The New England College of Optometry (NECO) seeks an experienced Payroll Specialist looking to join a small but dynamic HR team.  The Payroll/HR Specialist is a strategic and tactical leader that has responsibility for oversight and management of the payroll cycle for our students, faculty and staff.  

The role reports directly to the Director of Human Resources and is responsible for the management of payroll administration on a daily basis, ensuring all processes are executed timely and in accordance with all applicable State and Federal laws and IRS regulations, as well as college policy. The position is also responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring payroll policies and procedures. The position plays an active role in process improvement initiatives, including but not limited to payroll system implementations and upgrades.

This position is located at NECO’s main campus at 424 Beacon Street in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood.  This is a hybrid position with the ability to work from home a couple days/week.  (A schedule will be determined upon hire.)  

The salary for this position starts at $70,000/year.

Essential Responsibilities

• Responsible for the administration of the payroll transactions that are timely and in accordance with all applicable State/Federal laws and IRS regulations and NECO policy through the management of: onboarding, data entry, payroll (staff/faculty/students) and benefit transactions, production of a biweekly payroll, working within Paylocity, our payroll vendor, HR, Finance, Financial Aid, Grants Administration and Academic Affairs. 
• Directs and coordinates the flow of the payroll function including ongoing process improvement assessments. Works with various internal and external team members to provide guidance and feedback on payroll processes.
• Paid Time Off tracking and reconciliation.
• Transmit 403b contributions to retirement provider on a bi-weekly basis. Ensure contributions are made in a timely manner when employees become eligible. 
• Assists with 403b audit, 5500 reporting and annual financial audits.
• Act as Plan Administrator for 403b plan; participate in quarterly meetings and set up bi-annual educational meetings for participants. 
• Ensure compliance with FERPA, HIPAA, ERISA and DOL policies & regulations.
• Assist with various HR functions as needed. 

Qualifications & Desired Experience

• 5 years’ experience as a Payroll Administrator (or like role/responsibilities), with proficiency running the entire payroll function, including employee set-up and review, batch review (hourly, salary, stipends), payroll processing, auditing and reporting
• Experience with Paylocity is highly preferred.
• Higher Ed Experience is highly preferred.
• High School diploma or GED required. Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Strong proficiency in research, reporting and analytics. Demonstrated ability to effectively translate plans into tangible and achievable goals.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, extremely organized, flexible, self-starter
• Excellent follow through on commitments, using sound judgment with the ability to recognize and handle sensitive/confidential information

NECO is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages all qualified candidates to apply. 

New England College of Optometry offers a robust benefits program including:

• 3 plan options for BCBS medical coverage (employer subsidized at 75% or greater)
• Mental Health and Wellness benefits
• BCBS Dental
• Discounted vision services
• 13 paid holidays and generous paid time off for sick, vacation, and personal days
• Employer-paid life insurance, and short-term and long-term disability
• Voluntary Insurance: life, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident,
• Voluntary Benefits: employee discounts and pet insurance
• 9% employer contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan after 1 year of service with no vesting schedule or match requirement
• Qualified Public Service Loan Forgiveness Employer