail and confidentiality are essential.