Payroll Specialist (Part-Time)

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority; Norwich (MA); On-site; USD 83 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority in Chelsea, MA seeks a Deputy Payroll Manager to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing for MWRA employees. You will advise on payroll issues and tax matters, and support maintenance of payroll records and regulatory reports.

The role requires leadership of payroll activities, troubleshooting, and coordination with accounts payable. Telework may be possible after an initial waiting period; the team operates in an office environment in Chelsea, MA.

Qualifications

• A four-year degree in accounting, business or a related field.
• At least five years related experience, with a minimum of two years in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
• Any equivalent combination of education or experience.
• Position may be eligible for some telework after initial waiting period.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the weekly payroll processing for approximately 1200 employees.
• Ensures compliance with MWRA policies, procedures and union contracts; reflects current federal and state tax requirements.
• Reviews time sheets and payroll changes; oversees related payroll changes.
• Maintains payroll system transaction logs and software changes.
• Reconciles and distributes payroll reports and manages deductions.

Skills

Payroll regulations

MS Word

Excel

Access

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Four-year degree in accounting or related field

Tools

Payroll software

Timekeeping systems

Job description

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact on public health and the environment? Join the MWRA team! We deliver some of the nation's highest-quality drinking water to 3 million residents, restored Boston Harbor, and continue to invest in protecting vital public resources. Be part of a mission-driven organization where your work truly makes a difference-in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

Summary

Assists the Deputy Payroll Manager in providing accurate and timely payroll processing for all MWRA employees. Advises employees in payroll issues and tax matters. Handles maintenance of all payroll records, tax and other regulatory reports and related payroll reports. Provides day-to-day support, troubleshooting and special project assistance. Oversees the development, maintenance and use of information and tracking systems used by the department.

Posting Period

10/06/2026 to 10/20/2026

Location

Chelsea, MA

Salary

$83,061.80 - $122,163.91 annually; $1,597.34 - $2,349.31 weekly. *Salery pro-rated for part-time schedule.

Work Schedule

Monday 8:00am - 4:00pm, Wednesday 8:00am - 11:45am, Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm;

Holiday Week

Tuesday 8:00am - 4:00pm, Wednesday 8:00am - 11:45am, Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm

Key Responsibilities

• Maintains the procedures and control of the weekly payroll processing and maintains the payroll records for approximately 1200 employees. Prepares, verifies and reconciles all payroll data input and output.
• Assists the Deputy Payroll Manager in establishing and maintaining internal payroll controls and ensuring compliance with all MWRA policies, procedures and union contracts. Ensures that payroll operations reflect the current federal and state tax and other regulatory requirements.
• Reviews the accuracy of the weekly time sheets and all related payroll changes. Oversees the preparation of the payroll-related changes.
• Maintains all payroll system transaction logs. Assists in maintenance of all payroll system table changes and monitoring of the system control.
• Reconciles and distribute all payroll weekly and monthly reports such as deduction registers, and other payroll management reports.
• Supervises and conducts the payroll control and reconciliation of all weekly/monthly mandatory and voluntary deductions.
• Coordinates, controls and reconciles the weekly payroll/AP interface with the accounts payable unit.
• Reviews retroactive payment calculations on employee changes based on the information furnished by the Human Resources Department.
• Oversees the preparation of the industrial accident wage schedule, wage information for retirement boards and verification of employment.
• Prepares payment requests for all payroll deductions such as deferred compensation, union dues, retirements, MBTA, parking, etc.
• Oversees the workers compensation benefit analysis between payroll and workers compensation administration.
• Responds to payroll inquiries from various internal and external sources, and provides timely assistance as required.
• Performs related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• A four (4) year degree in accounting, business or a related field is required; and
• At least five (5) years related experience, of which a minimum of two (2) years must be in a supervisory or managerial capacity; or
• Any equivalent combination of education or experience.
• Position may be eligible for some telework after initial waiting period.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Understanding of payroll regulations, principles and practices.
• Knowledge of automated payroll systems and various personal computer software, including MS Word, Excel and Access.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills are required.

Tools and Equipment Used

Office equipment normally associated, with the use of telephone, personal computers including word processing and other software, copy and fax machine.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, including office equipment, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk.

There are no requirements that weight is lifted or force is exerted in the performance of this job. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in an office environment where the noise level is moderately quiet.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under the general supervision of the Deputy Payroll Manager.

Supervision exercised is task specific, at the direction of the Deputy Payroll Manager

Other Position Information

• PCR 4310020
• Division Finance
• Department Controller
• Union/Grade United Steelworkers Local 9360 (Unit 6)/Grade 10

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.