Entry Level Payroll Operations Specialist

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Community Colleges System (VCCS) Shared Services Center is seeking an Entry Level Payroll Operations Specialist to support payroll processing, deductions, and withholding in a structured, centralized environment. This entry-level role emphasizes accuracy, teamwork, and process improvement across payroll functions.

Based in Botetourt, VA, the position requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively, with familiarity in payroll, HR, finance, or accounting and strong

Qualifications

• Knowledge of payroll and tax reporting requirements.
• Experience in payroll, HR, finance, or accounting.
• Intermediate Excel skills and data handling.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll for Shared Services Center customers accurately and timely.
• Ensure compliance with withholding and audit requirements.
• Identify and implement payroll process improvements.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with department teams.
• Stay informed on payroll projects and SLAs.

Skills

Data retrieval

Analytical skills

Communication

Interpersonal

Excel

Attention to detail

Numerical skills

Tools

PeopleSoft/Oracle

Job description

Title: Entry Level Payroll Operations Specialist

Agency: VCCS-Shared Services Center

Location: Botetourt - 023

FLSA: Nonexempt

Hiring Range: $50,000-$55,000

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

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.

Minimum Qualifications

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

• 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)