Rita Ben-Cherqui
Brockton,MA
Summary
Seasoned and proactive HR professional with a unique hybrid skillset that touches payroll management, relationship management, employee and labor relations, HR management, performance management, compensation, and benefits, focused on bringing alignment between departments, determining tools and strategies to grow revenue, and prioritizing efficiency and accountability. Known as a driven, influential entrepreneur and collaborator who understands the value of growing a brand rooted in loyal customer confidence. Offering significant experience applying exceptional planning and problem-solving abilities toward enhancing business plans and day-to-day activities. Bringing solid understanding of industry trends, excellent communication skills, and talent for spotting areas in need of improvement and implementing changes with a strategic approach.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Payroll Coordinator
Trillium
06.2025 - 09.2025
- Review timesheets for accuracy, including correct authorization for payroll processing using Ceridian.
- Verify that employees receive overtime pay for hours worked over 40, unless otherwise specified.
- Calculating blended rate amounts when employees worked over 40 hours at two different rates.
- Evaluate special exceptions reports and adjust accordingly if employees are owed hours from the previous week, ensuring that they are paid overtime if needed, and proper deductions are made accordingly.
- Update all payroll information on the Ceridian payroll system, and review that status changes have been completed either from auto transfer or manual entry.
- Maintain weekly email folders with requests from employees and other departments, along with ensuring that employees' pay codes and stipends are processed and entered into the current payroll system.
- Maintaining the weekly date into Ceridian system to ensure all training and new hire documents are completed in a timely manner.
- Knowledge of State and Federal tax filings, FLSA, FLMA and DOL Regulations.
- Payroll calculations and executive policies, Microsoft program, Excel
Payroll Manager
Town of Hopkinton
02.2024 - 06.2024
- Manages, plans, develops, interprets, and implements the payroll program/activities designed to ensure consistent application of the Town’s policies, procedures, and federal/state legislation.
- Exercises considerable independent judgment and initiative in the planning, administration, and execution of the department’s services.
- Interpret the application of laws, and in the direction of the staff, perform all other related work as required.
- Payroll Manager using Munis for accurate processing of biweekly payroll transactions with a third party.
- Payroll management is related to the general areas of HRIS systems, payroll, benefits, and retirement.
- Flows, federal and state laws, tax, and IRS laws.
- Knowledge of state and federal tax filings, FLSA, FMLA, and DOL regulations.
- Payroll calculations and executive policies, Microsoft program, Excel.
Payroll Manager
King & Bishop
10.2023 - 02.2024
- Payroll Manager using Paycom for accurate processing of weekly payroll transactions with a third party.
- Serve as the primary contact and subject matter expert for all payroll functions.
- Conduct regular audits of payroll systems to ensure the accuracy of work assignments, general ledger codes, active, inactive, and terminated employees, and other data.
- Accurate accounting, billing, and consulting, invoicing, along with any benefits for our benefit-eligible employees.
- Managed payroll inboxes, providing timely responses to queries, and escalating issues to HR as required.
- Collaborated with recruiters and sales to effectively manage, updating staff payments accordingly.
Payroll Manager
YMCA
03.2023 - 10.2023
- Payroll administration in a non-profit organization and ADP experience.
- Accurate processing of bi-weekly payroll transactions, along with seasonal summer programs.
- Serve as the primary contact and subject matter expert for all payroll functions.
- Conduct regular audits of payroll systems to ensure the accuracy of work assignments, general ledger codes, active, inactive, and terminated employees, and other data.
- Accurate and timely processing of changes to employee compensation, benefits, garnishments, taxes, leadership assignments, title changes, and other items in the HRIS/payroll processing system in collaboration with HR Business Partners.
- Collaborate and work in partnership with the Boston YMCA Finance and Accounting team for regular audits, provide regular and accurate reporting, and collaborate on project work.
- Work in partnership with HR Business Partners to process new hire documentation, including building work assignments, location creation and assignments, benefit plans, employee terminations and status changes, and other project work.
- Resolved recoupment of provider funds due to public partnerships by utilizing an internal authorization adjustment process.
- Monitored payroll queries for repeat issues, logging precisely to enable process improvements.
- Managed payroll inboxes, providing timely responses to queries, and escalating issues to HR as required.
- Served as the main point of contact for employee payroll and benefits inquiries, clarifying enrollment periods, and wage discrepancies.
- Collaborated with HR to effectively manage absence reporting, updating staff payments accordingly.
- Managed payroll processing for over 300 employees, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Implemented automated payroll systems to enhance efficiency and reduce processing time.
Payroll Specialist
Staffing Solution Organization
12.2022 - 03.2023
- Processed payrolls in a timely and accurate manner for many employees using various software systems, while adhering to federal, state, and local compliance regulations.
- Investigated and resolved complex payroll issues through collaboration with internal departments and external vendors, resulting in a notable reduction in errors.
- Streamlined payroll administration through the development and implementation of new processes, resulting in a significant decrease in processing time, and improved accuracy.
- Applied analytical skills and business rules to resolve payment issues for our providers.
- Resolved recoupment of provider funds due to public partnerships by utilizing an internal authorization adjustment process.
- Monitored payroll queries for repeat issues, logging precisely to enable process improvements.
- Managed payroll inboxes, providing timely responses to queries, and escalating issues to HR as required.
- Served as the main point of contact for employee payroll and benefits inquiries, clarifying enrollment periods, and wage discrepancies.
- Collaborated with HR to effectively manage absence reporting, updating staff payments accordingly.
Payroll Manager
Town of Belmont
06.2021 - 10.2022
- Managed the complete payroll cycle, including special warrants for corrections and voids, ensuring timely and accurate payment of employees.
- Confirmed payroll calculations and maintained system integrity, running system interfaces and programs as necessary.
- Audited vacation, personal/sick usage, and reconciled/transmitted Federal (941) and State taxes. Created and updated employee files using data from W-4 and personnel action forms.
- Reconciled and transmitted reports and files for union dues, FSA, school, credit union, and other departments, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
- Maintained accurate employee records, updated the schedule of deductions, and transmitted information for 401(k), retirement, and bank information.
- Processed manual checks for terminations and union-required manual checks, reconciling, and transmitting weekly bank files.
- Validated and processed wage attachments, providing all required documentation and support.
- Managed the Payroll Coordinator for the school, and supervised as necessary, providing support and guidance.
- Responded to all payroll-related questions and employee requests, demonstrating excellent customer service.
- Prepared monthly and quarterly reports, and printed/verified W-2 forms for all town staff.
- Made informed decisions on payroll processing and system changes, notifying all departments of any modifications to the Munis systems.
HR/Payroll/EEO Manager
Lane Construction Co.
06.2020 - 04.2021
- Managed and maintained accurate payroll records in Heavy Job and JDE, ensuring hours and cost codes were coded correctly, and adhering to union contracts.
- Maintained the ESAC-HR module and assisted with the preparation of State and Federal tax filings, distributing weekly and monthly payroll checks.
- Designed and implemented effective training and development plans, identified company hiring needs, and managed the recruitment process to ensure compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) programs.
- Managed daily office operations, including maintenance, shipping, supplies, equipment, and bills, ensuring the smooth functioning of the office.
- Organized and scheduled meetings and appointments, maintained office policies and procedures, and coordinated with the IT department on all office equipment.
- Managed relationships with vendors, service providers, and landlords, ensuring timely invoice payments.
- Accompanied clients from the waiting area to the drug-testing location, ensuring all paperwork and equipment were maintained and organized.
- Maintained a clean and organized testing area, managing routine maintenance of drug testing equipment and supplies.
Payroll Manager
Town of Wayland
07.2014 - 10.2017
- Processed the town's payroll, reviewed payroll sheets for accuracy and completion, computed wages, corrected errors, and maintained a computerized database of payroll information for all employees.
- Processed employee deductions for health and life insurance, retirement, payroll savings, and state and federal withholdings; produced all quarterly retirement, direct deposit, and year-end W-2 computerized tapes; and maintained employee membership lists.
- Reconciled and balanced weekly, monthly, and yearly reports maintained all personnel changes made to the computer system, and distributed budget control reports for salaries.
- Paid bills for retirement, division of employment and training, and handled bookkeeping postings for schools as required.
- Communicated town plans, policies, and procedures, as well as applicable laws related to payroll and benefits administration, to town employees and the public.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and identified and resolved all payroll-related discrepancies.
Payroll Manager
Beth Israel Hospital, WGBH, Town of Natick, Vinfen
01.2010 - 07.2014
- Processed payroll reviewed all payroll sheets for accuracy and completion, computed wages, corrected errors, answered questions, coded information, and maintained a computerized database of payroll information for all employees.
- Assisted with quarter-end and year-end activities, reconciled specified General Ledger payroll accounts, and resolved all payroll-related discrepancies.
- Produced manual checks, processed stop payments, voids, and reversals, and updated employees' vacation and sick usage, while ensuring accurate PTO tracking.
- Responded to all audit and legal requests, reconciled and transmitted weekly and biweekly bank files, and remitted third-party payments (voluntary deductions, pensions, WCB, etc.).
- Audited payroll records, reconciled errors, and collaborated with Finance to resolve discrepancies, while ensuring compliance with all applicable tax regulations and company policies.
- Processed employee deductions for health and life insurance, retirement, payroll savings, and state and federal withholdings, produced all quarterly, retirement, direct deposit, and year-end W-2 computerized tapes.
- Reviewed and audited reports for processing errors, trained and educated staff as needed, ensured payroll processing was compliant with federal, provincial, and state laws, and identified and escalated non-compliance issues to management.
- Career Gap
Senior Payroll Coordinator
Shawmut Design and Construction
08.2007 - 12.2008
- Streamlined payroll processing workflows to enhance accuracy and efficiency in employee compensation.
- Developed and maintained comprehensive payroll records using advanced HRIS systems.
- Led payroll audits, identifying discrepancies and implementing corrective measures to ensure compliance.
- Trained and mentored junior payroll staff, fostering a collaborative team environment focused on continuous improvement.
- Analyzed payroll data trends to identify opportunities for process enhancements and operational efficiencies.
- Implemented new payroll software features, improving reporting capabilities and user experience for stakeholders.
- Established best practices for data entry and record management, resulting in reduced errors and improved turnaround times.
- Identified opportunities for cost savings through careful analysis of overtime usage patterns and labor allocation practices.
- Spearheaded a successful transition to a new payroll software, resulting in improved efficiency and accuracy.
- Reduced payroll errors by consistently reviewing and updating employee information in the system.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations by staying current on changes and updates.
- Managed accurate and timely payroll processing for over 500 employees across multiple states.
- Upheld strict confidentiality standards while managing sensitive employee information within the payroll system.
Payroll Manager
Codman Square Health Center/ Dorchester House Multi House Center
10.2002 - 08.2007
- Trained and mentored team members on payroll best practices and software usage.
- Conducted audits of payroll records to maintain accuracy and resolve discrepancies promptly.
- Developed payroll policies that improved data integrity and streamlined operations.
- Collaborated with HR to align payroll processes with employee benefits administration.
- Addressed employee inquiries regarding pay issues promptly, fostering positive relationships between management and staff members.
- Led initiatives to improve reporting capabilities, enhancing visibility into payroll expenditures.
- Responded to employee inquiries to provide assistance with payroll-related questions.
- Calculated deductions and processed payroll for employees.
- Reviewed time records for [Number] employees to verify accuracy of information.
- Monitored and updated employee information in payroll system to add changes in salary, bonuses and deductions.
- Processed retroactive pay adjustments and other special payments to make up for compensation shortfall in previous pay period.
- Improved payroll accuracy by conducting regular audits and addressing discrepancies proactively.
- Streamlined payroll processes by implementing efficient systems and tools, resulting in reduced processing time.
- Uploaded time records into computer system and made adjustments to create accurate database for payroll processing functions.
- Processed payroll garnishments such as tax liens and child support.
- Provided expert advice on complex pay-related matters such as overtime calculations, garnishments, bonuses, or deductions to both employees and managers alike.
Education
Master - Agricultural Business And Management
University of Phoenix
Boston, MA01.2020
Bachelor - Business Administration And Management
University of Phoenix
Boston, MA01.2009
Associate of Applied Science - Accounting and Computer Science
Newbury College
Brookline, MA01.1989
Skills
- Payroll Management
- Wages and Deduction Calculation
- Data Compiling and Verification
- Discrepancy Reconciliation
- FLMA
- HR Consulting
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- HR Policies & Processes
- Change Management
- FLSA
- Customer Service
- Organization and Prioritization
- Tax Law Compliance
- Employee Relations
- DOL
- Prevailing Wages
- 20 Years of ADP (Workforce Now, Pro B, Workday, EZ-Labor, E-Time, Pay Force, and Pay Expert), and Munis, Paycom, Paychex, Solomon, Ceridian, Peachtree, Kronos, DOS, Report Smith, MS Outlook, PowerPoint, Harper Payroll, and Timberline, Canadian payroll, CYMA, Microsoft Office Suite, JDE, Heavy Job, EESAC, Success Factor
- Payroll processing
- Paycom experience
- HRIS management
- Tax compliance
- Federal regulations
- State regulations
- Overtime calculations
- Audit procedures
- Employee deductions
- Payroll audits
- Benefits administration
- Record maintenance
- Data entry accuracy
- Conflict resolution
- Process improvement
- Reporting accuracy
- Team collaboration
- Customer service
- Bi-weekly payroll processing
- Leading teams
- Data entry
- Recordkeeping skills
- Employee relations
- Project management
- Payroll auditing
- Documentation requirements
- Due diligence
- Process improvements
- Recordkeeping requirements
- Accounting
- Compliance
- Coordinating projects
- Regulatory compliance
- Tax law
- Payroll software proficiency
- Reporting
- System migrations
- Bi-weekly payroll management
- Garnishment processing
- Multi-state payroll
- Payroll administration experience
- Time sheet review
- New hire processing
- Financial reports
- Accounts receivable
- Exceptional Microsoft Excel skills
- Journal entry preparation
- Billing
- Accounts payable
- Employee file maintenance
- Exceptionally organized
- Record keeping
- Meeting deadlines
- General ledger
- Audit support
- Payroll administration
- Processing wage withholding orders
- Policy adherence
- Spreadsheet creation
- Internal controls
- Data reconciliation
- Ceridian expertise
- Munis software
Timeline
Payroll Coordinator
Trillium
06.2025 - 09.2025
Payroll Manager
Town of Hopkinton
02.2024 - 06.2024
Payroll Manager
King & Bishop
10.2023 - 02.2024
Payroll Manager
YMCA
03.2023 - 10.2023
Payroll Specialist
Staffing Solution Organization
12.2022 - 03.2023
Payroll Manager
Town of Belmont
06.2021 - 10.2022
HR/Payroll/EEO Manager
Lane Construction Co.
06.2020 - 04.2021
Payroll Manager
Town of Wayland
07.2014 - 10.2017
Payroll Manager
Beth Israel Hospital, WGBH, Town of Natick, Vinfen
01.2010 - 07.2014
Senior Payroll Coordinator
Shawmut Design and Construction
08.2007 - 12.2008
Payroll Manager
Codman Square Health Center/ Dorchester House Multi House Center
10.2002 - 08.2007
Master - Agricultural Business And Management
University of Phoenix
Bachelor - Business Administration And Management
University of Phoenix
Associate of Applied Science - Accounting and Computer Science
Newbury College