Payroll Processing Manager

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Programs

Disability Plans

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

12 Holidays Each Year

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Childcare benefits

Wellness Programs

Job summary

North Carolina State University in Raleigh is seeking a Payroll Processing Manager to oversee university payroll operations and lead a team of four payroll specialists. You will ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing while interpreting complex regulations and coordinating with campus partners.

The role requires working closely with the University Controller’s Office, with a hybrid work option and a competitive salary in the anticipated range.

Qualifications

• Requires post-baccalaureate credentials with 5+ years of relevant experience; a bachelor's degree with 5+ years of supervisory experience may be substituted for the advanced qualifications.
• Experience using PeopleSoft for payroll processing or related HR/financial functions is preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of payroll processing in a large organization supporting many employees is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee university payroll processing and lead a team of four payroll specialists.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations and resolve complex issues.
• Ensure compliance with federal/state regulations and university policies across payroll activities.
• Coordinate payroll system updates, audits, and post-payroll activities.

Skills

Payroll processing

Team leadership

Regulatory knowledge

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor's degree (or higher) in a related field

Tools

PeopleSoft

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Posting Number: PG194971EP

Internal Recruitment: No

Working Title: Payroll Processing Manager

Anticipated Hiring Range: $88,000-$95,000

Work Schedule and Location: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (This position is eligible for a flexible work arrangement to include hybrid remote work).

Job Location: Raleigh, NC

Department: University Payroll

The Finance Division provides leadership and fiscal stewardship for North Carolina State University. Managing public resources with high ethical standards, the Division establishes responsible financial practices that align with state and federal regulations, university policies, and industry standards.

The University Controller's Office is a department within the Finance Division. The office has business units covering the following areas: general accounting, cash services, asset management, financial reporting, payroll, accounts payable, debt, and the university's tax compliance.

The University Controller's Office works to advance NC State as a leader in fiscal accountability and responsibility through a partnership with our campus community, strong partnerships with our peer groups, improvements in the University's financial systems and internal controls, and efficient and effective business operations. The office continues its attention toward collaborative efforts and providing fiscal leadership, oversight, accounting, reporting, training, and outreach services that exemplify the highest standards of quality, performance, and service. Having professional staff and managers with imagination, knowledge, and people skills is paramount in the successful implementation of these goals.

The University Controller's Office is responsible for fiscal accountability, accuracy, and reporting of the university with a net position of approximately $2.0 billion, including timely and accurate payment of monthly and biweekly wages to over 18,000 staff, faculty, student workers, and temporary employees, over 117,000 vendor payments annually and management of a $550 million external debt portfolio.

The University Payroll section of the University Controller's Office is responsible for 1) timely and accurate payment of wages to approximately 10,000 monthly and 8,000 biweekly staff, faculty, undergraduate and graduate student workers, postdocs, foreign national, and temporary employees with an annual payroll of over $1.3 billion; 2) proper deduction, monthly plan reconciliation and vendor payment of mandatory, voluntary and statutory (garnishment) deduction plans, including the employer's matching contributions for retirement and health insurance; and 3) compliance for, payment to, and proper reporting of wages and tax withholdings to the federal government and approximately 35 states and territories.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Propositionand learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

Reporting to the Payroll Director within the University Controller's Office, you will oversee university payroll processing and lead a team of four payroll specialists to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations. You will exercise independent judgment in managing payroll processes, interpreting complex regulations, administering payroll systems, and resolving issues that affect employees and departments across the university.

You will guide daily operations, strengthen internal controls, oversee system updates and audits, and collaborate with campus partners and central offices to address complex payroll matters. Through staff leadership, sound decision-making, and continuous process improvement, you will support reliable payroll services and the university's financial and administrative operations.

Key Responsibilities

Program Supervision and Administration

• Lead, train, supervise, and develop a team of four payroll specialists by assigning work, establishing performance expectations, providing technical guidance, and managing performance and employee relations matters.
• Monitor service quality and workload, address operational challenges, and support staff in maintaining consistent and timely service delivery.
• Oversee daily payroll processing, resolve routine and complex issues, and review payroll transactions, financial documents, reports, and records for accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain current operational documentation, training resources, website content, procedures, and guidance materials.

Communication and Campus Relations

• Interpret and communicate payroll policies, procedures, regulations, and deadlines to employees, departments, and campus partners, providing guidance for complex or unique situations.
• Respond to employee and campus inquiries through established service channels, including HRNow and email.
• Explain complex legal and regulatory requirements, including garnishments and levies, to non-payroll stakeholders.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with campus units and central offices to support coordinated payroll operations.

Payroll Compliance and Systems Administration

• Apply federal and state regulations, university policies, and applicable statutes to ensure payroll activities meet compliance requirements.
• Serve as the functional administrator for payroll processing systems, identify system and operational issues, test updates before implementation, and coordinate post-payroll audits.
• Evaluate internal controls, system reliability, and operational procedures to identify risks and improve payroll accuracy and efficiency.
• Contribute to strategic planning and the ongoing improvement of university payroll operations.

Critical Thinking and Problem Resolution

• Analyze and resolve complex, unusual, and escalated payroll matters using sound judgment and interpretation of applicable regulations and policies.
• Identify potential payroll processing issues, assess operational risks, and implement corrective actions to maintain accurate and timely payroll services.
• Implement policy updates, internal controls, and procedural changes to strengthen compliance and reduce operational risk.

Change Management and Process Improvement

• Coordinate and validate payroll system enhancements, software updates, and process changes in collaboration with central offices and cross-functional teams.
• Establish and implement unit goals and operational objectives that support university priorities.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, encourage innovation, and guide staff through evolving operational and institutional requirements.

If you are a payroll professional who enjoys leading a team, interpreting complex regulations, solving challenging operational issues, and improving systems and processes, we welcome you to apply for the Payroll Manager position and help support accurate, reliable payroll services at NC State University.

Work schedule and location: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (This position is eligible for a flexible work arrangement to include hybrid remote work).

Other Responsibilities

In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department's operations.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience: Requires post-baccalaureate credentials with 5+ years of relevant experience; a bachelor's degree with 5+ experience including or exceeded by 1-2 years of supervisory experience may be substituted for the advanced qualifications on an exceptional basis.

Other Required Qualifications: n/a

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of payroll processing in a large organization supporting more than 5,000 employees, using an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Experience working in a complex computing environment with integrated systems and established operational controls.
• Previous supervisory experience or experience leading teams, assigning work, and supporting staff development.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively to audiences across different organizational levels.
• Experience using PeopleSoft for payroll processing or related human resources and financial function

Required License(s) or Certification(s): n/a

Valid NC Driver's License required: No

Commercial Driver's License required: No

Recruitment Dates

Job Open Date: 10/15/2026

Anticipated Close Date: 10/28/2026; if posting is still active we are accepting and reviewing applications.

Position Details

Position Number: 00041129

Position Type: EPS/SAAO

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week): 1.0

Appointment: 12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather: Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events: Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID: 496101 - University Payroll

Equal Opportunity Employment

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.