Payroll Analyst

Job Summary :

An employee in this classification, under the direction of the Senior Director of Payroll, will coordinate and participate in technical payroll accounting activities. This includes preparing, maintaining, processing, analyzing, and auditing manual and automated payroll data, information, records, and reports, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of payroll transactions. Additionally, the role involves leading, training, and providing work direction and guidance to staff on daily tasks and projects. The employee will also act as the Senior Director in their absence and provide backup for the Payroll Specialist as needed.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities :

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a payroll-related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of in-house payroll processing experience.
• Proven experience as a Payroll Analyst, Coordinator, or similar role.
• Knowledge of payroll principles, practices, regulations, and HR best practices.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, policies, procedures, and collective bargaining provisions.
• Knowledge of payroll wage garnishments.
• Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Expertise in payroll systems, HRIS, and Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Strong time management, problem-solving, and data analysis skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and discretion.
• Initiative to research, troubleshoot, and recommend solutions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to respond to auditor requests and make sound decisions.
• Effective presentation and training skills for diverse audiences

Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities :

Essential Duties :

Provide superior customer service to employees and external stakeholders, interpreting and educating on payroll-related laws, policies, and agreements.

Assist and troubleshoot issues with HR / Payroll / Time & Attendance systems, ensuring data accuracy.

Run bi-weekly batch imports of faculty contracts, process adjustments, and balance contract amounts.

Reconcile and submit the State University Retirement System file, researching and calculating adjustments.

Develop and post payroll-related information on web-based communication platforms.

Prepare and distribute quarterly and year-end payroll reports, ensuring accuracy and timely tax filings.

Respond to requests for information or documentation from internal and external customers.

Audit payroll transactions for accuracy and compliance with laws, policies, and union contracts.

Act as Sr. Director in their absence; provide backup for the Payroll Specialist, performing their duties during absences or heavy workloads.

Identify inefficiencies in system processes and suggest and implement improvements.