Payroll Tax Manager

Rutgers University; Piscataway Township (NJ); On-site; USD 109,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

Rutgers University is seeking a Payroll Tax Manager in the Tax Office to oversee payroll tax compliance across federal and state requirements, manage filings, and maintain accurate tax data. The role focuses on ensuring accurate withholding and remittance, while supporting regulatory changes and interdepartmental collaboration.

The position reports to the Associate Tax Director and emphasizes advanced accounting, compliance, and payroll tax functions for employees across multiple states.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field preferred or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state payroll tax laws and regulations.
• Experience with payroll tax filings and related journal entries.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review quarterly payroll tax filings (Federal Form 941 and state returns).
• Reconcile payroll tax payments and liabilities each pay period.
• Coordinate annual Form W-2 and Forms 1042/1042-S processing and filing.
• Analyze tax data for accounting purposes and support audits.
• Ensure timely updates of tax software and regulatory changes.

Skills

Payroll tax

Tax compliance

Regulatory research

Cross-functional teamwork

Tools

PeopleSoft

Oracle HCM

Job description

Job Category Staff & Executive - Finance/Accounting/Purchasing

Department

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

FLSA Exempt

Grade

Grade 08

Salary Details

Minimum Salary

Minimum Salary 108670.000

Mid Range Salary

Mid Range Salary 137547.000

Maximum Salary

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