Finance and Human Resources Associate

ABOUT THE NEWBERRY: The Newberry collection—some 1.6 million books, 600,000 maps, and 5 million manuscript pages—is a portal to more than six centuries of human history, from the Middle Ages to the present. We connect researchers and visitors with our collection in the Newberry’s reading rooms, exhibition galleries, program spaces, classrooms, and online digital resources.

Since its founding in 1887, the Newberry has remained dedicated to deepening our collective understanding of ourselves and the world around us. As individuals engage with Newberry collections and staff, they discover stories that bridge the past and present and illuminate the human condition.

The Newberry’s community of discovery is driven by a shared commitment to promoting research, inspiring learning, and using inquiry across the humanities as a tool to engage critically in a vibrant democratic society.

SUMMARY: Reporting to the Controller and the Director of Human Resources, the Finance and Human Resources Associate will provide administrative support to the Business Office (Finance) and Human Resources departments. This support includes accounts payable, credit card, payroll, and benefits processing. The Associate serves as a bridge between both departments.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Finance:

• Ensures accounts payable invoices are accurately coded and approved for payment;
• Processes all accounts payable invoices, credit memos, and expense reimbursements for weekly check processing;
• Participates in annual financial audit preparation;
• Maintains up-to-date vendor information in accounting software;
• Oversees annual 1099 compliance and reporting;
• Enters cash receipts into accounting system;
• Participates in continuous improvement and system enhancement projects;
• Responds to vendor inquiries and researches as necessary;
• Perform other various accounting support tasks or projects as assigned.

Payroll/Human Resources:

• Conducts all aspects of the biweekly payroll process with oversight and input from the Director of Human Resources and other relevant colleagues;
• Manages benefits bill processing and performs benefits reconciliation, ensuring that billing corresponds with correct payroll deductions;
• Administers benefit plan transactions, ensuring timely enrollments, changes, and terminations;
• Generates biweekly and ad hoc employee demographic, financial, and benefit reports as needed;
• Resolves staff issues relating to payroll and benefits administration;
• Processes all required employee transactions within the organization’s human resources information system, ADP Workforce Now, including new hire entry, status changes, terminations, and benefits administration;
• Tracks COBRA enrollments and benefit premium payments;
• Works with NEH grant administrators on salary and benefit allocations;
• Performs other additional tasks needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, finance, human resources or related field preferred.
• Minimum of three years of relevant work experience required. Depth of experience in lieu of an academic degree will be considered.
• Account payable experience within a small to medium organization required, with nonprofit experience a plus.
• Competency with an HRIS, such as ADP Workforce Now (preferred), Paylocity, or a similar web-based system required.
• Familiarity with accounting systems required with familiarity with Financial Edge a plus.
• Commitment to payroll best practices, including basic knowledge of payroll law/regulations.
• Sharp attention to detail with an eagerness to identify and correct issues expeditiously.
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to interact with employees at all levels;
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to balance and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously;
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, with proficiency in Excel and Word;

SCHEDULE: This is a full-time, nonexempt position, working 35 hours per week, with normal hours generally from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Work outside of these hours may be required when needed. While a remote work arrangement is possible, the incumbent will primarily work onsite.