Sr. Payroll Assistant

Mississippi State University; Starkville (MS); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University is seeking a Payroll Accounting Assistant to perform advanced fiscal and clerical tasks in the University Budget/Payroll Department. The role includes handling unemployment reports, payroll deductions, and compliance with payroll laws.

The candidate will work under the Controller’s Office to ensure timely, accurate payroll payments and related documentation, including retroactive redistributions and tax forms.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Five years’ experience in payroll, accounting, or bookkeeping.
• Ability to operate a computer keyboard to enter data.
• -or- Any equivalent combination of related experience and/or education approved by the Department of Human Resources Management

Responsibilities

• Processes quarterly unemployment reports.
• Compiles monthly headcount reports for external agencies.
• May train and assist other Payroll Accounting Assistants.
• Processes exception time, retro-active redistributions, federal and state tax forms, status changes, and other payroll functions.
• Calculates pay exceptions.
• Serves as a resource to University department payroll entry.
• Double checks and backs up work of other Payroll Accounting Assistants.
• Handles child support and Credit Union Deductions.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Skills

Banner system

Data entry

Record keeping

Payroll accounting

Communication skills

Payroll laws knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Equivalent combination of related experience and/or education

Job description

Position Function:

Performs advanced fiscal and clerical tasks within the University Budget/Payroll Department of the Controller’s Office.

Salary Grade

12

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

The Office of Payroll is dedicated to providing the best and most efficient payroll services to Mississippi State University employees.
It is our goal to produce payroll payments and supporting documents in a timely and accurate manner. We also process retroactive job labor redistributions, retirement billings for Extension personnel in the 82 counties and handle payroll deductions such as garnishments, bankruptcy payments and United Way contributions.
We strive to continually review our services and implement improvements to keep pace with the opportunities available through on-line entry of information. It is our goal to be a leader, not a follower, in this technological age.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Processes quarterly unemployment reports
2. Compiles monthly headcount reports for external agencies
3. May train and assist other Payroll Accounting Assistants
4. Processes exception time, retro-active redistributions, federal and state tax forms, status changes, and other payroll functions.
5. Calculates pay exceptions
6. Serves as a resource to University department payroll entry
7. Double checks and backs up work of other Payroll Accounting Assistants
8. Handles child support and Credit Union Deductions
9. Performs related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or equivalent
2. Five years’ experience in payroll, accounting, or bookkeeping
3. Ability to operate a computer keyboard to enter data
4. -or-
5. Any equivalent combination of related experience and/or education approved by the Department of Human Resources Management

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Completion of business school or college level courses in accounting
2. Accounting experience within the University system

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Skill in using BANNER system
2. Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications
3. Ability to develop and maintain record keeping systems and procedures
4. Knowledge of mathematical calculations and book keeping procedures
5. Skill in both verbal and written communication
6. Knowledge of payroll accounting practices and procedures
7. Knowledge of federal and state laws concerning payroll accounting

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

1. Routine deadlines; variance in work volume seasonal and predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressures; infrequent evening and weekend work is required.
2. Job frequently requires sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and handling objects.
3. Job occasionally requires standing, walking, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting to 25 pounds.
4. Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, [phone].

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and wouldlike to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi StateUniversity, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: [phone] or [e-mail].

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human ResourcesManagement at [phone] or [e-mail]. Upon request, sections of thisjob listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.