Payroll Supervisor

Roger Williams University


Title: Payroll Supervisor

Location: Bristol, RI

Category: Professional and Clerical

Job Type: Full-time Regular

Posted On: Tue Aug 18 2026

Job Description:

Reporting to the Controller, the Payroll Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the payroll operations of Roger Williams University and the Roger Williams School of Law. The Payroll Supervisor ensures compliance with all Federal and State laws, disseminating information and ensuring compliance with Union Contract provisions related to accounts payable, payroll, and University employment policies.

Essential Functions/Characteristics

Ensure accurate and timely in-house processing of the University and School of Law payrolls and all relative payroll reports. 

Supervise payroll staff to ensure coordination between division staff and Office of Human Resources in order to meet payroll processing deadlines. 

Train and develop Payroll staff on coverage for all payroll functions, and to promote professional growth.

Develop, maintain and ensure compliance of payroll procedures and processes, payroll data integrity and process improvement.

Manage calculations and implementation of salary and wage provisions of multiple union dues deduction amounts and produces union leave and seniority reports.

Interpret and confirm the application of employment and benefit policies in conjunction with the Office of Human Resources and the Office of General Counsel  Ensure compliance with federal/state policies in connection with payroll activities in conjunction with the Office of Finance. Make recommendations on policy and process modification to senior management as appropriate.

Maintain all payroll records, reports, computations and audits, including maintaining an internal control system for the payroll operation and verification.

Test ERP system functionality and any other system conversions and upgrades.

Maintain the integrity of the time and attendance system including leave plans. Assist in supporting help desk calls related to time and attendance.

Work closely with Human Resources staff to develop enhancements and user documentation and training. Keep abreast of regulatory changes and best industry practices.

Taxation and Audit Responsibilities

Process preparation and submission of all federal and state payroll tax reports, including quarterly and year-end returns; determine taxation of non-wage payments and serve as in-house contact for technical tax compliance issues, including tax liabilities of foreign nationals. Balance payroll reports to quarterly and annual wage and tax reports.

Annually update tax tables, supervise W-2 processing and develop the annual payroll calendar.

Handle federal and state agency audits and maintain close contact with APA, IRS, SSA, DOL and other regulatory agencies to ensure RWU has accurate information and is in compliance.

Critically review and analyze current payroll, benefits and tax procedures in order to recommend and implement changes leading to best-practice operations.

Work with the Office of Finance to make sure that all payroll transactions are properly recorded in the general ledger including reconciliation of payroll tax accounts and 403b liabilities.

Provide data as requested for financial audit, A-133 audit, 403b audit, and 990s.  Responsible for the Worker's Compensation audit.

Ensure compliance with IRS regulations as they pertain to Form 1099 and Form 1042S.

Additional Functions

Perform research on payroll and accounts payable related issues.

Generate and process W2 and 1099 forms and administer the vacation and sick leave plans.

Attend required internal and external meetings relating to payroll and accounts payable matters.

Exhibit teamwork and team orientation. Willingly cooperate and work collaboratively toward solutions which generally benefit all parties involved, work cooperatively with others to accomplish charted objectives, ability to supervise and work with support employees and take direction well.

Job Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in business, human resources or related field.

Minimum 5 years' experience in a payroll position and at least two years of supervisory experience.

Excellent communication skills.

Demonstrated proficiency in Excel and Word. Proven ability to utilize an HRIS system, such as Colleague or Banner. 

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of Colleague and ADP Time and Attendance system.

At the University's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be accepted where the candidate can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the University, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Additional Information:

Roger Williams University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other basis protected by applicable state and federal law. For information on our Non-discrimination policy, visit here.

RWU prohibits all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and its implementing regulations not to discriminate in such a manner. Complaints of Title IX sexual harassment should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator at the contact information listed below. Details regarding the formal complaint process can be found here: Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures. All complaints of sexual harassment will be taken seriously and responded to promptly. TITLE IX COORDINATOR: Dr. Jen Stanley, 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809 / Phone Number: (401) 254-3123 /Email Address: jstanley@rwu.edu

PI287086913