Payroll and Accounting Assistant

Salve Regina University, ranked as one of the most transformative colleges in the United States by Money Magazine, is a comprehensive Catholic University located in the scenic coastal community of Newport, Rhode Island. The University's commitment to academic success and personal discovery extends beyond its historic campus into a dynamic world where the application of higher thinking and skill are most valued.

About the role

Performs all activities necessary to process payroll, including maintaining and updating related records, filing tax reports and voluntary retirement deduction reports, processing involuntary deductions such as levies and garnishments, preparing accounting transactions and documents, and documenting and updating procedures. Performs other accounting/finance duties in support of the Business Office, such as those associated with accounts payable, purchasing, and other areas as needed.

Responsibilities

• Processes bi-weekly and student payrolls through Salve's enterprise system, Colleague, including timecard review and processing, supporting analysis schedules, and reconciliations.
• Process tax payments and file related reports.
• Processes new employee and existing employee payroll documents timely and accurately.
• Responds to employee requests for payroll-related information; provide assistance to University employees for payroll matters.
• Trains employees on timecard system and related functionality; train University employees on other payroll-related items as needed.
• Update payroll processes as needed to remain current.
• Serve as back-up to the Payroll Manager for all payroll-related duties.
• Update paid time off accrual balances.
• Work with other University departments to enable timely and efficient payroll processing of student hires and terminations.
• Review payroll-related general ledger accounts and work with Payroll Manager for regular reconciliation.
• Maintain working knowledge of University policies and apply them to payroll processes.
• Performs other accounting/finance duties in support of the Business Office, such as those associated with accounts payable and purchasing.
• Performs all other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in accounting or finance required.
• 2-3 years demonstrated experience working in a business setting (i.e., accounting or finance role).
• Proficient with financial systems, payroll systems, timekeeping systems.
• Proficient with Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must possess strong analytical and math skills.
• Confidentiality is a must.
• Ability to handle difficult situations with students and staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively to the wide variety of employees served by the payroll office.
• Ability to work with set deadlines for each payroll and tax reporting cycle.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated payroll processing experience.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance.
• Experience with Colleague payroll processing.
• Experience in a higher education setting.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision coverage available on the first of the month following date of hire.
• 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA with employee and employer contributions as well as access to advising services.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Employer-paid life and AD&D insurance.
• Up to 100% free tuition at Salve for eligible employees and qualified dependents.
• Robust wellness program and free access to the on-campus Fitness Center.
• Supplemental life insurance for employees and dependents.
• Supplemental insurance coverage through Aflac.
• Tuition Exchange scholarship program for qualified dependents of eligible employees working full-time.
• Discounted pet insurance through ASPCA.
• Student loan forgiveness assistance program (SAVI).
• Employee Assistance Program through Health Advocate.
• Flexible spending health and dependent care accounts.
• Health savings accounts.
• 529 collegebound saver program.
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance.

This is an on-site position.