Payroll & Staff Accountant

Black Hawk College•Moline, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll & Staff Accountant I plays a key role in ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time, supporting both employee well-being and trust in the College. This position processes payroll and benefits, ensures compliance with laws, contracts, and policies, and provides technical and analytical support. By maintaining accuracy and consistency, the Payroll & Staff Accountant I helps safeguard College resources and contributes to a positive employee experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or finance required; in lieu of a degree, 10 years of relevant experience may be accepted.
Minimum of 2 years’ payroll processing experience and 2 years’ general accounting experience required.
Knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, and ERP/payroll systems required.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook required.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and analytical ability.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Commitment to excellent customer service, continuous improvement, and confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

In-house payroll processing and Ellucian Banner experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Process payroll and benefit changes accurately and on schedule.
Review timesheets for compliance with DOL, IDOL, and collective bargaining agreements.
Verify pay change documentation and approvals.
Reconcile payroll liability accounts and prepare fund transfer documentation.
Review faculty compensation against contract parameters.
Communicate new-hire payroll details to employees.
Maintain employees leave balances, accruals, and year-end rollovers.
Ensure payroll procedures and confidentiality standards are followed.
Create payroll and budget reports using ERP/report writer tools (export to Excel).
Review student enrollment for FICA exemption eligibility.
Prepare and file required state and federal payroll reports (e.g., new hire, DOL).
Assist with state and federal reporting, retirement system submissions, and benefits-related payments.
Reconcile benefit deductions to vendor invoices as needed.
Work closely with Human Resources and Finance to ensure accuracy of pay and benefits.
Provide payroll support and problem resolution to employees.
Assist in developing and maintaining payroll documentation, standards, and disaster recovery plans.
Stay current on payroll laws, tax regulations, and retirement rules.
Interpret and explain labor contract provisions as needed.
Assist with reconciliations, labor distributions, budget processes, and audits to maintain financial accuracy.
Support process improvements and policy updates to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
Conduct payroll system testing and maintenance to ensure system reliability.
Provide system and policy training to staff, building organizational knowledge.
Direct the work of student employees and interns, offering mentorship and practical experience.
Perform other duties as assigned, contributing to the team’s overall success.
Demonstrates Black Hawk College Core Values.
Produces accurate, efficient, and timely work.
Maintains confidentiality of information and records.
Keeps payroll knowledge current and up to date.