Payroll Administrator

ABOUT US

Jonah Energy is an oil and gas exploration, and development company headquartered in Denver, Colorado and operating in the Green River Basin of Wyoming and Permian Basin in New Mexico. The company is one of the largest privately held natural gas producers in the US and focuses on producing oil and natural gas in an environmentally responsible manner.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Payroll Administrator under minimal supervision and in accordance with company policy, oversees all aspects of the company’s payroll function with the primary responsibility to prepare and process accurate and timely bi-weekly, multi-state, payroll in compliance with federal, state and local regulations. Additionally, the role supports the accounting team and serves as a backup for Accounts Payable processing and ancillary tasks. The Payroll Administrator provides excellent customer service regarding payroll to employees as well as day-to-day support with Team projects and initiatives. This position is in our Denver office, and reports to the Director – Assistant Controller.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain respectful and productive working relationships within and across all work groups, ensuring effective collaboration, cooperation and communication.
• Create a work environment that is consistent with the company’s Purpose, Vision & Core Values

Payroll:

• Accurately and timely prepare, audit and process the Company’s full-cycle, multi-state, bi-weekly payroll for non-exempt and exempt employees in full compliance with applicable federal, state and local regulatory requirements 
• Process year-end closing, generate W-2s and prepare various filings reports associated with payroll 
• Understand proper taxation of payroll transactions; complete tax reconciliations on a quarterly/yearly basis; ensure payroll vendor (Paycom) processes all tax payments on time
• Ensure changes to employee data (such as qualified life events, pay adjustments, garnishments, changes to 401k elections, new hires, terminations, transfers, promotions) are accurately captured, incorporated and reconciled within bi-weekly payroll prior to processing  
• Establish and maintain a robust payroll system and process including systems of record and comprehensive internal controls consistent with best-practice and SOX requirements; ensure understanding of payroll fluctuations 
• Oversee the review of timecards and follow up with employees and supervisors, as needed; reconcile PTO accruals
• Serve as primary point of contact for employee questions and requests regarding timecards, payroll, taxation, deductions and withholdings
• Handle non-routine queries from appropriate supervisors/managers, external vendors and/or employees as necessary
• Take ownership over the payroll process; recommend and implement  process improvements and ensure processes are documented appropriately
• Research, analyze and problem resolve discrepancies with payroll reconciliations and payroll inquiries
• Ensure thorough cross-training of the Senior Accounts Payable Specialist as a backup to the payroll function  

Accounts Payable & Corporate Accounting:

• Ensure thorough cross-training is maintained to serve as a backup to the Senior Accounts Payable Specialist position
• Process AP payment runs
• Review and respond to Accounts Payable email box as needed
• Conduct ongoing reconciliation of benefits to payroll deductions to ensure accuracy
• Research, analyze and resolve discrepancies between source documentation and transactions between our payroll system and our accounting system.  This can include, but is not limited payroll deductions, taxes, benefits, etc.
• Prepare journal entries and account reconciliations

OTHER DUTIES

• Process correct garnishments calculations and compliance as needed

• Prepare detailed internal reports to support internal activities performed by our Accounting, Internal Audit, Treasury, Financial Reporting, Human Resources and Legal groups and serving as the liaison with these groups

• Assist with internal audit activities related to payroll, compensation, benefits and retirement plans 

• Maintain and seek appropriate training and education to remain current of payroll processing, payroll system, payroll laws and IRS regulations to serve as an internal subject matter expert

• Partner with Human Resources to ensure requests requiring payroll data or expertise are handled timely, and accurately

• Complete and process verification of employment and payroll data requests by various agencies

• Perform other duties and projects as assigned to support the success of the department and company

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Extensive knowledge of payroll function including preparation, balancing, internal controls and payroll taxes

• Detailed knowledge of US payroll tax regulations and FLSA guidelines

• Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite and advanced Excel skills

• Experience with standard best practices and procedures of payroll; familiar with internal controls and SOX compliance 

• Experience working with an integrated HRIS and payroll system

• Experience working with an accounting system

• Excellent customer service skills to handle and resolve employee inquiries and issues

• Critical thinking skills to analyze and troubleshoot complex problems and proactively resolve issues

• Exercise sound judgment and strong decision-making capability in area of expertise

• High attention to detail to ensure accuracy and data integrity 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; effectively converse with all levels of the company, customers and business associates

• Quick learner to apply knowledge to a broad range of issues 

• Excellent problem-solving and creative skills to adapt to a changing, high performance, growing environment

• Adaptable to shift gears comfortably, works well with ambiguity

• Work well in a team and excellent collaboration skills to work with other internal and external business associates

• Excellent organization, time management and multi-task aptitude to meet or exceed deadlines

• Take initiative and work independently with minimal supervision

• Discretely handle confidential information

• Professional integrity and accountability

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• College degree or equivalent relevant work experience in payroll and/or accounting

• Minimum of eight (8) years’ work-related experience, including 2+ years corporate payroll experience

• Experience independently managing full-cycle payroll processing, compliance and year-end activities 

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

• None

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Previous experience in Oil and Gas Exploration & Production

• Working knowledge of Paycom payroll system

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, or Finance

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred

POSITION SCOPE & IMPACT

• Individual contributor with impact on immediate work area and department

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work in a climate-controlled office and routinely use standard office equipment

TRAVEL

• up to 5%, as required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Jonah Energy determines the salary level for potential new employees by considering a candidate's experience, skills, and education, along with the position's work location, external market conditions and internal pay equity.

We offer a comprehensive benefit package including generous PTO, 401k match and discretionary profit sharing, tuition assistance, professional development, and eligibility for short- and long-term incentive program.  Additionally, eligible employees may enroll in health, dental, vision and life insurance on their first day of employment and elect from several voluntary group benefits.  As an employee you have the opportunity to make a difference in a company where your position is critical to project success!

It has been and will continue to be the policy of Jonah Energy LLC not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of their race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.  Employment is contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment screenings.