Payroll Operations Manager

Quinnipiac University; Hamden (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Quinnipiac University in Mount Carmel - Hamden, CT is seeking a Payroll Operations Manager to oversee all payroll operations for faculty and staff, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory compliance.

Reporting to the Director of Payroll, you will lead system maintenance, tax filings, reporting, and process improvements, while mentoring the payroll team to ensure excellence and efficiency in payroll processing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
• 5-7 years of relevant payroll experience.
• Experience with payroll/timekeeping systems from entry to year-end processing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with ADP preferred.

Responsibilities

• Process and oversee multi-frequency in-house payrolls with data integrity and confidentiality.
• Manage the time and attendance system (ADP) and assist in troubleshooting and enhancements.
• Update payroll records including salary, tax withholding, direct deposit, and related information.
• Prepare, reconcile, and file payroll taxes and third-party deductions.
• Handle taxability of graduate tuition benefits and other taxable fringe benefits.
• Prepare and distribute monthly payroll reports; create ad hoc reports as needed.
• Ensure compliance with federal/state/university policies and collective bargaining agreements.
• Mentor payroll assistants and ensure cross-training and continuity.
• Develop and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Serve as SME for payroll systems, providing guidance and improvements.
• Process and reconcile complex payroll transactions including benefits and special payments.
• Prepare payroll reconciliations including year-end Form W-2 processing.
• Resolve payroll discrepancies and inquiries promptly.
• Collaborate with HR and finance to ensure accurate processing.

Skills

Payroll processing

Excel

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Timekeeping systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

ADP

Ellucian Colleague

Job description

Job no: 497185
Work type: Full-time
Campus: Mount Carmel - Hamden, CT
Categories: Staff

Overview

Quinnipiac University's Office of Human Resources invites applications for a Payroll Operations Manager. As the Payroll Operations Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring accurate and timely compensation for our diverse faculty and staff members. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for efficiency, you will help oversee all payroll operations while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. Join us in shaping the future of education as we empower our dedicated employees to deliver transformative learning experiences.

Reporting to the Director of Payroll, you will assist the Director with all university payroll operations.

About Quinnipiac

Quinnipiac University is a private, coeducational institution located 90 minutes north of New York City and two hours from Boston. The university currently has an enrollment of 9,700 students in more than 100-degree programs through its Schools of Business, Communications, Computing & Engineering, Education, Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Nursing and the College of Arts & Sciences. Our 20 Division I teams have achieved remarkable success, boasting national and conference titles — including a 2023 NCAA national championship win in men’s ice hockey, a trip to the Sweet 16 for our women’s basketball team and NCAA Tournament appearances by many of our programs. The Quinnipiac University Poll is nationally recognized as a leader in public opinion research, and the university is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review. The Wall Street Journal ranked Quinnipiac #51 among the best colleges in the nation, and second in Connecticut, for our exceptional graduation rate, salary impact, learning facilities, career preparation and learning opportunities.

The university is in the midst of program expansion and renewal for both traditional and adult learners, the development of innovative strategic partnerships, and recently opened South Quad with three state-of-the-art buildings.

As Quinnipiac grows, the university remains guided by the core values that define our community and shapes the experience of every student and employee.

These values are the foundation of who we are and reflect the Quinnipiac spirit found across our campuses. For more information, please visit qu.edu. Connect with Quinnipiac on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and X.

Responsibilities

• Process and oversee multi-frequency in-house payrolls using source documentation and time & attendance system; meeting critical deadlines while maintaining the highest standards of data integrity and confidentiality
• Manage time and attendance system (ADP). Basic maintenance and assisting Director of Payroll in troubleshooting, testing and implementation of new functionality and system enhancements
• Update and maintain employee payroll records, including salary, tax withholding, direct deposit, and other payroll-related information
• Prepare, reconcile and file payroll taxes and third-party deductions, ensuring the timely and accurate submission of all deposits, payments and regulatory filings-
• Manage the taxability of graduate tuition benefits and any other taxable fringe benefits
• Prepare and distribute various monthly payroll reports
• Create ad hoc reports as requested
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, university policies and multiple collective bargaining agreements
• Mentor and train payroll assistants to ensure effective cross-training, operational continuity, and adequate payroll coverage during absences and peak processing periods.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and maintenance of payroll policies, procedures, internal controls, and best practices to strengthen compliance and operational effectiveness
• Serve as a subject matter expert on payroll-related systems and applications, providing guidance, troubleshooting support, and recommendations for process improvements
• Process and reconcile complex payroll transactions, including employee benefits, tax adjustments, relocation reimbursements, and other special payments.
• Prepare and maintain payroll reconciliations including payroll tax reporting and yearend Form W2 processing.
• Research, analyze, and resolve payroll discrepancies, exceptions, and employee inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Collaborate with HR partners, finance and other stakeholders as needed to ensure accurate payroll processing and provide necessary payroll information
• Analyze payroll operations, identify, recommend and assist with implementation of process improvements and best practices to increase efficiency, accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain employee confidence and protect payroll operations by keeping confidential information

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience
• Prior experience with payroll/timekeeper systems from time entry through quarterly and year-end processing including W-2s
• Strong experience in Microsoft Excel
• Strong experience in ADP preferred
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague a plus
• Ability to multitask while meeting tight deadlines, ensuring payrolls are processed accurately and timely
• Must be able to be a supportive team member and also work independently
• Honesty, dependability, integrity and confidentiality are musts
• Self-driven with a high level of attention to detail
• Strong knowledge of payroll and time and attendance software
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills

Special Instructions to Applicants

TO APPLY:

Applications must be submitted electronically and include a resume, a cover letter detailing how your experience aligns with the position requirements, demonstrated commitment to intentional leadership that values individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, and contact information for three references.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time faculty and staff which includes tuition remission and a culture that is inclusive and driven by excellence.

Quinnipiac University is considering only those applicants who have valid authorization to work in the United States. Quinnipiac University does not sponsor employment-based visas for this position.

Quinnipiac University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful community.

Note to Faculty/Staff Applicants Only: If a final candidate is a current or previous Quinnipiac employee, the hiring manager must obtain a reference check from the candidate’s current or former manager before making an offer of employment. If the candidate's current or most-recent Quinnipiac supervisor is unavailable, the hiring manager should contact Talent Acquisition for assistance in determining the appropriate alternate contact.

Advertised: July 14, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Open until filled