Job Description
ICAP at Columbia University, a global health leader situated within the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York City, seeks the services of a Global Payroll Analyst to be country office based.
Reporting to the Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives of ICAP at Columbia University, the Global Payroll Analyst will partner with colleagues across ICAP to review the monthly global payroll. The incumbent will ensure compliance with ICAP and University policies as well as with local labor law requirements and prevailing employment practices. The incumbent will verify the accuracy of information provided on the monthly payroll files, complete detailed monthly payroll variance analysis, and act as a super user of the global payroll system.
The ideal candidate is required to hold a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting or related field. Payroll certification or a certificate in global payroll management is preferred. The incumbent will also have 5+ years of experience preparing payroll for a global organization, non-profit or NGO’s, excellent communication and analytical skills as well as be proactive and take ownership of the role.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Based at Columbia University with operations in more than 40 countries, ICAP is a leader in global
public health, internationally known for tackling the world’s toughest health challenges—from HIV
to tuberculosis, from malaria to maternal and child health, and the growing problem of noncommunicable diseases, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. Through innovative research,
collaborative technical assistance, and a focus on strengthening health systems, ICAP helps to create
better, more accessible, health services to reduce the burden of illness on people and communities.
A beacon for inspiring change, ICAP disseminates knowledge and best practices to inspire better
population health worldwide.
As a highly valued member of the ICAP Finance Unit, the Global Payroll Analyst will report to the
Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives and work collaboratively with colleagues across ICAP to review
the monthly global payroll. The incumbent will ensure compliance with ICAP and University policies
as well as with local labor law requirements and prevailing employment practices.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
• Verify accuracy of information provided on the monthly payroll files prepared by the
country office teams including new hires, end of employment dues, allowances, bonuses for
each employee to ensure that employees are paid correctly and within the payroll deadlines
• Complete detailed monthly payroll variance analysis (eg. Gross-to-net, taxes, statutory and
non-statutory deductions, etc.) and reconciliation in order to inform management of
variances that require further review
• Prepare and maintain accurate records and reports of payroll transactions
• Develop in-depth knowledge of allowances policies, country office local hire manuals and
ICAP Standard Operating Procedures
• Partner with ICAP country office based HR and Finance colleagues and the global payroll
vendor to resolve employee payroll issues
• Act as a super user of the global payroll system to create reports and respond to audit and
ad-hoc payroll data requests
• Escalate payroll related issues, seek advice when faced with complex issues/problems and
propose reasonable solutions
• Actively participate in the onboarding process of new hires to provide training and coaching
on payroll processes and system and provide refresher trainings upon request
• Act as an advisor on routine payroll related enquiries where the answer is defined by a clear
precedent or established procedures
• Identify gaps and seek opportunities for continuous payroll process improvement and
suggest appropriate corrective action to Senior Management which can simplify, automate,
improve accuracy and/or enhance controls.
• Provides strict protection and respect of confident information and records
• Develop annual payroll calendar for review and approval
• Liaise with global payroll vendor to review and maintain current employee access
• Identify global payroll trends and share recommendations for improvement with the team
• Complete other relevant duties and ad-hoc projects as assigned
EDUCATION:
• Bachelor’s Degree required, Business Administration or Accounting degree preferred
• Payroll certification or certificate in global payroll management preferred
EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• 5+ years of experience preparing payroll for a global organization, non-profit or NGO’s
• 3+ years of experience with a global payroll system and development of payroll reports
• Excellent analytical skills and advanced working knowledge of Excel and Microsoft Suite
• Ability to think critically and conduct complex payroll analysis of multi-country payrolls
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written with the ability to build rapport and
trust with colleagues and vendors
• Ability to develop a clear understanding of payroll processes and their application and new
software, applications and processes
• Effectively manage of strict deadlines
• Awareness of when to refer non-routine enquiries to more senior colleagues
• Demonstrated proactiveness and ability to take ownership of role
• Effectively balance independent work while embracing teamwork
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
• 4 to 6 trips per year lasting 1 to 2 weeks may be required
The position is contingent upon availability of grant funding. Columbia University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. It does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, sex, gender, religion, creed, national and ethnic origin, age, citizenship, status as a perceived or actual victim of domestic violence, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, status as a Vietnam era or disabled veteran, or any other legally protected status.