ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTIONTIDES ADVOCACY IS A BOLD PARTNER FOR THOSE ADVANCING RACIAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE, HELPING THEM MOBILIZE COMMUNITIES, BUILD POLITICAL POWER, AND DRIVE POLICY CHANGE. FOUNDED IN 1992 AS A CALIFORNIA-BASED 501(C)(4) SOCIAL WELFARE ORGANIZATION, WE PROVIDE FISCAL SPONSORSHIP, INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT, GRANTMAKING, CONVENING, AND DONOR ORGANIZING TO STRENGTHEN ORGANIZATIONS WORKING TOWARD A HEALTHIER AND MORE EQUITABLE DEMOCRACY, EQUALITY, HUMAN RIGHTS, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, AND SYSTEMIC TRANSFORMATION, AMONG OTHERS.

Our current partners include Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC)-led initiatives that center those most impacted by injustice. Guided by our core values—Joy, Equity, Integrity, Sustainability, and Solidarity—we support our partners to empower communities and drive meaningful change.
Recently, Tides Advocacy has grown significantly with expected ebbs and flows, managing a dynamic network of about 70 fiscally sponsored projects, funds, and collaboratives (“partners”). Our collective workforce is around 200 employees, with consolidated revenues of approximately $65.2 million in FY 2023. This work is supported by our 32-member home office team, alongside consultants, outside counsel, and temporary staff. The FY 2023 operating expense budget of Tides Advocacy’s home office was approximately $10.8 million. For more information, please visit tidesadvocacy.org.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Part-Time Payroll Assistant at Tides Advocacy supports the Payroll Manager in executing accurate and timely payroll processes in the People + Culture Department. This role is responsible for entering and maintaining payroll data, assisting with reconciliations and audits, resolving employee payroll inquiries, and ensuring compliance with internal procedures and external regulations. The Payroll Assistant must uphold confidentiality, show attention to detail, and work both independently and collaboratively.
**We highly encourage applicants from Chicago (Chicagoland area) or Los Angeles (Southern CA area) to apply, although this position is remote first.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Complete knowledge of payroll processes and activities.
• Familiarity with payroll software such as ADP, WorkDay, UGK, PayCom, or similar systems.
• Strong mathematical and accounting abilities.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive payroll data.
• Effective team player with the ability to work independently.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Commitment to racial equity, social justice, and inclusion in the workplace.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Human Resources, or a related field preferred.; 7+ years of payroll work experience may be considered in lieu of education.
• At least 2 years of payroll experience preferred; will consider relevant accounting or bookkeeping experience with educational background.

• Respond to and resolve payroll-related queries via the payroll inbox.
• Enter, maintain, and process payroll information including employee time worked, leave, holidays, and deductions.
• Ensure accurate processing of payroll deductions for taxes, benefits, charitable contributions, and other withholdings.
• Assist with monthly payroll reconciliation, including vacation liability audits and preparation of payroll reports for monthly close and annual audits.
• Collect and review employee timesheets for accuracy and completeness.
• Coordinate with the Payroll Manager to ensure timely preparation of all payroll documents and calculations.
• Issue or reissue checks or direct deposits due to payroll errors or employee terminations.
• Record and process federal and state payroll tax deposits and withholding reports.
• Mail physical paychecks to employees as needed.
• Serve as backup support to the Payroll Manager.
• Collaborate with the Finance team on payroll journal entries, audits, and reconciliations.
• Contribute to ongoing pay equity and compensation analysis initiatives.
• Provide strategic and operational input for People & Culture initiatives involving compensation, time tracking, and compliance.
• Perform other payroll-related duties as assigned.