Entry Level Payroll Operations Specialist

Virginia's Community College System; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid telework available

Job summary

Virginia’s Community College System (VCCS) Shared Services Center in Botetourt, VA is seeking an entry-level Payroll Operations Specialist. The role supports payroll processing, auditing, and compliance while offering collaboration with cross-functional teams.

The position requires solid numerical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of IRS requirements for gross income and withholding.
• Familiarity with payroll best practices and federal/state regulations.
• Experience with data analysis and report generation.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll per policies and procedures for Shared Services Center customers.
• Identify process improvements and efficiencies in Payroll Operations.
• Work cross-functionally with Payroll Manager and IRS/Department of Accounts bulletins.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Data retrieval & manipulation

Excel proficiency

Tools

Microsoft Office

PeopleSoft/Oracle

Excel

Job description

Working Title Entry Level Payroll Operations Specialist Role Title Finan Svcs Spec I Role Code 19031-SW FLSA Nonexempt Pay Band 04 Position Number 27000395 Agency VCCS-Shared Services Center Division Shared Services Center (Div) Work Location Botetourt - 023 Hiring Range $50,000-$55,000 Emergency/Essential Personnel No EEO Category 2-Professionals Full Time or Part Time Full Time Does this position have telework options? -Telework options are subject to change based on business needs- Yes Does this position have a bilingual or multilingual skill requirement or preference? No Work Schedule
Monday – Friday
8am – 5pm
Sensitive Position No Job Description
Innovation allows an organization to make the most of every dollar spent. At Virginia’s Community Colleges System (VCCS), our compelling mission, our ambitious strategic plan and our fiscal realities challenge us to ensure that community college resources are maximized for the priority of student success and credential completion.
Nestled between the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains, the VCCS Shared Services Center is centrally located to all 23 colleges in the VCCS, 43 miles from Blacksburg, VA, and a four-hour drive from Washington, D.C. A vital part of the ever-growing Roanoke Valley, Daleville is a haven for tourists and residents alike. Within an hour’s drive are the breathtaking Smith Mountain Lake, world-famous Appalachian Trail, and many other outdoor activities, including golfing, biking, and hiking. The thriving Historic City Market in downtown Roanoke and the Daleville Town Center and Performance Pavilion also host farmers markets, community and cultural events, and festivals throughout the year.
The VCCS Shared Services Center is an innovation strategy to advance the priority of student success, reduce the administrative burden on individual colleges, consolidate transaction-based functions, create economies of scale, and improve backroom process efficiency. This work allows the VCCS to better focus resources on the students – helping them start their educational journeys, persist, and succeed.
Process payroll through identified policies and procedures for the Shared Services Center customers, ensuring timely and accurate payment and required withholding is made. The entry level payroll operations specialist must be able to work independently as well as in a team environment to help identify process improvements and efficiencies in Payroll Operations. This includes contributing, planning, organizing, and processing to ensure all payroll support functions are administered timely and accurately while all audit requirements are met. Ability to work cross-functionally within the department. Remain informed on all payroll projects, Payroll Service Level Agreement, and updates as directed by the Payroll Manager, Payroll Supervisor, IRS, and Department of Accounts Payroll Bulletins.
Special Assignments
May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.
Knowledge

• Knowledge of Internal Revenue Code, Regulations, and Rulings regarding income subject to inclusion in gross income, withholding, tax deposit and payment, and wage and tax reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of fiscal operations management and accounting.
• Knowledge of payroll best practices including compliance, federal, and state regulations.

Skills

• Retrieving and manipulating data via online access in database files through various software applications.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for building relationships with our customers.
• Intermediate skills in using personal computer applications and Microsoft Office products, including proficiency in Excel.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent mathematical aptitude and numerical skills.

Abilities

• Ability to work with minimal supervision and be independently accountable for meeting deadlines timely and accurately.
• Ability to organize and manage workflow to ensure payroll tasks are processed accurately and timely.
• Ability to deal sensitively with confidential information.
• Ability to work independently as well as a team member.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies.

Attributes

• Willingness and ability to be flexible and to grow professionally as the position changes.
• Practices ethical behavior and demonstrates and supports the SSC values and mission.
• Remains optimistic and supportive of established procedures while looking for process improvements and efficiencies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience in one or more of the following fields: Payroll, Human Resources, Finance, or Accounting.
• Intermediate level experience with Microsoft Office, specifically with Excel.

Additional Considerations
Additional Considerations

• Fundamental experience with Internal Revenue Code, Regulations, and Rulings regarding income subject to inclusion in gross income, withholding, tax deposit and payment, and wage and tax reporting requirements.
• Experience or knowledge of multi-state taxation.
• Experience in state government or higher education.
• Experience with healthcare, retirement, or other benefit reconciliations.
• Experience with Peoplesoft/Oracle systems.
• Certifications: Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

Operation of a State Vehicle No Supervises Employees No Required Travel
Less than 5%.
Job Close Date 09/09/2026
Hybrid telework available!
Sponsorship will not be offered for this position.
Background Check Statement Disclaimer
The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/
EEO Statement
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non-merit factors.
ADA Statement
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.
E-Verify Statement
VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.
Quicklink for Posting https://jobs.vccs.edu/postings/100262