Payroll Support Specialist

Lesley University • Cambridge, MA

1d • $72,618 - $82,521 • Onsite

About The Position

Lesley University is seeking a Payroll Support Specialist to join the Human Resources department. Reporting to the Payroll Manager, this role supports the timely and accurate processing of on-cycle and off-cycle payrolls, audits, reconciliations, variance analysis, and payroll reporting. The Specialist will leverage Workday payroll expertise, including configuration, reporting, calculated fields, and time tracking, to maintain and optimize payroll operations. Responsibilities include troubleshooting payroll and system issues, supporting system upgrades and enhancements, conducting audits, ensuring compliance with federal and state payroll regulations, and implementing process improvements. Working closely with Finance, IT, and Financial Aid, the Payroll Support Specialist will develop reports and analytics, support general ledger reconciliations and payroll tax compliance, monitor Federal Work Study earnings and award balances, and help maintain strong internal controls. Additional responsibilities include documenting standard operating procedures, responding to employee payroll inquiries, and supporting other payroll-related initiatives. This position requires a highly detail-oriented professional with payroll expertise, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments while maintaining confidentiality and compliance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field or equivalent work experience
• Two to five+ years of direct payroll experience (required)
• Demonstrated success utilizing a payroll ERP system (required)
• Knowledge of payroll and accounting principles, payroll methods, Department of Labor regulations, and federal and state tax regulations
• Demonstrated experience working autonomously and managing deadlines effectively
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong ability to maintain effective working relationships with all levels of the university and external partners
• Excellent time management skills
• Ability to multitask while maintaining accuracy and precision

Nice To Haves

• Experience within a higher education setting (preferred)
• Workday experience (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Supports the timely and accurate processing of on-cycle and off-cycle payrolls, audits, reconciliations, variance analysis, and payroll reporting.
• Leverages Workday payroll expertise, including configuration, reporting, calculated fields, and time tracking, to maintain and optimize payroll operations.
• Troubleshoots payroll and system issues.
• Supports system upgrades and enhancements.
• Conducts audits.
• Ensures compliance with federal and state payroll regulations.
• Implements process improvements.
• Develops reports and analytics in collaboration with Finance, IT, and Financial Aid.
• Supports general ledger reconciliations and payroll tax compliance.
• Monitors Federal Work Study earnings and award balances.
• Helps maintain strong internal controls.
• Documents standard operating procedures.
• Responds to employee payroll inquiries.
• Supports other payroll-related initiatives.

Benefits

• health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance
• significant paid time off
• a generous retirement plan
• tuition programs that enable employees and their dependents to expand their knowledge and skills

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level