Payroll Associate

Penn State University•University Park, IL

2d•$44,628 - $64,668•Hybrid

About The Position

The Payroll Department, part of Penn State’s Finance and Business organization, is seeking a Payroll Associate (Intermediate Support) to support payroll operations across the University. The position helps ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for faculty, staff, and student employees. It processes and validates payroll transactions, researches and resolves payroll issues, and provides customer service to employees and University partners. The role requires attention to detail, sound judgment, confidentiality, and collaboration across departments while managing multiple priorities. It also contributes to cross-training, knowledge sharing, documentation, and continuous improvement of payroll processes. The position reports to the Payroll Supervisor and supports Penn State’s commitment to integrity, respect, and inclusive excellence. The position uses a flexible arrangement combining remote and on-campus work, with at least two days per week in the office at the University Park campus. Approval of remote or hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. The minimum education and experience requirement is a GED or high school diploma and at least two years of relevant experience; relevant education may be accepted in lieu of experience. No certifications are required. Employment requires successful completion of background checks and a credit history check. Penn State does not sponsor staff employment visas; applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The salary range is $44,628–$64,668. Full-time employees receive a benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off including holidays, vacation and sick time, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.

Requirements

GED or high school diploma and at least two years of relevant experience; relevant education may be accepted in lieu of experience.
Ability to research and resolve payroll issues using sound judgment, attention to detail, and analytical skills.
Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet payroll deadlines in a time-sensitive environment.
Ability to handle confidential payroll and employee information with discretion and professionalism.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Commitment to high-quality customer service and continuous process improvement.
Authorization to work in the United States.
Successful completion of background checks and a credit history check.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of payroll practices, payroll tax regulations, and gross-to-net payroll calculations.
Experience using Workday Payroll or a similar HCM/ERP system.

Responsibilities

Process, review, and validate Workday payroll transactions for faculty, staff, and student employees.
Ensure transactions comply with federal, state, and local payroll laws, regulations, and University policies.
Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries regarding compensation, taxes, deductions, payments, and other payroll matters.
Analyze payroll results and identify issues or trends requiring research, correction, or escalation.
Assist with preparation and distribution of W-2, W-2c, and other year-end payroll documentation.
Collaborate with Human Resources, Finance, departments, and other University partners to resolve payroll issues.
Provide backup support for payroll functions and participate in cross-training and knowledge-sharing activities.
Maintain and update payroll procedures, job aids, and other documentation.
Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, efficiency, and customer service.
Provide customer service by phone, email, and in person while protecting confidential employee and payroll information.
Escalate complex or unusual payroll matters to the appropriate supervisor or subject-matter expert.