Payroll Assistant

**Payroll Specialist Summary**:
Under general supervision, plans, coordinates, and administers the payroll operations; responsible for assuring the payroll, benefit contributions, financial records, and vendor payments are accurate; assures that accounting activities are in compliance.

**Essential Functions**:
Learn and maintain a working knowledge of payroll software
Maintains employee database to support all payroll transactions; reviews audits, and approves employee time-off requests and payroll data following regulations.
Provides technical support related to processes separation of employment documents
Maintains current knowledge of tax ramifications from various legal changes related to payroll.
Reconciles multiple accounting and payroll databases; balances employee time reporting and payroll accounting records with multiple departments/locations.
Administers monthly payroll from timesheets through tax and benefit vendor contributions; processes status changes, tax changes, deductions, direct deposits, and retroactive adjustments in the payroll system.
Reviews invoices from various benefits providers; ensure timely payment of invoices related to employee benefit programs.
Track vacation, sick (including sick leave bank), comp, and personal days available and used.
Update payroll procedure manual periodically.
Coordinates maintenance of all payroll files to ensure proper documentation.
Work with the Finance Manager, Finance Supervisor, and HR Generalist to assure all payroll issues are properly communicated, address, and resolve.
Compiles, evaluates, and analyzes payroll-related situations and recommends solutions.
Reviews Human Resource and Finance department policies and suggests improvements.
Provides assistance to other functions in the Finance department as necessary and assigned.
Performs any duties and responsibilities that are within the scope of employment, as assigned by the Finance Manager or designee, and not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.
Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
Coordinates system problem solving, updates, and changes as required.
Maintains account numbers for employee payroll in the finance software, and assists with payroll budgeting.

ISP is a non-profit, student-centered, independent school, inspiring lifelong learners for a future without borders. We are recognized as a leader in international education, offering world-class opportunities for students since 3 years old at Early Childhood Center to 12th grade.
The International School of Panama operates under the license of the Ministry of Education of Panama and is accredited by AdvancED. As an authorized IB World School, we offer the International Baccalaureate Program (IB) for students in grades 11 and 12. In addition, we offer the unique Innovation and Entrepreneurship Certificate and AdvancED certified STEM programs.

**Requisitos**:
**Knowledge**:
Labor laws and regulations.
Payroll principles, practices, regulations, and procedures.
Accounting practices and procedures.
Customer service techniques and principles.

**Skills**:
Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in Spanish and English, both orally and in writing.
Proficient in the use of Google and Microsoft Office or an equivalent computer program.
Organizing and prioritizing work to meet deadlines and accomplish tasks.
Demonstrate appropriate telephone etiquette, with proper voice inflection.
Evaluating and analyzing technical payroll activities.
Performing detailed computations.
Preparing detailed reports.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

**Minimum Qualifications**:
**Education and Experience**:
Bachelor’s Degree in accounting or equivalent
At least two years of previous successful experience running payroll for ex-pats, in an organization with over 100 employees.
Educational fund accounting experience a plus.
SAP system experience a plus.