Senior Payroll Specialist

About the role

General Summary: The Senior Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant administration of the University’s payroll function. The position independently manages the full payroll cycle, including timekeeping review, payroll processing, employee and payroll data changes, payroll taxes, retirement contributions, reconciliations, general ledger activity, regulatory reporting, and year-end processing. The Senior Payroll Specialist serves as the University’s primary payroll subject-matter resource and works closely with Human Resources, Finance, employees, and supervisors to resolve payroll issues, maintain accurate payroll records, and ensure compliance with applicable federal and state requirements. The position also supports continued improvement and effective use of the University’s payroll and timekeeping systems. Because every PNWU employee depends on accurate and timely pay, the Senior Payroll Specialist brings reliability, discretion, and consistent follow-through to the work. The position builds a strong working partnership with Human Resources, treats every employee question with respect and care, approaches non-routine situations with curiosity and sound judgment, and keeps current with the regulatory and technical knowledge the role requires, understanding that a healthy, well-supported workforce is what allows PNWU to serve its students and communities.

Responsibilities

• Payroll Processing: Manage and process the University’s biweekly payroll accurately and within established deadlines; review time and attendance records; process approved employee changes; calculate and process regular and supplemental earnings, deductions, reimbursements, corrections; review payroll registers and exception reports; prepare payroll documentation; process off‑cycle transactions; maintain accurate payroll records.
• Payroll Accounting and Reconciliation: Prepare and reconcile payroll‑related general ledger activity; prepare payroll journal entries; reconcile payroll clearing, liability, benefit, tax, retirement accounts; research and resolve differences; coordinate with accounting team; provide payroll actuals for budgeting, forecasting, compensation analysis, and financial reporting.
• Payroll Taxes and Regulatory Compliance: Ensure payroll compliance with federal, state, local wage‑hour and tax laws; review and reconcile tax filings; maintain tax registrations; coordinate quarterly and annual reporting; monitor law changes; respond to notices.
• Retirement and Benefit‑Related Payroll Responsibilities: Process and reconcile retirement plan contributions and benefit deductions; prepare required retirement files; reconcile deductions and employer contributions; support audits; coordinate with HR and benefit providers.
• Payroll Systems and Administration: Serve as primary Finance SME for payroll and timekeeping systems; maintain system configurations; research and resolve system issues; participate in testing and implementation; maintain procedures and calendars; identify automation opportunities.
• Employee and Department Support: Serve as primary resource for employees and supervisors on payroll questions; research and resolve discrepancies; work closely with HR; provide guidance to supervisors; maintain confidentiality.
• Audit and Internal Controls: Maintain documentation and internal controls; prepare schedules and reports for audits; respond to auditor requests; identify errors and control concerns; assist with corrective actions.
• Finance Team Collaboration and Professional Practice: Collaborate with Controller, accounting, HR, and other departments; participate in system implementations; maintain cross‑training; take initiative; build trusting relationships; resolve differences constructively; seek feedback; connect work to PNWU’s mission.
• Other Duties As Assigned.

Requirements

Education & Experience: To perform the essential functions of this position, the incum

Pay

Annual Minimum Salary: $58,400 – Annual Maximum Salary: $93,400. Hiring rate dependent upon qualifications and experience. Position is full‑time, 40 hours/week; salary is pro‑rated based on hours/week.

Schedule

Full‑time, 40 hours per week.