Payroll & Staff Accountant: Accurate Pay, Timely & Trusted

Black Hawk College; Moline (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Tuition Waiver

Pension plan

Paid Holidays

Sick Leave

Vacation

Personal Days

Job summary

Black Hawk College is seeking a Payroll & Staff Accountant I to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance with laws, contracts, and policies. The role provides analytical support and collaborates with HR and Finance to safeguard resources.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree (or 10 years of relevant experience), 2 years payroll processing, and strong Excel-based reporting. In-house systems like Ellucian Banner are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or finance required.
• Alternative: 10 years of relevant experience in place of degree.
• Minimum 2 years payroll processing experience.
• Minimum 2 years general accounting experience.
• Experience with Ellucian Banner preferred.
• Knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, and ERP/payroll systems.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll and benefit changes accurately and on schedule.
• Review timesheets for compliance with DOL, IDOL, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Verify pay change documentation and approvals.
• Reconcile payroll liability accounts and prepare fund transfer documentation.
• Review faculty compensation against contract parameters.
• Communicate new-hire payroll details to employees.
• Maintain employees leave balances, accruals, and year-end rollovers.
• Ensure payroll procedures and confidentiality standards are followed.
• Create payroll and budget reports using ERP/report writer tools (export to Excel).
• Review student enrollment for FICA exemption eligibility.
• Prepare and file required state and federal payroll reports (e.g., new hire, DOL).
• Assist with state and federal reporting, retirement system submissions, and benefits-related payments.
• Reconcile benefit deductions to vendor invoices as needed.
• Work closely with Human Resources and Finance to ensure accuracy of pay and benefits.
• Provide payroll support and problem resolution to employees.
• Assist in developing and maintaining payroll documentation, standards, and disaster recovery plans.
• Stay current on payroll laws, tax regulations, and retirement rules.
• Interpret and explain labor contract provisions as needed.
• Assist with reconciliations, labor distributions, budget processes, and audits to maintain financial accuracy.
• Support process improvements and policy updates to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
• Conduct payroll system testing and maintenance to ensure system reliability.
• Provide system and policy training to staff, building organizational knowledge.
• Direct the work of student employees and interns, offering mentorship and practical experience.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical ability

Confidentiality

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or finance

2 years payroll processing experience

2 years general accounting experience

Tools

Ellucian Banner

ERP/payroll systems

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Black Hawk College is seeking a Payroll & Staff Accountant I to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance with laws, contracts, and policies. The role provides analytical support and collaborates with HR and Finance to safeguard resources.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree (or 10 years of relevant experience), 2 years payroll processing, and strong Excel-based reporting. In-house systems like Ellucian Banner are preferred.