Payroll Specialist III

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

This position, part of the Payroll Services department within the CFO Division, provides analytical review of payroll transactions and strategic support to the University. It ensures effective management of payroll inquiries, assists managers in maintaining a comprehensive knowledge base, and strengthens service delivery through data‑driven evaluation and informed decision making. The role supports complex financial functions such as compliance monitoring and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance internal controls and operational efficiency. It applies advanced analytical thinking to identify process gaps, evaluate risk, interpret payroll and financial data trends and error resolution, and recommend policy or workflow improvements aligned with institutional goals. The position also oversees several critical payroll processes—including off‑cycle and on-cycle payroll, retroactive payroll processing and leave cash‑outs —to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, with intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills to compile, analyze, and reconcile payroll data, prepare reports and ensure accuracy.
Strong analytical skills for pay reconciliation, retros, and multiple FTE/pay rate change scenarios.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain complex pay scenarios clearly and concisely.
Process improvement mindset.
Ability to work and maintain effective working relationships with others; to understand, interpret, and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures; to complete work according to scheduled deadlines; to work with limited supervision; to utilize problem solving techniques and to work independently.
Knowledge of payroll rules and regulations, policies and procedures that affect payroll processing and payment functions.
A thorough understanding of the accounting systems, payroll tax withholding, and tax reporting requirements.

Responsibilities

Performing critical University Payroll operations, including leave cash‑out processing, reviewing time exceptions, working a variety of payroll‑closing queries, entering manual paylines, and conducting time administration activities.
Serving as the primary operator for all on‑cycle payroll processes, ensuring each cycle runs successfully by verifying the absence of errors, reconciling payroll results, creating and reviewing trend analyses, and confirming that the payroll closing sequence is fully and accurately completed.
Using intermediate to advanced Excel skills to compile, evaluate, and interpret payroll data, and preparing reports for both internal stakeholders and external entities.
Coordinating the full off‑cycle payroll process, including creating the processing schedule and establishing the PeopleSoft Run IDs required for Division of State Group Insurance (DSGI), Division of Retirement (DOR), Emergency Check (EMRC), and Reversal (REV) runs.
Managing all off‑cycle reporting activities, conducting trend analysis, reviewing and analyzing errors, and verifying that each off‑cycle cycle is fully and accurately completed.
Processing all beneficiary payments associated with off‑cycle activity, including any required leave cash‑outs, ensuring timely, compliant, and precise payroll outcomes.
Providing advanced-level support to university departments on Time & Labor, requiring an understanding of the payroll calendar, processes affecting employees’ pay, benefit plans including leave plans, University leave policies, use of Time Reporting Codes, and an understanding of the University’s compensation policies.
Serving as the backup to the Payroll Manager and providing secondary support across all payroll functions, ensuring continuity of operations during peak periods, absences, or urgent situations.
Managing time-sensitive payroll inquires, resolving employee questions with accuracy and professionalism, and coordinating closely with HR, Finance, and other campus units on payroll‑related issues.
Supporting the Payroll Manager in maintaining compliant, timely, and efficient payroll processes and contributing to effective communication and problem‑solving across departments.
Working frequently with Finance & Accounting staff, campus partners and other stakeholders to translate operational issues and identify useful solutions.
Proactively identifying and communicating problems and opportunities; seeking input and participating in implementing solutions.
Providing analytical, financial, accounting, and compliance support to department and institutional leadership.
Performing a variety of special projects as needed.