Payroll Specialist

University of North Carolina System; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina System Office seeks a Payroll Specialist to ensure accurate monthly and bi-weekly payroll processing using Ellucian Banner HR/Payroll. This role handles data validation, deductions, contributions, and regulatory compliance while coordinating with multiple departments to meet deadlines.

Hybrid or remote work arrangements may be available, with UNC System employees typically residing in North Carolina within commuting distance of the duty station.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required, with strong data entry and numerical skills.
• 3+ years of related payroll experience preferred.
• Experience with state agency or university payroll processes is a plus.
• Familiarity with Ellucian Banner HR/Payroll module strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of federal and state payroll laws and special pay rules is essential.
• Proficiency in MS Office apps (Excel, Word) and data analysis.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Process monthly and bi-weekly payrolls accurately and on time.
• Interpret and apply payroll policies and procedures.
• Validate payroll data and administer deductions and employer contributions.
• Reconcile payroll transactions and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate across departments and campuses under supervision to meet deadlines.

Skills

Payroll processing

Payroll compliance

Ellucian Banner HR/Payroll

Federal & state payroll laws

Deadline-driven

MS Office (Excel/Word)

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Ellucian Banner HR/Payroll

Job description

About the Opportunity

The Payroll Specialist plays a critical role in supporting the mission of the UNC System Office by ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing and compliance. Reporting to the Director of Payroll, this role involves comprehensive management of monthly and bi-weekly payrolls using the Ellucian Banner HR/Payroll system. The Payroll Specialist is responsible for validating payroll data, administering deductions and employer contributions, reconciling transactions, and ensuring regulatory compliance. The position requires a high level of confidentiality, attention to detail, and analytical thinking. The Payroll Specialist will interpret and apply payroll-related policies and procedures, maintain accurate records, and resolve complex payroll issues. This role also involves collaboration across departments and campuses and is conducted under general to limited supervision, with strict adherence to payroll and regulatory deadlines.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement, consistent with System Office policy. UNC System employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

About the UNC System Office

The UNC System Office includes the offices of the President and other senior administrators of the multi-campus University of North Carolina System. The UNC System is a treasured public institution dedicated to serving the people of North Carolina through world-class teaching, research, and community engagement. Today, nearly 250,000 students are enrolled in our 16 universities across the state and at the NC School of Science and Mathematics. System Office staff is responsible for executing the policies of the UNC Board of Governors and providing University-wide leadership in the areas of academic affairs, business and financial management, long-range planning, student affairs, research, legal affairs, and government relations. The UNC System Office also has administrative oversight of a number of University affiliates, including PBS North Carolina, the North Carolina Arboretum, the NC State Education Assistance Authority, and University of North Carolina Press.

About the Team

The office of the Chief Operating Officer reports to the President of the University and is responsible for internal and campus-focused operational priorities of the University. The office provides oversight for human resources, auditing, and compliance divisions. These divisions have both an internal responsibility to the system office operation and a campus-focused coordinative /leadership role within the noted areas of expertise. The office provides advice and briefings to the President and is expected to build and foster relationships on behalf of the President and to engage with Chancellors while leveraging their expertise to further the President's strategic priorities.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills

High school diploma or equivalency and one year of experience in accounting work; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills

• 3+ years of related payroll experience.
• Experience in state agency or university payroll processes, and experience with shared services or centralized payroll processing environments preferred.
• Experience with Ellucian's Banner ERP system, especially the HR/Payroll module.
• Knowledge of federal and state payroll laws and special pay requirements.
• Demonstrated experience to successfully work under pressure and ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Proficiency with all Microsoft Office Application software including excel and word.
• Utilize emerging technology and best practice to increase efficiency and quality of service delivery.
• Strong systems/process experience with demonstrated analytical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communications skills.
• Demonstrated experience to successfully work independently, effective organizational skills and coordinate work activities with other SSC/BSC staff.

• Appointment Type: Permanent
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Employment Type: EHRA
• EHRA Category: Instructional, Research and Information Technology
• Position Number: 20070798
• Special Instructions to Applicants: This position remains open until filled. However, applications received by Tuesday, November 10, 2026 will receive priority consideration.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Other Information

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum)is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To claim veteran's preference, all eligible persons must indicate their eligibility as requested on the application. A DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, may be required later in the selection process.
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum)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.