Payroll Manager

Saginaw Valley State University•Lexington, MA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll Manager is responsible for planning, supervising, and coordinating all aspects of the University's payroll operations to ensure employees are paid accurately, timely, and in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This position oversees the payroll process for all University employees, maintains payroll records, ensures tax and regulatory compliance, and serves as the primary resource for payroll-related policies, procedures, and reporting. The Payroll Manager collaborates closely with Human Resources, Information Technology, Finance, and other campus departments to support payroll system functionality, process improvements, and institutional compliance. The position also assists with financial reporting, audits, and special projects within the Controller's Office while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and customer service.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field required.
Five years or more of increasingly responsible professional experience specifically related to payroll and accounting.
Strong problem-solving skills, analytical ability, organizational skills, and written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
Ability to positively interact with a diverse campus community.
Knowledge of computer-based management information systems and personal computer applications.
Experience and ability to positively interact with all members of the campus community
Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodations.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the Workday platform.
Professional certification.
Professional experience in a university setting.

Responsibilities

Supervise, coordinate, and manage all University payroll functions to ensure accurate and timely processing of employee compensation in accordance with institutional policies and applicable laws.
Oversee the biweekly payroll process, including payroll review and approval, direct deposit processing, tax withholdings, benefit deductions, garnishments, payroll distributions, payroll reconciliations, and preparation of payroll reports.
Prepare, analyze, and review payroll data for faculty, staff, student employees, and other eligible employee groups, ensuring payroll accuracy and compliance with University policies.
Reconcile payroll registers to the University's general ledger, research discrepancies, prepare necessary journal entries, and resolve payroll-related issues in a timely manner.
Coordinate and ensure timely completion of all monthly, quarterly, and annual federal, state, and local payroll tax filings and reporting requirements, including W-2 preparation and other required payroll tax documents.
Assist with payroll processing and tax reporting requirements related to nonresident alien employees, ensuring compliance with applicable federal regulations
Assist with aspects of nonresident alien compensation related tax and reporting compliance.
Coordinate with IT and HR (as needed) on all payroll-related upgrades and software updates.
Monitor unemployment insurance.
Coordinate the time and attendance system with administrative payroll clerk.
Coordinate the reporting system providing accurate and timely compensation information and reports.
Prepare payroll related documents and provide information for annual financial audit.
Participate in the review, development and implementation of compensation policies, practices, and procedures.
Prepare various federal and state reports for employment data.
Maintain payroll related items on web page.
Assist with administrative functions of the Controller’s Office.
Perform other duties as assigned.