International Justice Mission (IJM) is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our team of over 1,200 professionals are at work worldwide in over 30 offices. Together we are on a mission to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice unstoppable.
We are a global community that cares for one another. We believe that the way we work is as important as the results we achieve. We provide professional excellence with joy and celebration to all those we serve.
For over 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable people from violence. 9 out of 9 times in the last decade, IJM’s Justice System Strengthening Projects have reduced slavery and violence between 50 and 85% for very large populations of people in poverty. As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence, we are seeking a Lead, Payroll Accountant.
This position supports the work of justice by managing payroll data, processing deductions, reconciling accounts, and resolving complex issues. This position also serves as a point of contact for employees regarding payroll questions, assist with audits, and mentor staff. The Lead, Payroll Accountant, is responsible for the end-to-end processing of payroll, ensuring accuracy and timely payments in compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
This position is hybrid (onsite Tuesdays & Thursdays) if located in the Washington, DC area or remote for non-local candidates. It reports to the Director of US Accounting & Operations and is only available for candidates with the right to work in the US.
Leadership and Management
Oversee payroll and payroll tax processing for the organization.
Work with HR on expat taxation and hypothetical tax calculations.
Work with the HR teams to apply payroll policies and Workday system for the US and global employees.
Strategy & Knowledge Development & Implementation
Identifies areas of opportunity to improve WD, ADP and any other payroll systems processes, functionality, and workflow, and maximizes technological capabilities to reduce manual processes and improve data management and efficiency.
Lead the testing of new and updated Workday functionalities and support system upgrades.
Policies and Procedures
Work with the US Director-Accounting and Operations to update IJM payroll policies and financial statements to conform with all new GAAP changes.
Work with supervisor to review payroll systems and processes and recommend changes that will improve payroll processing efficiency and effectiveness.
Communication
Lead the development and delivery of communications to the organization.
Draft payroll communications for the organization.
Create payroll training for new staff and managers.
Training and Development
Train new staff members on how to prepare and submit timesheets and other payroll-related forms.
Documentation, Reporting & Data Management
Perform monthly payroll ledger accounts financial analyses and reconciliations.
Handle payroll reconciliations and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
Utilizes tools to develop custom reporting out of the ERP system and acts as a point of contact to all users on retrieving data from the system to meet their needs.
Demonstrates continuous effort to improve division and/or department operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively to provide quality customer service.
Maintain, identify, and recommend updates to payroll related software, systems, policies and procedures.
Responsible for ensuring all financial, tax, and payroll year-end reporting requirements and deadlines are adhered to. (Examples include but are not limited to: W-2, ACA.)
Prepares relevant management reports, including weekly, monthly, quarterly, and year-end reports (gross payroll, hours worked, vacation accrual, tax deductions, benefits deductions, etc.).
General Accounting & Statutory Compliance
Participate in monthly close process, account analysis and reconciliation, and journal entries to ensure accurate month end and year end close.
Review and approve Employee and Payroll reports for timely and accurate payment settlements.
Resolve questions and secure approvals on changes within employee data records.
Assist global assurance team and external auditors with providing necessary payroll information and documentation.
Lead the preparation of annual 990 payroll reporting schedule.
Lead the collaboration with third party vendors to prepare and complete annual 403b 5500 filing.
Clerical and Administration
Maintain payroll and payroll tax files.
Bachelor’s degree in accounting or equivalent combination of experience and education.
At least 5 years related work experience processing payroll, preferably in a lead role.
At least 5 years related experience in multi jurisdiction payroll taxes, preferably in a lead role.
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) highly desirable.
At least 3 years related experience and proficiency in Workday payroll processing, including a strong understanding of its configuration and functionalities.
Extensive experience in multistate payroll processing using Workday.
Demonstrated knowledge of payroll principles, practices, regulations, and procedures.
Proven ability to apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel.
Demonstrated proficiency in payroll tax laws and regulations.
Experience with some Accounting modules of Workday.
Experience with payroll in a grants accounting context beneficial.
Experience in nonprofit organizations beneficial.
Professional written and oral communication skills.
Self-starter with strong initiative.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Eager commitment to IJM's Core Values: Christian, Professional and Bridge-Building.
Effective team player who fosters collaborative environment.
Flexible, collaborative and eager to support others.
Strong communicator, problem solver, and customer service skills.
Mature orthodox Christian faith.
Upload Resume, Cover Letter & Statement of Faith* in one PDF document.
*What is a statement of faith?
A statement of faith should describe your Christian faith and how you see it as relevant to your involvement with IJM. The statement can either be incorporated into the cover letter or submitted as a separate document and should include, at a minimum, a description of your spiritual disciplines (prayer, study, etc.) and your current fellowship or place of worship.
Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision benefits
Monthly commuter and parking benefits in the DC metro area
Retirement benefit options
Paid leave starting at 23 days
12 holidays (plus early release the day prior)
Daily, quarterly, and annual community spiritual formation
Robust staff care resources
IJM holds strict safeguarding principles and a zero tolerance to violations of the Safeguarding Policy, Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy, and Code of Ethics. Candidate selection is based on technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring criteria subject to assessing the candidate’s value congruence and thorough background, police clearance, and reference check processes.
At IJM, we’re committed to building a diverse workforce through fair and equitable employment practices. IJM encourages people of any race, color, age, sex, marital status or political ideology to apply for employment. While we welcome everyone into this work, we truly believe that the work we are doing is God’s work, not our own, and practice spiritual disciplines together daily. That’s why we legally require under SEC. 2000e-1 [Section702] of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that all employees practice a mature orthodox Christian faith, as defined by the Apostles’ Creed.
IJM requires a background check, police clearance and thorough review of references with an employment offer and/or employment contract.
Top Skills
What We Do
International Justice Mission(IJM) is a global organization that protects people in poverty from violence. We have an expansive network of partners and work with local authorities in 18 countries to combat slavery, violence against women and children, and police abuse of power. IJM works to rescue and restore victims, hold perpetrators accountable, strengthen public justice systems and scale the demand for sustainable protection.
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