Payroll Specialist III

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Holbrook (AZ); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a knowledgeable payroll manager in Holbrook, Arizona. This role involves ensuring accurate payroll operations, handling inquiries, and maintaining compliance with payroll laws.

Ideal candidates will have at least five years of payroll experience, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and excellent communication skills. A high school diploma or GED is required, while an Associate's Degree and supervisory experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of payroll experience.
• Understanding of confidential work environment requirements.
• Experience in directing part-time employees in payroll functions.

Responsibilities

• Calculate, enter, and reconcile all district payroll cycles.
• Prepare and verify state and federal payroll reports.
• Assist Human Resources with payroll technical issues.

Skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Advanced communication skills

Ability to work in multicultural environments

Adaptability

Confidentiality

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s Degree (preferred)

Job description

Description

Responsible and knowledge-driven to ensure a service-oriented relationship with all district departments. Ensures the smooth and efficient operation of the district payroll office.

General Statement of Responsibilities

Responsible and knowledge-driven to ensure a service-oriented relationship with all district departments. Ensures the smooth and efficient operation of the district payroll office.

Essential Functions

1. Responsible for the calculations, data entry, and reconciliation of each district payroll cycle.
2. Responsible for the preparation of requisitions and disbursements for payment of voluntary and involuntary deductions.
3. Responsible for the verification and ACH transmittal of Payroll Direct Deposit, Federal and State taxes, and other payroll expense payments promptly.
4. Responsible for the preparation of state and federally mandated monthly, quarterly, and yearly reports.
5. Responsible for calculations of monthly insurance premiums, reconciliations, and payments.
6. Responsible for preparing payroll-related journal entries if needed.
7. Responsible for verifying wage and salary amounts and maintaining employee payroll files for current and past employees.
8. Responsible to keep up on new/changing payroll laws, mandates, and updates and implement as required.
9. Responsible for directing third-party vendors on modifications to the payroll software system. Includes updating business rules, taxes & benefits as well as testing software and troubleshooting and researching problems.
10. Responsible for drafting and completing of yearly payroll calendar.
11. Meets with and responds to inquiries regarding payroll questions, problems, issues, and updates.
12. Provide technical assistance to the Human Resources Department regarding payroll.
13. Assists with year-end reconciliations and audit requests.
14. Directs workload of part-time and temporary employees in the payroll office. Assigns duties and checks for completion to ensure payroll processes are timely and accurate.
15. Performs other duties as assigned.

Standard Competencies

• Technology – Intermediate. Ability to proficiently use Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), Adobe products (Docu-Sign/E-Sign), Google applications (Drive), Slack, Zoom, WebEx, and various other Microsoft 365 programs. Ability to learn new software.
• Communication – Advanced. Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and the general public. Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Diversity & Multi-Culturalism – Advanced. Ability to work in a diverse, multicultural environment.
• Flexibility & Adaptability – Intermediate. Ability to adapt to the demands of any given day/time.
• Self-Awareness – Basic. Ability to reflect on self-performance and growth opportunities.
• Continual Improvement – Basic. Ability to seek opportunities for professional growth.
• Action Oriented – Intermediate. Ability to make decisions and take action. Sound office management and workflow administration.
• Confidentiality – Advanced. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Physical – Basic. Ability to perform the following physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodation: general vision (corrected to 20/20), hearing or listening in the normal range, speaking and giving directions, and sit for prolonged periods using a computer.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Five years of payroll experience.
• Understanding of confidential work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree.
• One year of supervisory experience.
• Higher Education professional experience.