Payroll Staff Accountant II

A proud U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is a longstanding leader in the science and innovation behind the development of fusion energy — a clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy source. With an eye on the future and in response to national priorities, PPPL also has begun a strategic shift from a singular focus on fusion energy to a multi-focus approach that includes microelectronics, quantum information science, and sustainability science. Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to make their mark on our world. PPPL aims to attract and support people with a rich variety of backgrounds, interests, experiences, and cultural viewpoints. We are committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility and believe that each member of our team contributes to our scientific mission in their own unique way. Come join us!

Core Duties:

• Prepare and process payroll related data in the PPPL labor distribution system in accordance with PPPL and Princeton University Policies (50%).
  • Coordinate and communicate with PPPL HR and Princeton University Payroll Department to ensure that payroll transactions are properly recorded, and PPPL staff is accurately paid.
  • Serve as PPPL’s main point of contact for Princeton University’s Time and Absence Management system.
  • Process and PayRep approve PPPL staff timesheets:
    • Verify timesheets are timely complete, accurate, and properly authorized.
• Investigate and resolve payroll reconciling items (15%).
  • Verify accuracy of payroll transactions, ensuring all have been properly authorized, and process payroll related adjustments.
• Advise and guide employees on PPPL policies and procedures to ensure accurate and complete payroll recording and distribution (5%).
• Process special adjustments, additional pays, etc. (20%).
  • Ensure all additional pays are properly authorized and compliant with PPPL and Princeton University policies, and PPPL’s Prime Contract.
• Maintain and update the PPPL Payroll Policies and work instructions for applicable areas of responsibility (5%).
  • Develop, evaluate, and implement work methods and transaction documentation for efficiencies, making recommendations for improvements.
• Responsible for other routine and special projects as requested by General Accounting & Payroll Manager or Head of Accounting (5%).

**This is a 1-year TERM position at this time with an opportunity for extension. Position does offer benefits.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting with a minimum of 3 years’ related experience working in Payroll Accounting. Experience in a DOE M&O Contractor environment is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Expertise in interpreting and applying Payroll and HR policies and procedures.
• Expertise in performing financial functions including: preparation and posting of journal entries, adjusting entries, payroll accruals and encumbrances.
• Ability to independently research, interpret, analyze, compile, and present data and information.
• Advanced decision making, problem-solving and analytical skills to independently solve complex issues requiring mature judgment, discretion and tact.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal to effectively prepare and deliver financial briefings, documentation, reports and financial advice to Laboratory personnel, and/or other external organizations and agencies.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively explain, negotiate, persuade and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with all levels of personnel, both internal and external to the Laboratory.
• Proven ability to independently devise new approaches, perform assignments and make decisions.
• Ability to work well under pressure and successfully meet hard deadlines/deliverables working outside normal hours as needed.
• Ability to work on a computer for extended periods of time.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint; and Google Applications.

Physical Requirements:

• This position requires bending, reaching, and lifting of office files, reports or records, typically weighing 10 pounds or less.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from participation in certain foreign government talent recruitment programs. All PPPL employees are required to disclose any participation in a foreign government talent recruitment program and may be required to withdraw from such programs to remain employed under the DOE Contract.

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