Payroll Specialist - Timely, Accurate Pay & Compliance

Sinte Gleska University; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Sinte Gleska University is seeking a Payroll Clerk to manage all payroll tasks, maintain records, and ensure compliance with university policies and federal/state payroll requirements. The role includes preparing reports, processing deductions, and ensuring accurate, timely payments to employees.

The position requires handling biweekly timesheets, payroll deposits or checks, and confidential payroll records in a compliant manner.

Responsibilities

• Enter and maintain employee pay information, deductions, benefits, and payroll account information in the accounting and payroll system.
• Prepare and distribute employee timesheets on a biweekly basis; collect, review, and verify timesheets to ensure accurate calculation of hours worked and payroll.
• Process biweekly payroll, including employee payroll checks and direct deposits, and ensure timely and accurate payment to employees.
• Process and maintain employee payroll deductions in accordance with university policies, guidelines, and applicable requirements.
• Monitor and maintain accurate individual employee annual and sick leave records.
• Prepare and submit required weekly, biweekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll reports to appropriate agencies and university personnel.
• Prepare, process, and reconcile payroll-related transactions, including payroll funds, salary advances, tax deposits, savings, and other employee deductions.
• Process and submit federal payroll tax deposits in accordance with applicable federal requirements.
• Reconcile monthly salary advances to the General Ledger Salary Advance account.
• Prepare and submit required biweekly payroll reports to AFLAC.
• Process and distribute annual tax information and required tax documents to employees.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and confidential payroll and employee records in accordance with university policies and applicable requirements.
• Maintain and update payroll policies and procedures as assigned.
• Communicate payroll-related changes and updates to employees promptly.
• Assist with annual audits by providing required payroll records, documentation, and information
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
• Sinte Gleska University (SGU) is a tribally controlled, accredited institution located on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in Mission, South Dakota. Founded to serve the Sicangu Lakota Nation, SGU is dedicated to providing accessible, culturally grounded higher education that empowers students, families, and communities.
• Rooted in the Lakota philosophy of Wolakota—living in harmony and balance—SGU integrates academic excellence with Indigenous knowledge, language, and values. The University offers a range of associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs designed to prepare students for meaningful careers, leadership, and lifelong learning.
• As a community-focused institution, SGU plays a vital role in strengthening tribal sovereignty, supporting economic development, and preserving Lakota culture for future generations. Faculty and staff are committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive learning environment that reflects both traditional teachings and modern educational practices.
• Joining SGU means becoming part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to building a healthy, resilient tribal nation through education, self-determination, and visionary leadership.

Job description

Sinte Gleska University is seeking a Payroll Clerk to manage all payroll tasks, maintain records, and ensure compliance with university policies and federal/state payroll requirements. The role includes preparing reports, processing deductions, and ensuring accurate, timely payments to employees.

The position requires handling biweekly timesheets, payroll deposits or checks, and confidential payroll records in a compliant manner.