Manager of Payroll Services

University of Dayton; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Dayton is seeking a Manager of Payroll Services in Dayton, OH to lead the payroll department and ensure timely, accurate multi-state payroll processing. The role requires strong leadership, compliance expertise, and collaboration with audit and HR teams.

The position emphasizes system implementations, process improvements, and staff development while maintaining adherence to federal, state, and university policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Six years of payroll processing experience in a complex environment.
• Proven leadership and staff oversight.
• Knowledge of payroll taxes and regulatory filings.
• Strong communication and training abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the payroll department.
• Ensure timely, accurate multi-state payroll processing.
• Manage tax filings, garnishments, and notices.
• Lead system updates and project implementations.
• Provide guidance and develop payroll staff.

Skills

Payroll leadership

Regulatory compliance

Tax reporting

Process improvement

Staff management

Policy interpretation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Banner ERP

Workday ERP

Costpoint

Job description

Job No: 503793
Work Type: Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater)
Location: Dayton, OH
Category: University Staff
Department: Payroll Services - 802252
Pay Grade: C - Exempt
Advertised: August 10, 2026
Applications close: August 23, 2026

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Executive Director of HRIS and Payroll Services, and as a collaborative member of the Human Resources team, the Manager of Payroll Services provides leadership and oversight for all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the payroll department. The Manager of Payroll Services is charged with ensuring that the university’s complex, multi-state, and multi-cycle payroll is processed timely and accurately in accordance with Federal, State and Wage and Hour laws and regulations, and in accordance with university’s timelines, policies and procedures and union contract provisions.

The incumbent is responsible for all payroll taxes, garnishments and other related regulatory filings and for researches and resolving notices received related to taxes, and other deductions, in a timely and accurate manner with the goal of eliminating penalties and interest. Participates and/or leads complex projects such as new system implementations and is responsible for reviewing, & testing periodic system updates/releases.

Are you a payroll professional with experience building key relationships, fostering collaborations, and effecting change with payroll processes? Then consider the University of Dayton's Manager of Payroll Services position where you can be part of a collaborative team environment. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position offering a comprehensive benefits package, including medical and dental coverage, retirement, paid time off and holidays, employee wellness programs, and professional development opportunities.

Provides guidance and direction to payroll staff in various areas of processing the organization's payroll. Responsible for ensuring timely and accurate responses to payroll inquiries and supporting information requests. Focuses on the timely and accurate processing of all payroll transactions, minimizing output errors, providing premium customer service and seeking and implementing continuous improvement. Assists in the reconciliation of Payroll related General Ledger accounts with the Controller's Office. This role is also responsible for updating or creating standardized processes and procedures related to the Payroll function. The Manager of Payroll Services provides leadership and support for the payroll team in all areas.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Six (6) years of payroll processing experience in a complex payroll environment with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Must possess a history of successful leadership and oversight to payroll processing and staff management.
• Extensive knowledge of the payroll function to include related internal controls.
• Hands-on experience with payroll tax reporting obligations, including issuance of Form W-2, filing of Form 941, garnishment regulations, state and local tax filings and other related compliance activities.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to provide formal and informal training as well as performance evaluations and feedback.
• Ability to handle complex customer service issues in a professional manner, exercising good judgment in dealing with sensitive issues.
• Proven ability to apply knowledge to analyze and interpret business policies and external regulations and translate them into compliant and efficient processes.
• Knowledge of, and hands-on experience with payroll software, with proven ability to apply knowledge to understand new systems and processes.
• Strong time management skills, with the ability to balance operational and reporting deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills with proven ability to delegate effectively and prioritize competing deadlines.
• Proven history of completing projects related to improvement and efficiencies.
• Works well both independently but also in collaboration with other departments to complete tasks.
• Ability to work with both internal and external auditor to provide data as requested timely and accurately.

Preferred Qualifications:

While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or HR.
• Payroll or HR related certifications, such as CPP, SPHR, or SHRM_CP.
• Advanced communication skills to clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences, client groups, and all levels of management.
• Knowledge and understanding of Banner ERP and/or Workday ERP HR/Payroll modules.
• Knowledge and understanding of Costpoint software.
• Knowledge and ability to apply GAAP, tax regulations, laws and policies related to payroll.
• Strong analytical skills to review and analyze complex financial information.
• Experience running full in-house payroll.
• Experience in analyzing processes and trends, recommending and implementing solutions to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and accuracy of data.
• Demonstrated leadership and strategic management skills.
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing people.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft applications, such as Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The University does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position.

Closing Statement:

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the dignity of every human being. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity in all of its forms, achieve fair outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. The University is committed to policies of affirmative action designed to increase the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1973.

• Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater) 1