Payroll Specialist (Remote or Hybrid)

Job Description

Payroll Specialist - Full-Time - Remote US or Hybrid (South Bend / Phoenix)

The best way to apply is via our website, stjfs.org/open-positions/

ABOUT ST. JOSEPH FINANCIAL SERVICES
St. Joseph Financial Services (SJFS) is a leading firm that supports the financial needs of Catholic institutions across the United States. We provide comprehensive outsourced accounting services for Catholic Schools, Parishes, Dioceses, and other Catholic Institutions. We enable our clients to make better business decisions through qualified, mission-driven people, leading and approachable technology, and a better back-office. Our strength allows us to provide wrap-around advisory services, including financial analytics, board preparation, budgeting, and planning.

Our team comprises individuals who are both mission-driven and highly skilled. We view work as our Joyful Duty. We are Resilient, and we Own Our Work. Our ideal team player rates high in being Humble, Hungry, and Smart.

Our work platform simplifies our clients' experience through cloud-based financial management technology, personalized expertise, and unmatched scale. Founded in 2018, we are growing to meet the needs of Catholic education in more ways than ever before imagined. Come and join our team to help us deliver on our mission. We need team members who can make More Time Ministering - Less Time Administering a reality for our clients!

ROLE SUMMARY
The Payroll Specialist at SJFS is the engine of our service delivery. While the core of this role is the meticulous execution of full-cycle payroll, we view "processing" as a high-stakes act of service. You aren't just moving data; you are ensuring that the clergy, teachers, and staff of our Catholic clients are supported, allowing them to focus on their ministry without distraction.

In this role, you will own the end-to-end payroll lifecycle, using it as a platform to identify technology optimizations and build deep partnerships. You will be the reliable expert our clients lean on, turning routine data entry into a strategic service that drives organizational health and peace of mind. The Payroll Specialist reports to the Payroll Service Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES
-Precision Payroll Execution & Stewardship
-End-to-End Processing: Own the full-cycle payroll process for a diverse portfolio of clients, ensuring 100% accuracy in gross-to-net calculations, tax withholdings, and benefit deductions.
-Data Integrity: Maintain meticulous records within our payroll systems, treating every entry as a critical component of the client's financial ecosystem.

Compliance Management: Ensure all payroll activities strictly adhere to federal, state, and local regulations, proactively identifying and resolving potential compliance risks before they impact the client.

Payroll Technology Optimization & Evolution
-System Enhancement: Master cloud-based payroll technology platforms to find "the better way"-streamlining manual tasks and implementing system features that increase speed and reduce errors.
-Digital Onboarding: Support the transition of clients to new technology platforms, ensuring their unique organizational details are reflected accurately in the system configuration.
-Troubleshooting: Act as the first line of defense for payroll inquiries, effectively resolving issues, and educating clients on system capabilities and compliance necessities.

Meaningful Client Partnership
-Responsive Support: Serve as a dedicated point of contact for clients, providing empathetic, timely, and expert answers to payroll and payroll tax questions.
-Process Advisory: Move beyond "the what" to "the why" by helping clients understand their payroll data and suggesting process improvements that save them time and resources.
-Collaborative Mission: Work alongside our internal accounting teams to ensure payroll data flows seamlessly into broader financial reporting, directly supporting our goal of "More Time Ministering. Less Time Administering"

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR FROM YOU - OUR MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience: 1+ years of hands-on experience in full-cycle payroll processing.
-Familiarity with cloud-based payroll ecosystems such as ADP, Paylocity, or other similar platforms.
-Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field preferred.

Technological Agility: The ability to navigate and optimize various payroll platforms.
-Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite or Google Suite (specifically advanced Excel or Google Sheets functions). Experience with HubSpot CRM is a plus.

Regulatory Knowledge: A solid understanding of multi-state payroll regulations, tax laws, and multi-state compliance requirements to ensure our clients remain protected and informed.

The "SJFS" Mindset (Soft Skills):
-Precision-Driven: High attention to detail with a "get it right the first time" approach to payroll processing.
-Growth-Oriented: A self-starter who thrives in an environment that requires independently managing the full payroll lifecycle for multiple clients, while actively contributing to team-wide process improvements and collective success.
Relational Excellence: Strong communication skills and EQ (emotional intelligence) to build trust and develop strong client relationships.
Stewardship & Discretion: The ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost integrity and care.
Best Practices: Blends appropriate speed, quality, and resiliency in high-availability, deadline-driven, and growing environments.

Certifications: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is highly preferred, reflecting a commitment to excellence in your craft. Those pursuing these certifications are welcome to apply.

ADVANCED ACCOUNTING WITH PURPOSE
We foster a mission-driven culture that supports our Catholic clients while genuinely caring for each of us who works here. We deliver accurate and timely work to our clients using the latest technologies to advance the Church's mission. Our team consists of conscientious individuals, passionate about the Catholic Church. Are you interested in joining the SJFS team?

The best way to apply is via our website, stjfs.org/open-positions/

About the Employer

St. Joseph Financial Services (SJFS) is a non-profit accounting firm that provides advanced, outsourced accounting services only to Catholic organizations. Through People, Process, and Technology SJFS enables Catholic Parishes, Schools, Chanceries, and Apostolates a better back-office, which enables "More Time Ministering - Less Time Administering."