Payroll Specialist

Ringling College of Art and Design; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Ringling College of Art and Design is seeking a Payroll Specialist to support bi-weekly and semi-monthly payroll processing in Workday and coordinate related HR office functions. The role emphasizes accuracy, confidentiality, and timely reconciliation, with duties spanning payroll, audits, and administrative support.

The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of payroll experience, an associate degree, and proven ability to handle sensitive information while communicating clearly with staff and

Qualifications

• Associate degree in accounting, business administration, or human resources.
• 3–5 years of payroll, accounting, HR, or related administrative experience.
• Experience with Workday payroll and ADP SmartCompliance preferred.
• Experience with payroll in higher education is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Process and reconcile complex payrolls for bi-weekly and semi-monthly frequencies.
• Coordinate interfaces with ADP vendor and resolve payroll issues.
• Audit timecards, enter data, and ensure data accuracy.
• Prepare payroll-related audits and documentation for unemployment claims.
• Provide payroll information and respond to employee payroll questions.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

Associate’s degree in accounting

Associate’s degree in Business Administration

Associate’s degree in Human Resources

Tools

Workday

ADP SmartCompliance

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for supporting the accurate and timely processing and reconciliation of bi-weekly and semi-monthly payrolls while providing administrative support to the Office of Human Resources. This position supports daily Human Resources operations through a payroll administration, invoice coordination, communications, recordkeeping, and general office responsibilities. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, analytical, and able to manage multiple priorities while handling sensitive and confidential employee and payroll information with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. Responsibilities may evolve based on organizational needs, and similar or related tasks may be assigned as necessary. Management reserves the right to assign additional duties as required.

Payroll:

• Assists in processing and reconciling complex payrolls in Workday for bi-weekly and semi-monthly frequencies.
• Monitors interfaces with ADP payroll partner vendor and assists with identifying, investigating, and resolving payroll issues in a timely manner.
• Audit timecards, enter data and analyze data for accuracy.
• Assists to prepare for payroll-related and retirement plan audits; provides necessary documentation.
• Assists to prepare employment verifications and provides payroll information for unemployment claims.
• Assists employees with payroll questions and problem resolution.

Office Administration:

• Performs customer service functions by serving as first point of contact for visitors and telephone inquiries; responds to and initiates inquiries regarding HR policies, procedures, payroll, recruitment, and other matters; independently resolving problems whenever feasible, and routing to appropriate staff member(s).
• Coordinate the payment of invoices received by the Office of Human Resources.
• Retrieves, opens, sorts, and distributes incoming interoffice and U.S. mail.
• Orders and maintains office supplies, stationary, coffee, and other related office materials.
• Provides general front office and administrative support to ensure the efficient operation of the Office of Human Resources.

Other HR Responsibilities And Duties:

• Assists in communicating HR policies, procedures and information to employees.
• Prepares correspondence utilizing Microsoft Word and email; assists with employee communications including e-mail broadcast messages.
• Maintains necessary reports and spreadsheets utilizing Microsoft Excel.
• Provides general administrative support to the HR team.
• Assists with special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities:

Note: The following knowledge, skills, and abilities are representative but not exhaustive. Candidates may be expected to demonstrate additional competencies relevant to the role. Meeting the listed qualifications does not guarantee job placement or advancement

• Working knowledge of payroll administration principles and practices and applicable federal and state payroll, employment, and tax regulations.
• Knowledge of payroll accounting principles.
• Must possess a high level of interpersonal and human relations skills, flexibility and ability to interact appropriately with a wide variety of personality types.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive employee, payroll, and personnel information.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team and independently.
• Ability to plan and prioritize work and simultaneously manage multiple detailed projects and responsibilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Ability to work regular established hours of operation and additional hours as business necessitates.

Education And Experience

Minimum

• Associate’s degree in accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources or a closely related field.
• Three to five years of related work experience in payroll, accounting, human resources, or a closely related administrative function.
• Any appropriate combination of education and related work experience is qualifying.

Preferred

• Experience with Workday payroll and ADP SmartCompliance.
• Experience in payroll administration at an institution of higher education.
• Certification in payroll and/or Human Resources (e.g., FPC, PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP).

Ringling College of Art and Design is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The College provides equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to sex, age, gender, color, race, national or ethnic origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law.