Payroll and Benefits Accountant

Embry-Riddle: A Global Leader in Aviation and Aerospace

With vibrant campuses in Daytona Beach, FL and Prescott, AZ, plus a Worldwide network across approximately 120 locations, Embry-Riddle stands as the world's largest aviation and aerospace university. For over 95 years, we've been pioneering education in STEM fields, serving over 11,600 residential students and 19,200 globally in the 2023-24 academic year with cutting-edge programs in Applied Science, Aviation, Business, Technology, Engineering, Safety, Security, and Space.

The Opportunity

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's position of Payroll and Benefits Accountant is to perform moderately complex accounting transactions and project activity for Payroll Services and Human Resources. The Payroll and Benefits Accountant regularly monitors and reconciles related third-party accounts and invoices with the University's benefit enrollment platform and general ledger.

• Benefits Reconciliation & Analysis:
  Establish and maintain a comprehensive reconciliation process for all benefit liability accounts. Identify and resolve discrepancies in a timely and accurate manner in coordination with the Benefits team and external benefit carriers.

• Premium & Invoice Auditing:
  Reconcile third-party benefit invoices against system enrollments and employee payroll withholdings to ensure accuracy. Investigate and resolve variances. Prepare and post correcting journal entries as needed.

• General Ledger Accounting:
  Perform technical accounting tasks related to payroll and benefits accounts, including preparing and posting journal entries to the general ledger. Monitor and maintain account balances in compliance with accounting standards and University policies.

• Data Tools & Process Development:
  Design, maintain, and improve tools (such as complex spreadsheets or reports) to track, monitor, and report on discrepancies between payroll deductions and benefit enrollments. Ensure timely and accurate remittance of employer-paid benefits.

• Financial Analysis & Reporting:
  Analyze financial data related to benefit plan enrollments (e.g., medical, life, supplemental) and recommend appropriate financial actions. Support management through financial reporting, trend analysis, and preparation of special reports.

• Internal Controls & Documentation:
  Maintain strong accounting controls by recommending and documenting policies, procedures, and business processes. Ensure compliance with internal standards while maintaining confidentiality of sensitive employee and financial data.

• Benefit Rate & Compliance Support:
  Assist in the development of employee benefit rates and the calculation/reporting of federal fees such as the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee.

• Regulatory Compliance:
  Stay current with federal, state, and local financial regulations affecting payroll and benefits. Ensure adherence to legal requirements and provide recommendations to management regarding necessary policy or procedural changes.

Perks Await You at Embry-Riddle!

• Health Benefits: Experience comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with wellness programs that include preventive care and fitness memberships. Our flexible spending and health savings accounts simplify managing healthcare costs. Join a workplace that prioritizes your health-because your journey to wellness should be rewarding! Buckle up for a healthier, happier you!

• Tuition Coverage: Get 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26.

• Retirement Contributions: ERAU contributes an annual 6% gift of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution, with no vesting period.

• Generous Time Off: Relax with 18 days of personal leave in your first year. Enjoy 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.

Required Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Taxation, or a related field is required.

• Master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred.

• Experience with Workday or similar HRIS/financial systems preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to support the University's mission, vision, and strategic goals.

• Proven ability to handle and maintain confidential and sensitive information with discretion.

• Knowledge and experience in employee benefits administration, including 403(b) retirement plans and health insurance; familiarity with human resources and payroll processes preferred.

• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and professionally across all levels of the organization.

• 3-5 years of professional experience in accounting and/or finance, preferably with exposure to payroll and benefits-related functions.

Application process/requirements

To submit your application for this opportunity, please visit the Embry-Riddle Career Site and search for requisition numberR310196. Please attach all relevant materials to your application when you apply online. Complete submissions include:

• Cover letter

• Full Resume

• Contact information for at least three professional references (please note that references may be contacted as part of the interview/screening process)

Current Embry-Riddle employees: Please apply directly through the ERAU Employee Hub Central application within Workday.

Embry-Riddle is committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. We strive to ensure that all faculty, staff, and students are treated fairly and provided equal opportunities for employment, advancement, compensation, training, and other benefits of employment. Embry-Riddle makes employment decisions - including hiring, promotions, compensation, and other terms of employment - based on individual merit, qualifications, and abilities. Embry Riddle is strongly opposed to discrimination and harassment, and such behavior is prohibited by university policy. Embry Riddle does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics, age, religion, or pregnancy status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law, in its employment, educational programs, admissions policies, financial aid, or other school-administered programs or activities. For further information, please visit our website.