Sr. Payroll Assistant

Mississippi State University; Starkville, Northern (MS, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University seeks an experienced payroll support professional to perform advanced fiscal and clerical tasks in the University Budget/Payroll Department. The role handles quarterly unemployment reports, headcount reporting, tax forms, and various payroll duties with attention to accuracy and timeliness.

Required are a high school diploma and five years of payroll or bookkeeping experience; familiarity with Banner and strong computer skills are important.

Qualifications

• Five years’ experience in payroll, accounting, or bookkeeping.
• Ability to operate a computer keyboard to enter data.
• 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.

Skills

Payroll experience

Data entry

Computer literacy

Verbal & written communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

BANNER system

PC software

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

• 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

Minimum 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

Preferred Qualifications

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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

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

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• 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.
• Job frequently requires sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and handling objects.
• Job occasionally requires standing, walking, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting to 25 pounds.
• 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 would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, 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 Resources Management at [phone] or [e-mail]. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.