Payroll Manager

Waukesha County Technical College

City of Pewaukee (WI)

On-site

USD 74,000 - 83,000

Full time

14 days+

Application generator

A complete application in a minute — tailored resume and cover letter, ready to send.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Tuition Reimbursement (tuition waiver)

Job summary

Waukesha County Technical College in Pewaukee, WI invites applications for a Payroll Manager who will lead payroll operations, ensure accuracy, and support compliance across all cycles. You will oversee daily payroll activities, coordinate with HR and auditors, and mentor Payroll Specialists to maintain integrity of pay and benefits for faculty and staff.

This full-time role requires a bachelor's degree and 5 years of full cycle payroll experience, with strong knowledge of federal/state laws.

Qualifications

Experience with payroll operations and annual processes.
Knowledge of federal and state payroll laws and IRS regs.
Ability to maintain accuracy and confidentiality.
Strong communication and supervisory skills.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily payroll cycle operations.
Test ERP upgrades and ensure internal controls.
Provide guidance to payroll and academic ops specialists.
Assist with annual reports (W-2, WT-6/WT-11, 1095, 941).
Support external auditors and cyclical closings.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Interpersonal communication

Critical thinking

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Time management

Confidential information handling

Advanced MS Office

BI reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance/payroll

Tools

Banner ERP

Time and Attendance system

Payroll software

Job description

Salary: $74,000.00 - $83,250.00 Annually

Location: WCTC Pewaukee Campus, 800 Main Street, Pewaukee, WI 53072, WI

Job Type: Full time

Job Number: 2026-08-26TW

Department: Financial Accounting Services

Opening Date: 08/26/2026

Closing Date: 9/16/2026 11:59 PM Central

Grade/Level: E05

Description

At WCTC, our students go from underestimated to unstoppable. They walk through our doors as career‑changers, first‑generation students, and people who were told college wasn't for them, and they walk out with a credential and a paycheck to prove it. We are seeking a Payroll Manager who understands that every pay cycle we run is part of that story: it keeps the instructors teaching, the labs open, and the promise we make to students real.

This is more than a technical payroll role. You will lead payroll operations for an institution where accuracy and follow‑through matter because people are counting on us, not just because policy requires it. We are looking for someone who brings the technical expertise to manage complex payroll systems and the judgment to work inside a mission‑driven, people‑first environment. If you want your competence to serve something bigger than the numbers, we want to hear from you.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities (include, but not limited to)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of the job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job‑related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated on this description.

Oversee, administer and complete day to day operational responsibilities related to the payroll cycle.
Serve on Banner Governance Committee, test ERP and Time and Attendance system upgrades, modifications, and implementations, assist with overseeing internal controls over payroll processes, collaborate with other departments and work to continuously improve processes.
Provide guidance and functional supervision for the payroll and academic operations specialists.
Participate in the administrative responsibilities related to annual processes and reconciliations i.e. W-2, Wisconsin WT-6 and WT-11, IRS forms 1095, 720, 941, and 945, WRS, 403(b) and 457, and unemployment insurance.
Provide support and assistance with external auditors and other compliance activities.
Assist with cyclical closings, including periodic reconciliation and audits of related payroll accounts.
Maintain current professional/ technical knowledge through professional education and activities. Maintain a working knowledge of Federal and State laws, IRS regulations, governmental accounting principles, College policies, procedures, employee handbook, and labor relation agreements.

Minimum Qualifications

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Working knowledge of Federal and State laws, IRS regulations, governmental accounting principles, College policies, procedures, employee handbook, and labor relation agreements and ability to interpret complex governmental regulations.
Effective interpersonal communication skills - oral, written and listening.
Ability to apply critical thinking and problem‑solving skills to work processes.
Ability to attend closely to detailed work, completing and maintaining a high level of accuracy.
Ability to work independently, as part of a team and/or with minimal supervision.
Ability to manage time and organize work.
Able to analyze and resolve issues and inaccuracies.
Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with internal (staff, management, personnel) and external contacts (clients and vendors).
Ability to maintain confidentiality and an aptitude for working with confidential information.
Advanced level of proficiency with computer software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations and/or publishing.
Ability to write reports from business intelligence software.

EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree, preferably with an emphasis in financial/payroll operations.
Five (5) years of experience with payroll including full cycle and annual processes

Hours

Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

* Occasional additional work time may be required to ensure timeliness and accuracy of the payroll process.

Interviews

Selected candidates will be invited to an on‑campus interview. Interview date is to be determined.

Internal team members are encouraged to grow their careers at WCTC! To be eligible to apply for a new role, employees must be in their current position for at least six (6) months.

WCTC offers a wide range of outstanding benefits. Benefits include, but not limited to:

Competitive compensation
Comprehensive Benefits Package including health, dental, vision, life, long‑term disability, supplemental life, flex spending accounts, and much more
Generous time off and holiday schedule
Eligibility in the Wisconsin Retirement System (ETF)
Opportunities for professional growth and development (including tuition reimbursement, tuition waiver)
Well‑being activities to support personal and professional well‑being
Collaborative and supportive team environment

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available.

WCTC provides excellent benefits for our employees. Typical benefits for full‑time employees (part‑time employee benefits may be prorated) may include: