Senior Accountant, Payroll (2788)

Idaho State University; Idaho; On-site; USD 62,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Idaho State University in Pocatello is seeking a Senior Accountant, Payroll to support biweekly payroll processing and maintain accurate records in compliance with payroll laws. This on-campus role collaborates with the Payroll Manager and HR personnel to ensure smooth payroll operations.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance (or six years equivalent experience) and at least four years in accounting or payroll, with strong analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field or six years of equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum four (4) years of accounting/finance experience, with at least one (1) year in payroll.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Support biweekly payroll processing with Payroll Manager and team.
• Prepare and maintain accurate payroll records and reports; assist audits.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and practices.
• Advise on payroll salary redistribution and funding source allocation.
• Cross-train to run biweekly payroll as needed and reconcile payroll data.
• Collaborate with HR, benefits, and finance to process taxes and deductions.

Job description

Senior Accountant, Payroll (2788)

Pocatello - Main

NOT eligible for remote work, on-campus position

Priority Date: November 15, 2026

Institution Information

Idaho State University, established in 1901, is aCarnegie-classified doctoral research and teaching institution, with a culturebuilt on trust, compassion, stability, and hope. ISU serves over 12,000students in Pocatello, Meridian, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls. Students andfaculty at ISU are leading the way in cutting-edge research and innovativesolutions. We are proud to offer exceptional academics nestled in the grand,natural beauty of the West. We invite you to apply to be a part of ourUniversity community!

Job Description

The Payroll Accountant provides accounting, financial, and administrative support to Idaho State University’s payroll operations, including assisting the Payroll Manager with the processing of the biweekly payroll, and preparing and maintaining accurate records in compliance with federal, state, and local payroll and wage laws. This position is housed in the Office of Human Resources and reports directly to the AVP of Finance, with a dotted line report to the AVP of Human Resources. The Payroll Accountant will work closely on a day-to-day basis with the Payroll Manager, Personnel Technician for Payroll Processing, and the Benefits Coordinator. The Payroll Accountant and Payroll Manager will both be cross-trained to run payroll to ensure redundancy and flexibility, as needed, to support biweekly payroll operations. Because ISU payroll is processed on a bi-weekly basis, the Payroll Accountant position requires the ability to work a regular schedule consistent with the needs of the university and payroll cycle.

This position is not eligible for new visa sponsorship at this time. Candidates who already hold valid U.S. work authorization may be considered.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration Support

• Works in conjunction with the University Controller, Payroll Manager, Personnel Technician for Payroll Processing and Senior Accountant in Finance to support the administration and processing of biweekly payroll
• Prepares and maintains accurate records and reports of payroll transactions; facilitates audits by pulling ad-hoc payroll reports (data analysis of salary transactions)
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and best practices
• Process and advise on best practices for payroll/salary redistribution of funding sources

Payroll Processing Support

• Cross trains with the Payroll Manager to understand all operations associated with payroll processing and is occasionally responsible for running biweekly payroll
• Reconcile Payroll Vendor & Levy Checks
• Process Payroll JV’s
• Prepare the prior month calculation for Box 12 DD and collaborate with benefits coordinator as needed.
• Prepare file for ADP and reconcile state accounts for out-of-state tax compliance
• In collaboration with HR Associate and Personnel Technician, support processing of the Education Tax through review and audit of employees utilizing Employee credit benefit
• Manage and process employee tuition waivers each semester
• Completes routine daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual tasks associated with payroll processing
• Supports projects and/or process improvement based on changes that impact Payroll and/or Benefits programs; as directed by the University Controller or Payroll Manager and in collaboration with other units at the University

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field from an accredited institution OR six (6) years equivalent professional experience
• At least four (4) years experience in accounting, finance, or related field, with at least one (1) year direct experience working in payroll related functions
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with leadership, faculty, and staff at all organizational levels
• Strong problem solving, financial analysis, and investigative research skills
• Excellent organizational, prioritization, and multi-tasking capabilities while maintaining close attention to detail in a dynamic and complex environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field
• Accounting experience within higher education
• At least two (2) years direct experience in payroll accounting functions

Additional Information

Priority consideration will be given to applications received on or before November 15, 2026. Salary will be between $62,000 and $68,000 per year, commensurate with education and experience. Benefits include comprehensivehealth, dental, and vision; life insurance; disability plan; employee assistanceprogram (EAP); excellent retirement options and company contribution; andgenerous paid time off/sick leave accrual. All offers of employment are conditional pending the successful completion of a background investigation, provided by HireRight.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Idaho State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, including Veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact [phone] (TTY/TTD: 711), or [e-mail].

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.