Payroll Accountant I, II, III

MSU Jobs•Starkville, MS

About The Position

The Payroll Accountant provides specialized accounting, payroll, and compliance support within the Controller and Treasurer’s Office. This position ensures the accuracy, integrity, and timely processing of payroll-related financial activity; supports university business managers and fiscal staff; and assists with required reporting to federal and state agencies. The role contributes to maintaining strong internal controls, accurate payroll integrations into the university’s financial system, and high-quality service to campus stakeholders. Salary Grade : I- SG 14, II/III- SG 15 Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department. Department Profile: The Office of Payroll is dedicated to providing the best and most efficient payroll services to Mississippi State University employees. It is our goal to produce payroll payments and supporting documents in a timely and accurate manner. We also process retroactive job labor redistributions, retirement billings for Extension personnel in the 82 counties and handle payroll deductions such as garnishments, bankruptcy payments and United Way contributions. We strive to continually review our services and implement improvements to keep pace with the opportunities available through on-line entry of information. It is our goal to be a leader, not a follower, in this technological age.

Requirements

Level I (Salary Grade 14) Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or related discipline.
No experience required.
Indicated education is required; substitutions are not allowed.
Level II (Salary Grade 15) Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or related discipline.
Two (2) years of relevant experience, including at least two years at the preceding level or equivalent.
Additional relevant education may substitute for required experience at a rate of one (1) year of education per one (1) year of experience.
Level III (Salary Grade 15) Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or related discipline.
Four (4) years of relevant experience, including at least two years at the preceding level or equivalent.
Additional relevant education may substitute for required experience at a rate of one (1) year of education per one (1) year of experience.
ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS)

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
Experience using Banner or similar enterprise resource planning systems.
Advanced degree (e.g., MBA) and/or professional certification (e.g., CPA).

Responsibilities

Prepare, process, and issue payroll adjustment checks, ensuring accuracy and compliance with university policies and regulatory requirements.
Prepare and reconcile county billing, resolving discrepancies and ensuring proper posting to the financial system.
Prepare, reconcile, and submit monthly State Retirement System files, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with state regulations.
Prepare, reconcile, and submit Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) files, coordinating with vendors and state agencies as required.
Prepare federal and state payroll tax deposits, ensuring compliance with IRS, SSA, and state withholding requirements.
Serve as key resources for Payroll staff and campus partners by researching and resolving payroll issues, providing guidance, on payroll accounting procedures.
Monitor data integrity in Banner HR and Banner Finance, running queries, validating entries, and identifying irregularities.
Maintain required documentation and support internal and external audits, preparing reports, reconciliations, and related materials.
Ensure confidentiality and secure handling of sensitive payroll data, adhering to university policies and federal and state regulations.
Collaborate with HR, ITS, the Budget Office, and departmental business managers to resolve issues and improve payroll workflows.
Identify opportunities for process improvements and assist in refining payroll accounting procedures and system practices.
Perform other related duties as assigned.