Payroll Associate

The Pennsylvania State University; Struble (PA); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Payroll Associate (Intermediate Support) to support payroll operations across the University. You will process, validate, and troubleshoot payroll transactions for faculty, staff, and student employees using Workday, while upholding confidentiality and compliance with laws.

Work arrangements combine remote and on-campus presence, with at least two days in the office per week.

Qualifications

• GED or High School diploma with 2+ years of relevant experience
• Experience with payroll systems or processes is preferred
• Ability to handle confidential information and data security

Responsibilities

• Process, review, and validate payroll transactions for all employee groups in Workday.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and university policies.
• Research, investigate, and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries.
• Analyze payroll results and identify issues or trends needing further research or escalation.
• Assist with preparation and distribution of year‑end payroll documents (W‑2, W‑2c).
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and departments to resolve payroll issues.
• Provide backup support for payroll functions and participate in cross‑training.
• Maintain and update payroll procedures and job aids.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes and customer service.
• Provide high‑quality customer service via phone, email, and in-person while protecting sensitive data.

Skills

Payroll processing

Attention to detail

Customer service

Confidentiality

Cross‑functional collaboration

Education

GED or HS diploma

Tools

Workday

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Payroll Department, part of Penn State's Finance and Business organization, is seeking a Payroll Associate (Intermediate Support) to support payroll operations across the University. This position plays an important role in ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for faculty, staff, and student employees. As a member of the Payroll team, the Payroll Associate will process and validate payroll transactions, research and resolve payroll issues, and provide knowledgeable customer service to employees and University partners. The position requires strong attention to detail, sound judgment, confidentiality, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments while managing multiple priorities. The successful candidate will also contribute to cross-training, knowledge sharing, documentation, and continuous improvement of payroll processes. This position reports to the Payroll Supervisor and supports Penn State's commitment to integrity, respect, and inclusive excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Process, review, and validate payroll transactions in Workday for all employee groups, including faculty, staff, and student employees.
• Ensure payroll transactions are processed accurately and in accordance with federal, state, and local payroll laws, regulations, and University policies.
• Research, investigate, and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries involving compensation, taxes, deductions, payments, and other payroll-related matters.
• Analyze payroll results and identify issues or trends that may require additional research, correction, or escalation.
• Assist with the preparation and distribution of W-2, W-2c, and other year-end payroll documentation.
• Collaborate with Human Resources, Finance, departments, and other University partners to research and resolve payroll-related issues.
• Provide backup support for payroll functions and participate in cross-training and knowledge-sharing activities to promote operational continuity.
• Maintain and update payroll procedures, job aids, and other documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, efficiency, and customer service.
• Provide high-quality customer service through phone, email, and in-person communication while protecting confidential employee and payroll information.
• Escalate complex or unusual payroll matters to the appropriate supervisor or subject-matter expert when necessary.

Work Arrangement

This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work, with a requirement to work in the office at the University Park campus at least two days per week. Questions related to the flexible work arrangement should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

• General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS) 2+ years of relevant experience; Relevant education accepted in lieu of experience Required Certifications: None

Background Checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Due to the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $44,628.00 - $64,668.00.

• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
• Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Campus Security Crime Statistics

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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