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.