Sr. Staff Accountant

Position Title: Sr. Staff AccountantPosition Type: RegularJob Number: SA67224Full or Part Time: full-time 40 hours weeklyFair Labor Standard Act Classification: Non-ExemptAnticipated Pay Range: $80,000 - $95,000Pay Range Information: Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.Job Description SummaryThis position supports the accounting and financial management of payroll-related expenses, including preparing journal entries, general ledger reconciliations for payroll liability accounts, payroll expense monitoring, compliance reporting for Federal Work-Study wages, and maintaining Glacier Tax records related to federal withholding for non-U.S. residents. The Sr. Staff Accountant will interact with payroll data, ensuring the accuracy of financial postings while maintaining the utmost confidentiality of sensitive information and other duties as assigned. This position reports to the Director of Payroll Services.ResponsibilitiesGeneral Ledger Accounting and ReconciliationRun distribution and commitment accounting processes in PeopleSoft HCM. Prepare and submit journal entries related to payroll transactions for upload to PeopleSoft Finance, adhering to institutional accounting policies.Reconcile payroll-related accounts in the general ledger (G/L), including cash accounts, tax liability accounts, payroll expense accounts, and accrued wages. Identify and resolve discrepancies promptly through collaboration with the Director of Payroll.Monitor payroll expenses and ensure proper allocation and classification in the general ledger.Department Budget Table ManagementEnter and maintain department budget table (DBT) information within PeopleSoft to align with department requests regarding payroll expense.Monitor payroll-related DBT adjustments, validating that changes occur as expected.Run retro and direct retro processes in PeopleSoft and verify backup matches changes to be processed.Prepare manual cost transfers for uploading when delivered retro processes are not appropriate.Compliance and MonitoringRegularly monitor the Federal Work-Study (FWS) audit report and update Department Budget Table appointments and Salary Plan in PeopleSoft HCM accordingly.Ensure (FWS) payroll expenses comply with applicable regulations and institutional policies. Collaborate with HR Student Employment to resolve job data discrepancies related to FWS setup.Prepare and submit required compliance reporting for Federal Work Study and other payroll-related activities.Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when working with payroll data.Month-End and Year-End CloseYear-End Close: Assist the Director of Payroll with fiscal year-end close processes, including researching payroll expense entries and providing backup documentation as needed.Performance Reviews: Provide input for annual performance reviews for payroll staff, offering feedback and contributing to goal setting for professional development.Audits: Assist with internal and external audits as necessary, providing required documentation and responding to auditor inquiries.Federal Tax Compliance for International WorkersSend Glacier invitations to international individuals subject to federal tax reporting requirements and follow up on unreceived Glacier reports.Review Glacier reports, answer recipient questions regarding the results, and update records.Collaborate with Payroll and Accounting staff to ensure federal tax compliance for international recipients and appropriate treatment in the general ledger.Collaboration and Process ImprovementPartner with Payroll, Human Resources, Financial Aid, and other departments to ensure payroll-related accounting processes align with institutional policies.Proactively identify opportunities to improve payroll accounting workflows and ensure best practices are followed.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources or related field or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience.3-4 years of professional experience in payroll accounting, general accounting, or a similar role, preferably in higher education or a large organization. Strong knowledge of general accounting principles, including journal entries and reconciliations.Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., PeopleSoft) and accounting software.Proven track record of maintaining confidentiality when working with sensitive or restricted information.Exceptional attention to detail and analytical skills. Proficiency in Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate across departments.Familiarity with fund accounting or accounting in higher education.Experience with Federal Work-Study compliance, tracking, and reporting.Familiarity with payroll taxes, including tax treaty benefits for international workers.Special Instructions to ApplicantsChapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Chapman University does not sponsor applicants for Staff and Administrator positions for work visas.The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.#J-18808-Ljbffr