Payroll Processing Accountant

UNC-Chapel Hill•Chapel Hill, NC

About The Position

This position supports and performs complex payroll functions for University payroll operations, including monthly and biweekly payrolls and the UNC System Office payroll. The role processes payroll through PeopleSoft; audits payroll transactions, records, and documentation for accuracy and compliance; researches and resolves discrepancies; assists with year-end processing; and supports W-2 and 1042-S reporting. The incumbent ensures payroll data integrity while following federal and state regulations, University policies, and established internal controls. The position serves as a subject matter expert within Payroll Services and supports business continuity, operational resiliency, and succession planning. It maintains specialized knowledge of payroll processing, systems, reconciliations, reporting requirements, and compliance obligations, and provides cross-functional support and backup coverage during staff absences, vacancies, peak processing periods, and organizational transitions. The role also supports payroll system enhancements, tests payroll calculations and processing scenarios, assists with special projects, and performs assigned PeopleSoft-related activities. It may assume duties normally assigned to senior payroll staff, including the EHRA Lead Accountant, when needed to ensure continuity and consistent service delivery. The position requires adaptability, attention to detail, independent work, and effectiveness in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment. Work schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Requirements

Adaptability and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.
Ability to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing across multiple payroll cycles.
Specialized knowledge of payroll processing, systems, reconciliations, reporting requirements, and compliance obligations.

Responsibilities

Process monthly and biweekly University payrolls and the UNC System Office payroll through PeopleSoft.
Audit payroll transactions, records, and documentation for accuracy and compliance.
Research and resolve payroll discrepancies.
Assist with year-end processing.
Support W-2 and 1042-S reporting activities.
Maintain payroll data integrity in accordance with federal and state regulations, University policies, and internal controls.
Provide cross-functional payroll support and backup coverage during staff absences, vacancies, peak processing periods, and organizational transitions.
Share knowledge and participate in cross-training to preserve institutional knowledge and mitigate operational risk.
Support payroll system enhancements and test payroll calculations and processing scenarios.
Assist with special projects and perform assigned PeopleSoft-related activities.
Perform duties normally assigned to senior payroll staff, including the EHRA Lead Accountant, when necessary to ensure operational continuity.