Nonprofit Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist – Client Accounting/Advisory Service

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and client-focused Payroll Specialist to join JMT's Client

Accounting Advisory Service team, supporting nonprofit organizations with accurate and timely

payroll services. As an outsourced payroll specialist, you will work directly with nonprofit clients

to manage payroll operations, ensure compliance, and provide responsive support. This role

requires strong technical skills, excellent communication, and a service mindset to build trust and

deliver value to mission-driven organizations.

Key Responsibilities

 Serve as the primary payroll contact for assigned nonprofit clients, ensuring exceptional

client service.

 Process payroll cycles (weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly) with accuracy and

timeliness.

 Maintain payroll records, including employee changes, benefit deductions, and grant

allocations.

 Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.

 Collaborate with client finance and HR teams to align payroll with organizational needs.

 Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes and recommend solutions.

 Map payroll data from platforms (ADP Run, ADP Workforce Now, Paycom) into Sage or

other accounting systems, or export and manipulate data manually until automation is

implemented.

 Communicate effectively with employees to service payroll-related needs (direct deposit

setup, leave time, deductions, etc.).

 Create and customize reports within payroll platforms to meet evolving client requirements.

 Support implementation of new modules within payroll platforms (e.g., timekeeping module

in ADP).

 Calculate and manage complex pro-rating of salaries and leave (e.g., 10-month teaching

contracts paid over 12 months, mid-year departures, pro-rated leave and salary for salaried

employees paid semi-monthly vs. bi-weekly).

 Manage large-scale payrolls (preferably 1,000–2,000+ employees) and handle multiple

company payrolls within a single organization.

Technical Skills, Core Competencies and Behaviors

Technical Skills

 Proficiency with payroll systems such as ADP Run, ADP Workforce Now, Paycom, Paychex,

Gusto, HRM Payroll, or similar platforms.

 Strong knowledge of Excel for payroll reconciliation and reporting.

 Familiarity with accounting software integration (e.g., Sage Intacct, QuickBooks, MIP) to

align payroll with financial systems.

 Ability to generate and interpret payroll reports for audits, grant compliance, and

management review.

 Strong grasp of data privacy and security protocols in handling sensitive payroll information.

Other key competencies

 Accuracy: ensuring work is error free and that accurate records and descriptions of work

performed are maintained, as well as correct and timely client billing

 Communication: Speaks confidently to clients about the firm and the firm's services; strong

listening, writing and coaching skills

 Customer Focus: ensuring client expectations are being set and managed properly and that

client service agreements are fully executed

 Integrity: Follows regulations and professional ethics; acts and encourages others to act in

accordance with the firm's vision and values; Builds client loyalty to the firm, not to self;

identifies any unusual activity by clients or peers and handles as appropriate

 Results Oriented: demonstrates a sense of urgency about results; accepts responsibility for

outcomes of work

 Teamwork: assists team members in their professional development; works to understand

strengths of individual team members and how to help team coordinate those strengths to

accomplish goal; recognizes team member contributions

 Flexibility and Time Management; performs at a consistently high level with changing

priorities and demands;

 Knowledge of Products and Services; demonstrates knowledge of firm services through

effectively communicating them to clients; stays abreast of new firm or industry services and

communicates to clients

 Values Diversity: seeks input from those with diverse perspectives or talents; communicates

to staff members the importance of seeking diverse perspective

Education and Experience

 Four year degree in Business Administration (or similar field) with a major in accounting

required.

 Minimum of 2 years as an accountant in a nonprofit setting.

 CPA preferred, but not required.

 Strong knowledge of Fund Accounting Software products, Excel and Microsoft Office.

 Preferably experience managing large payrolls (1,000–2,000+ employees) and multiple

company payrolls within a single organization.