Senior Payroll & Operations Specialist

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

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