Payroll Operations Manager

Responsibilities

• Process and oversee multi-frequency in-house payrolls using source documentation and time & attendance system; meeting critical deadlines while maintaining the highest standards of data integrity and confidentiality
• Manage time and attendance system (ADP)
• Basic maintenance and assisting Director of Payroll in troubleshooting, testing and implementation of new functionality and system enhancements
• Update and maintain employee payroll records, including salary, tax withholding, direct deposit, and other payroll-related information
• Prepare, reconcile and file payroll taxes and third-party deductions, ensuring the timely and accurate submission of all deposits, payments and regulatory filings
• Manage the taxability of graduate tuition benefits and any other taxable fringe benefits
• Prepare and distribute various monthly payroll reports
• Create ad hoc reports as requested
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, university policies and multiple collective bargaining agreements
• Mentor and train payroll assistants to ensure effective cross-training, operational continuity, and adequate payroll coverage during absences and peak processing periods
• Aid in the development, implementation, and maintenance of payroll policies, procedures, internal controls, and best practices to strengthen compliance and operational effectiveness
• Process and reconcile complex payroll transactions, including employee benefits, tax adjustments, relocation reimbursements, and other special payments
• Prepare and maintain payroll reconciliations including payroll tax reporting and yearend Form W2 processing
• Research, analyze, and resolve payroll discrepancies, exceptions, and employee inquiries in a timely and professional manner
• Collaborate with HR partners, finance and other stakeholders as needed to ensure accurate payroll processing and provide necessary payroll information
• Analyze payroll operations, identify, recommend and assist with implementation of process improvements and best practices to increase efficiency, accuracy and compliance
• Maintain employee confidence and protect payroll operations by keeping confidential information

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience
• Prior experience with payroll/timekeeper systems from time entry through quarterly and year-end processing including W-2s
• Strong experience in Microsoft Excel
• Strong experience in ADP preferred
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague a plus
• Ability to multitask while meeting tight deadlines, ensuring payrolls are processed accurately and timely
• Must be able to be a supportive team member and also work independently
• Honesty, dependability, integrity and confidentiality are musts
• Strong knowledge of payroll and time and attendance software
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills