Senior Accountant, Payroll (2788)

Idaho State University; Pocatello (ID); On-site; USD 62,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID, is seeking a Senior Accountant, Payroll, to support the payroll operations and assist the Payroll Manager with biweekly processing. This on-campus role collaborates with Finance, HR, and Benefits teams to ensure accurate payroll data, tax compliance, and timely reporting.

The position emphasizes cross-training, process improvement, and maintaining strong internal controls in a university setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance or related field; four or more years of accounting/finance experience; payroll experience preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work with leadership, faculty and staff at all levels.
• Excellent organizational, prioritization, and multi-tasking abilities; attention to detail in a dynamic environment.
• Experience with payroll processes and federal, state, local payroll laws is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support biweekly payroll processing in partnership with Payroll Manager and Finance team.
• Prepare and maintain payroll records and reports; assist audits with ad-hoc reports.
• Ensure compliance with payroll laws and best practices across federal, state, and local levels.
• Cross-train with Payroll Manager; occasionally run biweekly payroll and reconcile payroll-related items.
• Process payroll journal vouchers and tax-related activities; support education tax and tuition waiver processing.

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 a Carnegie-classified doctoral research and teaching institution, with a culture built on trust, compassion, stability, and hope. ISU serves over 12,000 students in Pocatello, Meridian, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls. Students and faculty at ISU are leading the way in cutting‑edge research and innovative solutions. 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 our University 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 bi‑weekly 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 Payroll Manager. 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

You must submit your CV/resume, cover letter, and list of three (3) professional references, including current contact information. This position will remain open until it is filled; however, 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 comprehensive health, dental, and vision; life insurance; disability plan; employee assistance program (EAP); excellent retirement options and company contribution; and generous paid time off/sick leave accrual. All offers of employment are conditional pending the successful completion of a background investigation, provided by HireRight.

Posting Number: req2844

Type: Working 12 months per year

Position: Non-classified Staff

Division: Finance and Administration

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 email [e-mail].

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