Payroll Manager

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania; Shippensburg (Cumberland County); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Low-cost medical insurance

Dental, vision, hearing, and Rx cover

1) Retirement plans: ARP & SERS

100% tuition waivers for you and your

Paid time off and life insurance

Job summary

Shippensburg University is seeking a knowledgeable Payroll Manager to oversee biweekly payroll processing for faculty, staff, and student employees. You will ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations while applying internal controls and supporting customer service across the university.

The role requires expertise in payroll laws, SAP experience, and strong collaboration with Human Resources and finance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible payroll experience.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.
• Ability to interpret collective bargaining agreements and university policies.
• Experience with payroll processing, auditing, reconciliation, and accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Oversee biweekly payroll operations for faculty, staff, and student employees.
• Administer complex payroll transactions (overtime, shift differentials, overload, deductions).
• Research and apply collective bargaining agreements and policies.
• Conduct payroll audits and maintain internal controls; resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure data integrity in SAP and related systems.
• Collaborate with university departments and PASSHE partners; provide guidance on payroll matters.

Skills

Payroll knowledge

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business or related field

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Join a vibrant and purpose-driven community at Shippensburg University, located in the scenic Cumberland Valley and spread across a beautiful 210-acre campus with over 40 buildings. We offer a dynamic academic environment with 45 undergraduate, 22 graduate, and 2 doctoral programs. At Shippensburg, our mission is more than words. We are committed to inclusive collaboration, fostering a strong sense of belonging, and celebrating the achievements that drive positive change in our communities. Be part of a team that values innovation, impact, and shared success.

Shippensburg University offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees!

• Effective first day of employment: low-cost medical insurance plus free dental, vision, hearing, and prescription coverage.
• Choose from two generous retirement plans :
• Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP):5% employee contribution, 9.29% employer contribution, Immediate vesting
• State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS): 8.25% employee contribution, 2.25% employer contribution + pension calculation, 10-year vesting requirement
• 100% tuition waivers for you and your eligible dependents upon completion of probationary period!
• Generous paid time off, employer-paid life insurance, and so much more!

See full details in link below (for PASSHE Benefits)

Full Benefits Summary (PDF)

General Position Description

Shippensburg University is seeking a knowledgeable, resourceful, and detail-oriented Payroll Manager to oversee the University's payroll operations. This key position within Human Resources requires a proactive, solutions-oriented professional who demonstrates independent judgment, resourcefulness, accountability, and a commitment to operational excellence.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of University payroll while promoting operational efficiency, continuous process improvement, and exceptional customer service.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Oversee biweekly payroll operations for faculty, staff, and student employees, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing.
• Administer complex payroll transactions, including overtime, shift differentials, faculty overload, supplemental compensation, deductions, payroll adjustments, and leave payouts.
• Research, interpret, and apply collective bargaining agreements, University and PASSHE policies, and applicable regulations.
• Conduct payroll audits, reconcile discrepancies, implement timely corrective actions, and maintain effective internal controls.
• Independently research, investigate, and resolve complex payroll issues, demonstrating sound judgment, accountability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Maintain accurate payroll and leave records, ensure data integrity within SAP and related systems, prepare reports, and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Collaborate with University departments and PASSHE partners, providing timely communication, guidance, follow-through, and appropriate escalation of payroll matters.
• Provide oversight and guidance for student payroll functions.
• A full job description will be provided at the time of the scheduled interview.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible payroll experience, preferably in a complex organizational environment.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws, wage and hour regulations, tax requirements, and payroll compliance standards.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements, organizational policies, and applicable regulations.
• Experience with payroll processing, auditing, reconciliation, and maintaining accurate payroll records.
• Proficiency with computerized payroll systems, Microsoft Excel, and payroll reporting tools.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated resourcefulness and the ability to independently research and resolve complex issues.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated initiative, accountability, sound judgment, and commitment to confidentiality and accuracy.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative, customer-focused approach.
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership, guidance, and oversight of payroll operations, fostering accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Payroll experience in higher education or the public sector.
• Experience administering payroll in a unionized environment with multiple collective bargaining agreements.
• Experience utilizing SAP for payroll processing, reporting, and auditing.
• Experience administering complex compensation arrangements, including faculty overload, supplemental compensation, and leave payouts.
• Experience supervising or providing functional oversight to payroll staff.