Payroll Tax Manager

Rutgers University; New Brunswick (NJ); Hybrid; USD 109,000 - 166,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, prescription drug and dental

Paid vacation and holidays

Competitive retirement benefits

Educational benefits

Life insurance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Rutgers University is seeking a Payroll Tax Manager to oversee payroll tax compliance, ensure adherence to federal and state regulations, and lead related accounting activities within the Tax Office.

The role requires deep knowledge of payroll tax rules, experience with ERP systems like Oracle HCM/Cloud and PeopleSoft, and the ability to collaborate across university departments to support compliant payroll operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field.
• 5+ years payroll tax experience for 1,000+ employee payroll processed in-house.
• Ability to explain complex tax rules to diverse work groups.
• Experience with ERP payroll systems such as Oracle HCM/Cloud and/or PeopleSoft.

Responsibilities

• Prepares/reviews quarterly payroll tax filings, including Federal Form 941 and all applicable state quarterly tax returns.
• Reconciles payroll tax payments and liabilities each pay period; adjusts employee tax records as needed.
• Compiles and analyzes quarterly tax data for general accounting purposes and prepares submission files.
• Coordinates annual preparation, processing, distribution, and filing of Federal and State Forms W-2 and Forms 1042 and 1042-S.
• Generates and provides wage/payroll data to support workers' compensation audits and compliance reviews.
• Ensures tax software updates and regulatory changes are implemented timely.
• Coordinates PeopleSoft to Oracle HCM conversion activities; validate tax data migration.
• Provides guidance on applying Internal Revenue Code provisions and payroll tax requirements.
• Researches and interprets federal/state tax laws and regulatory changes affecting University operations.
• Develops partnerships across University offices to support payroll tax administration and compliance.

Skills

Tax knowledge

Math skills

Communication

Discretion

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or related field

Tools

Oracle HCM/Cloud

PeopleSoft

Job description

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title: Payroll Tax Manager

Job Category: Staff & Executive - Finance/Accounting/Purchasing

Department: Tax Office

Overview: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses. For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication's 2023 list. Rutgers' commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation's military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Posting Summary: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Payroll Tax Manager within the Tax Office. Reporting to the Associate Tax Director, this position is responsible for overseeing payroll tax compliance and ensuring adherence to federal and state tax laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.

The Payroll Tax Manager prepares and reviews payroll tax filings, reconciles federal and state tax accounts, and related journal entries. The role conducts research on tax laws and regulatory changes, serves as a subject matter expert to Payroll Services, and performs advanced accounting, compliance, and payroll tax functions.

Primary responsibilities include managing payroll tax compliance for U.S. citizens, nonresident aliens, and employees working or residing in multiple states. The position ensures accurate tax withholding for wages, supplemental compensation, taxable fringe benefits, and other forms of noncash compensation. In addition, the Payroll Tax Manager maintains appropriate tax treatment for awards, stipends, fellowships, and similar payments. The position is also responsible for ensuring the timely and accurate filing, reporting, and remittance of all federal and state payroll taxes and related obligations, while supporting the University's commitment to regulatory compliance and operational excellence.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Prepares/reviews quarterly payroll tax filings, including Federal Form 941 and all applicable state quarterly tax returns.
• Reconciles payroll tax payments and liabilities each pay period, ensuring appropriate adjustments and corrections are made to employee tax records when necessary.
• Compiles and analyzes quarterly tax data for general accounting purposes and prepares files for required submissions.
• Coordinates the annual preparation, processing, distribution, and filing of Federal and State Forms W-2 and Federal Forms 1042 and 1042‑S.
• Generates and provides wage and payroll information to support workers' compensation audits and other compliance related reviews.
• Ensures tax software updates, tax table changes, and regulatory amendments are implemented accurately and in a timely manner.
• Coordinates PeopleSoft to Oracle HCM conversion activities, collaborating with OIT and Payroll to validate conversions, oversee tax processes, and ensure accurate migration of tax data.
• Provides technical guidance and consultation regarding the application of Internal Revenue Code provisions and payroll tax requirements.
• Researches, analyzes, and interprets federal and state tax laws, regulations, and emerging compliance requirements to assess their impact on University operations.
• Develops and maintains strong collaborative partnerships across the University including Payroll Services, OIT, Accounting, Accounts Payable, and the Center for Global Services, to support effective payroll tax administration and compliance initiatives.

FLSA: Exempt

Grade: 08

Minimum Salary: 108670.000

Mid Range Salary: 137547.000

Maximum Salary: 166424.000

Offer Information: The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits: Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax‑deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status: Full Time

Standard Hours: 37.50

Daily Work Shift: Day

Work Arrangement: Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 or the applicable provisions of relevant collective negotiations agreements, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, subject to change or discontinuation, and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the FlexWork@RU Application System.

Union Description: Admin Assembly (MPSC)

Payroll Designation: PeopleSoft

Terms of Appointment: Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility: ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• At least (5) years of payroll tax experience for 1,000+ employee payroll processed in-house.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate complex tax rules and regulations to a customer base for whom English is not their primary language.
• Excellent mathematics and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to foster and build collaborative relations with stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher ed.
• Five (5) years of experience with ERP payroll system software, such as Oracle HCM/Cloud and/or PeopleSoft.

Equipment Utilized:

• Will be using general office equipment on a regular basis including personal computer, multi‑line telephone, copier, fax machine and various printers.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• May be required to work extended hours during peak periods throughout the year.

Special Conditions:

• This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, subject to approval and operational needs. A regular on‑site presence of at least three (3) days per week is required, with additional on‑site days as needed. Employees approved for a hybrid work arrangement must reside in NJ, NY, PA or DE and be within a commutable distance of the university.

Posting Details

Posting Number: 26ST1711

Posting Open Date: 09/02/2026

Regional Campus: Rutgers University‑New Brunswick

Home Location Campus: Off Campus

City: Piscataway

State: NJ

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement