Senior Payroll Specialist

The Senior Payroll Specialist is a 100% FTE, non-exempt position responsible for independently performing key operational functions of the University's payroll cycle under the direction of the Finance Manager. This position serves as a primary day-to-day payroll resource requiring a high degree of confidentiality and supports accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing.

• Independently processes and maintains payroll information, including compensation and other payroll-related changes, time worked, leave, deductions, withholdings, direct deposits, and other payroll data.
• Identifies opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, system functionality, and employee and manager support and makes recommendations to the Finance Manager.
• Coordinates and independently performs the University's semi-monthly payroll cycle, including pre-payroll preparation, data validation, payroll audits, final processing and transmission, paycheck distribution, and post-payroll reporting.
• Reviews payroll data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established procedures and internal controls and resolves discrepancies before payroll transmission.
• Audits new hire documentation and timecards/hours and works with managers to ensure accurate payroll setup and timely approvals in accordance with payroll deadlines.
• Serves as a primary resource for employees and managers regarding paychecks, timecards, payroll deductions, direct deposits, tax withholdings, payroll policies, procedures, and payroll and timekeeping systems.
• Researches and resolves routine payroll discrepancies and system issues and escalates complex, unusual, high-risk, or potentially non-compliant issues to the Finance Manager.
• Serves as a primary resource for payroll system functionality and assists with system configuration, testing, updates, and implementation of payroll-related processes, coordinating with Finance and IT as needed.
• Performs payroll reconciliations, audits, quality-control reviews, and reporting to ensure payroll records and transactions are accurate and complete.
• Supports federal, state, and local payroll tax and regulatory compliance activities, including multi-state payroll tax requirements and reporting.
• Supports annual and periodic payroll audits and year-end payroll activities, including W-2 preparation, reporting, and reconciliation of payroll records.
• Maintains a high degree of confidentiality and security of payroll and employee information in accordance with University policies and applicable laws and regulations.
• Provides training and guidance to employees and managers and provides lead-level guidance and support to Payroll Specialists as assigned.