Payroll Accounting Specialist

The Payroll Accounting Specialist has responsibility for the payroll accounting functions of the organization, ensuring that accurate payments and income tax liabilities are processed per schedules, and in compliance with M&T policy, government regulations, and applicable tax laws.

• Prepare daily, monthly, and quarterly balance sheet reconciliations including, but not limited to, reconciliation of all Human resources (HR) general ledgers and checking accounts for all companies.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records and monthly reports of payroll transactions. Work with other department personnel to clarify accuracy of debits and credits.
• Prepare general ledger entries for payroll accounts ensuring compliance with federal, state and local payroll, wage and hour laws and best practices.
• Complete reconciliation of accounts including state unemployment accounts, biweekly salary settlement accounts and taxes for stock vesting.
• Work with relocation vendor on monthly, quarterly and year end reconciliation and reporting.
• Implement, maintain, and review payroll processing and accounting systems to ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll transactions including salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions.  Process international payrolls.
• Coordinate the payment of local taxes as needed by the Payroll Tax Specialist.
• Complete Direct Deposit Accounts (DDA) process stop payments and ACH reversals.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records and reports of payroll transactions. Facilitate audits through the provision of records and documentation ensuring process accuracy.
• Identify and recommend updates to payroll accounting software, systems, and procedures.
• Understand and adhere to the Company’s risk and regulatory standards, policies and controls in accordance with the Company’s Risk Appetite. Identify risk-related issues needing escalation to management.
• Promote an environment that supports belonging and reflects the M&T Bank brand.
• Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

The payroll team processes pay for 23,000+ M&T Bank Corporation employees and employment liabilities in excess of $500+ MM.  This position ensures the accurate processing of payroll through regular review and partnership with Payroll team members and works closely with payroll, finance, and compensation teams.

No direct supervisory responsibilities. This position will provide direction to Payroll accounting support staff regarding project work.

Associate’s degree and a minimum of 3 years' relevant experience or in lieu of a degree, a combined minimum of 5 years' higher education and/or relevant work experience, including a minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience

Demonstrated experience working in multi-state tax environment

Knowledge of GAAP fundamentals

Strong mathematical skills

Strong analytical ability

Good problem-solving skills

Proficient in the use of personal computers including word processing, spreadsheet, presentations and industry-specific software

Strong communication skills

Proven time management skills

Proven organizational skills

Detail oriented

Bachelors' degree

5 years' relevant experience

Demonstrated experience with international tax laws and regulations

Certified Payroll Professional

Previous experience with Workday payroll and multi-state national organizations

Ability to trouble shoot and provide timely and accurate solutions to issues

Ability to work independently