Payroll Accounting Supervisor

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Chantilly (VA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is hiring a Payroll Accounting Supervisor responsible for managing the payroll accounting team to ensure accurate payroll processing and compliance. The role requires a bachelor's degree and relevant experience, along with a strong understanding of payroll practices.

This hybrid position offers opportunities for collaboration with various departments, emphasizing clear communication and effective team leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience (typically 3-5 years) in payroll-related account reconciliations and supervisory experience (typically 1-2 years).
• Knowledge of payroll best practices, accounting, and complex HR/Payroll systems.
• Knowledge of federal and state payroll tax laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Ensure payroll reconciliations are completed by the prescribed deadlines.
• File quarterly unemployment reports and ensure compliance with deadlines.
• Supervise the Payroll Accounting team and manage performance.
• Communicate effectively with external vendors regarding payroll processing.

Skills

Payroll account reconciliation

Supervisory experience

Data analysis using Excel

Knowledge of payroll best practices

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration

Job description

Department

Fiscal Services

Classification

Financial Svcs Manager 1

Job Category

Classified Staff

Job Type

Full-Time

Work Schedule

Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location

Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type

Hybrid Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility

Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Pay Band

05

Salary

Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check

Yes

Financial Background Check

Yes

About the Department

The Payroll Office is responsible for timely and accurate processing of all University payrolls. The Payroll Office reconciles health care billings, payroll liability accounts, Virginia Retirement System (VRS) snapshot, processes invoices for payment to all payroll vendors for employee/employer withholdings, and makes retroactive pay adjustments. The Payroll Office submits quarterly filings for unemployment, federal and state taxes to the appropriate taxing authorities and generates annual W2s.

About the Position

The Payroll Accounting Supervisor supervises a payroll accounting team to ensure efficient operations and compliance. The position oversees accuracy of over 70 liability account reconciliations and the timely resolution of outstanding reconciling differences essential for financial compliance. Additionally, this role manages quarterly filings for tax returns and unemployment reporting while serving as the primary liaison with the ADP service provider for effective communication and issue resolution.

Responsibilities

• Ensures payroll reconciliations are completed by the prescribed internal deadlines and the deadlines set forth by the Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM). Works with accountants, benefits, and external departments to resolve any discrepancies monthly and before the end of the fiscal year.
• Files quarterly unemployment reports to Virginia Employment Commission (VEC), other state agencies, and the Department of Taxation by the prescribed deadlines.
• Works with the external vendor to balance and submit 941s, 941 amendments, state quarterly filings by the prescribed deadlines, and reconcile calendar year end 941s, 1042s to W2s. Acts as point of contact with the external vendor.
• Responsible for supervision of the Payroll Accounting team and all aspects of performance management including training, goal setting, monitoring and delivery of work efforts, and providing feedback through verbal updates and written performance reviews to the teams. Adheres to legal and university policies and procedures and undertakes disciplinary actions as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience (typically 3-5 years) in payroll-related account reconciliations and supervisory experience (typically 1-2 years); experience working with large amounts of payroll data using Excel and analyzing the data for discrepancies or errors.
• Knowledge of payroll best practices, accounting, working with the general ledger, account reconciliations, complex HR/Payroll systems, and calendar and fiscal year end reporting (W2s/1042s).
• Knowledge of federal and state payroll tax laws and regulations, familiarity with FLSA, overtime rules and wage garnishment laws, and an understanding of benefits deductions and retirement deductions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with end users, internal and external departments providing clear and effective communication on policies and process requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in payroll for a large, complex organization or higher education is preferred.
• Experience with multi-state and international taxation is a plus.
• Workflow Optimization: Awareness of techniques to streamline operations, reduce waste, and maximize efficiency by proactively identifying opportunities for transformative improvements.

Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.