Payroll Specialist (Remote/Hybrid) - Workday Expert

Penn State University; University Park (TX); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University’s Payroll Department is seeking a Payroll Associate (Intermediate Support) to support payroll operations across the University. You will process payroll transactions in Workday, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance for faculty, staff, and student employees.

The role emphasizes confidentiality, strong attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate across Human Resources, Finance, and campus partners.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of payroll practices and payroll tax regulations preferred.
• Ability to research and resolve payroll issues with sound judgment and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Process, review, and validate payroll transactions in Workday for all employee groups.
• Ensure payroll transactions comply with laws, regulations, and policies.
• Research, investigate, and resolve payroll discrepancies and inquiries.
• Analyze payroll results and identify issues needing correction or escalation.
• Assist with preparation and distribution of year-end payroll documents (e.g., W‑2).
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and departments to resolve payroll issues.
• Provide backup support and participate in cross-training and knowledge sharing.
• Maintain and update payroll procedures and documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes and customer service.
• Provide high-quality customer service via phone, email, and in-person interactions.

Skills

Payroll processing

Attention to detail

Confidentiality

Cross-team collaboration

Customer service

Education

GED/HS

2+ years experience

Tools

Workday Payroll

HCM/ERP systems

Job description

Penn State University’s Payroll Department is seeking a Payroll Associate (Intermediate Support) to support payroll operations across the University. You will process payroll transactions in Workday, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance for faculty, staff, and student employees.

The role emphasizes confidentiality, strong attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate across Human Resources, Finance, and campus partners.