Senior Business Assistant, Employment (COE, PPI)

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN is seeking a Senior Business Assistant in the College of Engineering & Purdue Polytechnic to oversee payroll processing for faculty, staff, and students. You will ensure compliance, provide guidance on payroll policies, and partner with department leadership to streamline employment processes and accurate payments.

This role emphasizes service excellence, training staff, and cross-functional collaboration, with opportunities to mentor others while

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Four years of payroll, business administration, financial management, or related experience.
• Experience providing a high level of customer service.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the unit's primary point of contact for payroll-related policies, procedures, guidelines, and questions.
• Manage and process monthly and bi-weekly payroll activities for the assigned operations center.
• Partner with the Director of Financial Affairs (DFA), Associate Deans, Department Heads, and Administrative Assistants to ensure payroll and employment processes are completed accurately and efficiently.
• Prepare and submit onboarding documentation to support the hiring and employment setup process for new employees.
• Provide payroll support and guidance to faculty, staff, and students, ensuring questions and concerns are addressed in a timely and professional manner.
• Act as a liaison between departmental customers and central university offices to facilitate effective communication and resolution of payroll-related matters.
• Train, mentor, and support departmental staff on payroll processes, policies, and best practices.
• Assist with troubleshooting and resolving payroll and employment-related issues while ensuring compliance with university requirements.
• Utilize the Footprints tracking system to manage workflow, monitor requests, and ensure timely completion of assigned tasks.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to payroll and employment transactions.
• Support continuous process improvement efforts to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and customer service.
• Perform formal training and mentoring responsibilities to build knowledge, strengthen operational consistency, and support staff development.

Skills

Problem solving

Discretion with confidential data

Organizational skills

Time management

Relationship building

Adaptability

Policy interpretation

Microsoft Excel

Communication skills

Coaching/training

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate’s Degree

Tools

SAP

SuccessFactors

Job description

Senior Business Assistant, Employment (COE, PPI)

Job Summary

At Purdue University, your work supports the people who power discovery, innovation, and student success. As a Senior Business Assistant in College of Engineering & Purdue Polytechnic, you will play a critical role in ensuring employees are supported through accurate payroll processing, exceptional customer service, and effective business operations. Your attention to detail, collaborative approach, and commitment to service excellence will help create a positive experience for faculty, staff, and students across the organization.

In this role, you will serve as the primary payroll resource for your assigned area, providing guidance on payroll policies, procedures, and best practices while supporting the full employee lifecycle. Working closely with department leadership, administrative staff, and central university offices, you will help ensure compliance, streamline processes, and deliver responsive support that contributes to the success of the Purdue community. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while building relationships, mentoring others, and supporting a culture of continuous improvement.

Responsibilities Include:

• Serve as the unit's primary point of contact for payroll-related policies, procedures, guidelines, and questions.
• Manage and process monthly and bi-weekly payroll activities for the assigned operations center.
• Partner with the Director of Financial Affairs (DFA), Associate Deans, Department Heads, and Administrative Assistants to ensure payroll and employment processes are completed accurately and efficiently.
• Prepare and submit onboarding documentation to support the hiring and employment setup process for new employees.
• Provide payroll support and guidance to faculty, staff, and students, ensuring questions and concerns are addressed in a timely and professional manner.
• Act as a liaison between departmental customers and central university offices to facilitate effective communication and resolution of payroll-related matters.
• Train, mentor, and support departmental staff on payroll processes, policies, and best practices.
• Assist with troubleshooting and resolving payroll and employment-related issues while ensuring compliance with university requirements.
• Utilize the Footprints tracking system to manage workflow, monitor requests, and ensure timely completion of assigned tasks.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to payroll and employment transactions.
• Support continuous process improvement efforts to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and customer service.
• Perform formal training and mentoring responsibilities to build knowledge, strengthen operational consistency, and support staff development.

What We're Looking For:

Required:

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Four years of payroll, business administration, financial management, or related experience.
• Experience providing a high-level of customer service.

Skills Needed:

• Demonstrated ability to identify problems, analyze information and implement solutions
• Capable of taking initiative, assuming responsibility, maintain quality standards and handling confidential information with discretion
• Strong organizational and time management skills with emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to influence and build work relationships among a diverse workforce at all levels.
• Must be extremely flexible and adaptable to constantly varying work environments and with limited daily supervision
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret and implement policies and procedures
• Proficient with personal computer and related software (Microsoft Excel, Outlook, database, internet, etc.)
• Ability to handle interruptions while meeting deadlines with accurate results and providing exceptional customer service
• Must possess a learning orientation to changing technology
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills
• Ability to problem solve and analyze complex issues
• Ability to provide coaching and training to others.

What is Helpful:

• Associate’s Degree.
• University business office experience.
• SAP and Success Factors experience.

Additional Information:

• To learn more about Purdue’s benefits summaryCLICK HERE
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Non-Exempt (EligibleForOvertime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan

Career Stream

Administrative and Operational Support 3

Pay Band S045
Job Code #20002335
The anticipated hourly rate for this position is $20.50/hour.

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.

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