Senior Accountant – Payroll & Benefits Administration Overview Reporting to the Controller, the Senior Accountant – Payroll & Benefits Administration is a key leader within the Business and Finance Team and serves as a collaborative partner in achieving institutional goals and objectives. This role is responsible for overseeing payroll operations, administering employee benefit programs, and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting and compliance. The Senior Accountant demonstrates a strong commitment to service excellence while ensuring effective administrative and financial support for students, faculty, and staff across campus.Job Duties Payroll Processing Process multiple payrolls to ensure accuracy and complianceEnsure complete and accurate payroll records and files are maintainedEnsure timely submission of payroll tax deposits and retirement contributionsCoordinate payroll reporting for Human Resources, grants, and external agenciesMaintain payroll deduction schedules and ensure accuracy of withholdingsServe as primary contact with payroll vendorsEnsure proper reconciliation of all payroll-related transactionsBenefits & Retirement Plan Administration Maintain financial components of all employee benefit plansMonitor college-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 403(b), 457(b), 457(f)), including compliance and contribution oversight and reconciliationEnsure compliance with ERISA, IRS regulations, and plan documentsSupport the HR Specialist with reconciliations for benefits enrollment audits and serve as the point of contact for all financial responsibilities related to employee benefit plans post enrollmentPerform benefit reconciliations and ensure timely payments to carriersFinancial Reconciliation Perform bank reconciliations and resolve discrepanciesPrepare and maintain general ledger account schedulesEnsure all accounting practices align with GAAP, federal regulations, state requirements, and accreditation standardsMaintain audit-ready documentation and strong internal controlsOther Duties Perform other duties as assignedRequired Qualifications and Knowledge Minimum of five (5) years of direct experience in payroll processing and payroll administration, including tax filings and complianceMinimum of five (5) years of experience administering employee benefits programs and retirement plans (e.g., 403(b), 457)Minimum of five (5) years of general ledger accounting experienceMBA or CPA preferred but not requiredProficiency with accounting systems and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel required)Extensive experience in multi-cycle payroll environments (e.g., bi-weekly, monthly) and benefits administration within higher education, nonprofit, or similarly complex organizationsCommunicate effectively (verbal and written) with all management levels within the Institution as well as key individuals in other organizations/agencies to provide maximum support to students, faculty, and others being served by the InstitutionKnowledge of accounting, budgeting, general business programs, policies, and procedures is required to ensure effective/efficient use and distribution of financial and other resourcesKnowledge, understanding, and business application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)Ability to respond effectively to numerous and varied situations, analyze issues, and respond quickly and correctly to resolve problems and support the needs of students, faculty, staff, and others on the InstitutionThe Senior Accountant must be a team player with the desire to promote the entire Institution and all its programs through energetic and effective coordination with applicable Institution departments and appropriate external organizations and agenciesExcellent listening skills and trained abilities to adapt to a dynamic environment and progressive organizationService Excellence The Senior Accountant will work collaboratively with other administrators and department headsThe Senior Accountant will create and maintain a customer service culture, program, orientation, and focus on assigned areasOther duties as assigned by the ControllerJob Type Full-time 40 hours per week position minimum. Working hours will occasionally include evenings and weekends during peak periods, including monthly closeouts, registration, and audit season.#J-18808-Ljbffr