Payroll Accountant na Newman University

Occupational Summary:
The Payroll Accountant is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees. Reporting to the Assistant Controller within the Finance Office, this role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations and supports the integrity of payroll accounting. The Payroll Accountant works in close collaboration with Human Resources to ensure employee information, benefits, and leave data are accurately reflected in the payroll system. The Payroll Accountant serves as a key resource to both Finance and HR, fostering strong communication and coordination between departments to ensure that employees are paid accurately, benefits are processed correctly, and regulatory obligations are met. This position is on-site and offers a starting pay range between $20.00-$25.00 per hour.

Stewardship Statement:
This position is responsible for cultivating and maintaining the institution's Catholic identity and its mission to empower graduates to transform society. As a member of the Newman community, the staff member will join with the institution's sponsors, the Adorers of the Blood of Christ (ASC Sisters), to witness God's love in Mission to empower others, foster oneness, celebrate life, form right relationships, and walk as compassionate companions. Additionally, this position contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other faiths, cultures, or backgrounds.

Work Performed:

1. Process biweekly/monthly payroll, ensuring accuracy in pay calculations, deductions, and benefit withholdings.
2. Review and validate timesheets, leave records, and supplemental pay entries provided by HR.
3. Set up and maintain payroll tax withholding accounts for multiple states, ensuring compliance with all registration, filing, and remittance requirements.
4. Maintain payroll records in accordance with regulatory requirements.
5. Reconcile payroll accounts to the general ledger; prepare journal entries and support month-end and year-end close processes.
6. Ensure accurate and timely remittance of payroll taxes, retirement plan contributions, and other benefit payments.
7. Generate and review payroll reports for management; provide payroll data analysis when requested.
8. Assist with internal and external audits related to payroll and benefits.
9. Partner with Human Resources to ensure that personnel changes, benefit elections, and leave adjustments are accurately captured in payroll.

Required Skills/Qualifications/Education/Experience/Training:

1. Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred. Equivalent related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
2. Minimum of 2-3 years of payroll processing experience; higher education or nonprofit experience is a plus.
3. Strong knowledge of federal and multi-state payroll tax regulations.
4. Experience setting up new state tax registrations and ensuring compliance.
5. Proficiency with payroll systems (preferably Paylocity) and Microsoft Excel.
6. Excellent grammar, spelling, proofreading, and attention to detail.
7. Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.
8. Ability to maintain confidentiality and collaborate effectively across departments.
9. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.