Payroll Coordinator

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia in Athens is seeking a Payroll Coordinator to oversee and assist in all payroll processes within Auxiliary Services. You will coordinate with Central Payroll, manage validations, reconciliations, and reporting while supporting payroll funding and budgets.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma with 2 years of related experience, strong analytical skills, and familiarity with payroll systems.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; 2+ years related payroll experience preferred.
• Experience with payroll systems and data analysis is essential.
• Strong communication, organizational, and detail-oriented skills required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in overseeing all payroll processes including reconciliation, absence management, special pay processing, and payroll validation.
• Coordinate with Auxiliary Services HR and Central Payroll to ensure timely payroll processing and funding updates.
• Perform general ledger posting and reconciliation of payroll-related transactions; assist with reporting and analysis for department units.
• Support training development for payroll processes and act as liaison for time clock enrollment and technical support.
• Assist with payroll-related processes, including expressing direct retros and funding changes as needed.
• Promote efficient payroll operations and respond to unit inquiries in a timely manner.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Confidentiality

Problem solving

Data analysis

Software proficiency

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Payroll systems

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Posting Number: S15554P

Working Title: Payroll Coordinator

Department: Auxiliary Finance

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

College/Unit/Department website: auxiliary.uga.edu

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: This position offers a 40 hour work week.
Typical schedules are 8 AM – 5 PM, Monday-Friday.

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date: 08/03/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 09/01/2026

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Classification Title: Payroll Technician II

FLSA: Non-Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience

Position Summary

The Auxiliary Services Payroll Coordinator is responsible for assisting in overseeing the division of all payroll processes. These processes include, but are not limited to, the following: Payroll Reconciliation, Absence Management, Special Pay Processing, Payroll Validation, etc. This incumbent is responsible for establishing protocols and procedures to ensure the timely execution of each payroll process. The Auxiliary Payroll Coordinator reports and assists the Sr. Payroll Coordinator with the coordination of payroll activities with University Central Payroll Auxiliary Service Division employees, supervisors, and management on payroll issues, payroll funding, and budget updates. In coordination with the Auxiliary Services Human Resources department, this position works to streamline processes and improve efficiency in processing terminations, Administrative Leave, Invalid Funding, and Express Direct Retros. In addition to assisting with all payroll-related processes, this position is responsible for general ledger posting and reconciliation of payroll-related transactions.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Strong Interpersonal and communication skills, and will work with a wide range of constituents in a diverse community.
• Make administrative and procedural decisions on sensitive, confidential issues.
• Analyze complex information, define and solve problems, and accurately draw appropriate conclusions.
• Apply standard software applications to data issues and analysis, as well as learn new computer-based data management systems.
• Demonstrate organizational skills and work in a fast-paced environment, prioritizing multiple tasks.
• Attention to Detail oriented.
• Knowledge of human resources and payroll systems and ability to run various payroll data and related queries.

Physical Demands

• Sit at a desk and work on a computer for extended periods of time.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Lifting/carrying of files not greater than 30 lbs.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?: No

Is this a Position of Trust?: Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?: Yes

Does this position require a P-Card? : No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? : No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?: No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications): Yes

Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Payroll Oversight

• Provide assistance with the division-wide oversight of all payroll processes, including, but not limited to: Payroll Reconciliation, Absence Management, Missed Time Punches, Special Pay Processing, Payroll Validation, Emergency Checks, or Off-Cycle payroll checks.
• Audit and Report Payroll reporting discrepancies and manage exceptions for resolution.
• Work with business unit supervisors and managers to ensure payroll procedures for each unit are maintained in compliance with USG Guidelines.
• Work in coordination with Auxiliary Services Human Resources to accurately report all Payroll-related activities, including, but not limited to, Ad Hoc Salary Changes, Time and Absence Approver Changes, Absence Management, off-cycle payroll and on-demand payroll requests, student ladder pay, Retirements, etc.

Percentage of time: 35

Payroll Support

• Assist in the development and implementation of training curriculum in coordination with Auxiliary Training & Development partners, and/or standard operating procedures in collaboration with departmental leadership for departmental payroll processes.
• Act as a liaison with Central Payroll to communicate all division-wide payroll-related issues.
• In coordination with Auxiliary IT and Central Payroll, act as division-wide liaison for time clock enrollment and technical support.

Percentage of time: 20

Accounting / General Ledger

• Work in coordination with Auxiliary Human Resources team to establish and maintain standard operating procedures for processing invalid funding, suspense account resolution, and express direct retros.
• Assist in general ledger maintenance and combo code setup.
• Handle requests for labor movements, prepare change funding requests, and/or Express Direct Retros based on needs of the business units.
• Provide assistance with meal plan rebate processing.
• Assist in submitting Payroll Deduction files, providing Taken information and processing GL journal recognizing revenue from Taken deductions, and managing payroll deduction exceptions, as needed.

Percentage of time: 20

Reporting & Analysis

• Audit and report payroll processing discrepancies and manage payroll exceptions.
• Offer solutions for payroll processing improvements.
• Assist in the compilation of payroll data and generate reports to aid in external and internal reporting requirements associated with NTD reporting, TPS Charter Services, Football Pay, and Special Events, as well as assist in the annual reporting of taxable fringe benefits.
• Participate, assist, and support in various financial and payroll-related reporting & analysis Auxiliary Services projects; research policies, procedures, and regulations, providing support for impacted Auxiliary Service units, work with data from Auxiliary Services activity for presentation and review
• Develop & provide recommendations or improvements for current and/or business processes for Auxiliary Service units, specifically related to the financial reporting and payroll perspective; and other assigned projects.

Percentage of time: 10

Training

• Train and participate in work of those assisting with payroll processing and other related transactions.
• Provide guidance and assistance to business units for payroll timesheet reporting codes, including providing resources for references to include, but not limited to, absence management, such as approving or canceling leave requests needed, inclement weather, and proper timesheet reporting,
• May supervise Auxiliary Finance Student staff.

Percentage of time: 10

Other Duties as Assigned

• Promote division as a great place to work.
• Promote building understanding and partnerships with other team members.
• Respond to various unit inquiries related to the payroll process in a timely manner.
• Support leadership with various payroll issues.

Percentage of time: 5

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name: Lisa Catanese

Recruitment Contact Email: [e-mail]