Payroll Operations Manager

Join Our Team!

Are you a detail-oriented payroll professional with a passion for accuracy and efficiency? Do you thrive in a dynamic university environment and enjoy the challenge of building something from the ground up with opportunities to work a hybrid work schedule? If so, we want to hear from you!

About Us:

Located on a beautiful, wooded campus in northern New Jersey, you will find a thriving small town less than an hour from New York City. Our Human Resources team supports a vibrant and diverse campus community. Our community values mentoring, thoughtful engagement, and lifelong personal and professional growth, and we're looking for a Payroll Operations Manager who shares our dedication to these principles.

Position Overview:

As the Payroll Operations Manager, you will play a pivotal role in managing our payroll processes and ensuring timely and accurate payrolls. But that’s not all—you will also have the unique opportunity to lead the implementation of a new ERP payroll solution, helping us build a first-class payroll operation from the ground up. You’ll collaborate with a wide range of university stakeholders, from faculty and staff to students and external partners, all while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and university regulations.

The Payroll Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll and maintaining the integrity of HRIS systems for the university. This role requires strong attention to detail, a deep understanding of payroll processes and regulations, and effective communication skills to ensure seamless payroll operations and compliance with all legal requirements. The Payroll Operations Manager will also play a key role in fostering positive relationships, implementing policies, and driving process improvements across the university.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and process accurate, timely, and compliant payrolls on a bi-weekly basis.
• Assist with the implementation and maintenance of all payroll-related functions in ADP and Banner systems.
• Manage payroll-related computer system issues, including training, reporting, problem-solving, and proposing enhancements.
• Ensure the integrity of data within the university's HR and payroll systems.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and university payroll policies, guidelines, and procedures.
• Process, pay, and reconcile employee optional benefits such as retirement, health savings accounts, and other benefits.
• Prepare and submit required federal, and state reports.
• Manage garnishments, including processing payments after payrolls are completed.
• Establish controls, monitor results, and collaborate with University Technology to modify programming, processes, and reporting in compliance with federal and state laws.
• Ensure timely completion of all payroll tax reporting requirements and issuance of W-2s and W-2Cs. Respond to audit requests as needed.
• Provide best practices guidance as required.
• Work in collaboration with Finance or the university controller to provide payroll reports.
• Act as department liaison; communicate payroll policies and procedures to university departments.

Core Competencies

• Comprehensive knowledge of HR payroll practices, including training, compensation, and information systems, with expertise in ADP or Banner.
• Proficiency in payroll systems such as ADP, Banner, Colleague, and advanced Excel skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, enabling clear and effective interaction with stakeholders.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and students.
• Excellent planning, organization, and coordination skills to manage payroll operations effectively.
• Customer service orientation, with a focus on problem-solving and service excellence.
• Ability to multitask and maintain attention to detail to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing.
• Discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive information.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 4 years of equivalent experience in payroll administration and processing.
• A minimum of 2 years daily management of payroll operations and functions.
• A minimum of 2 years of payroll processing experience.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing employee compensation.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize tasks while working both collaboratively and independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in managing and processing payroll.
• Expertise in ADP or Banner payroll systems.