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Location: Raleigh, NC
Essential Job Duties:
Reporting to the Payroll Director within the University Controller's Office, you will oversee university payroll processing and lead a team of four payroll specialists to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations. You will exercise independent judgment in managing payroll processes, interpreting complex regulations, administering payroll systems, and resolving issues that affect employees and departments across the university.
You will guide daily operations, strengthen internal controls, oversee system updates and audits, and collaborate with campus partners and central offices to address complex payroll matters. Through staff leadership, sound decision-making, and continuous process improvement, you will support reliable payroll services and the university's financial and administrative operations.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Supervision and Administration
- Lead, train, supervise, and develop a team of four payroll specialists by assigning work, establishing performance expectations, providing technical guidance, and managing performance and employee relations matters.
- Monitor service quality and workload, address operational challenges, and support staff in maintaining consistent and timely service delivery.
- Oversee daily payroll processing, resolve routine and complex issues, and review payroll transactions, financial documents, reports, and records for accuracy and compliance.
- Maintain current operational documentation, training resources, website content, procedures, and guidance materials.
- Interpret and communicate payroll policies, procedures, regulations, and deadlines to employees, departments, and campus partners, providing guidance for complex or unique situations.
- Respond to employee and campus inquiries through established service channels, including HRNow and email.
- Explain complex legal and regulatory requirements, including garnishments and levies, to non-payroll stakeholders.
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with campus units and central offices to support coordinated payroll operations.
- Apply federal and state regulations, university policies, and applicable statutes to ensure payroll activities meet compliance requirements.
- Serve as the functional administrator for payroll processing systems, identify system and operational issues, test updates before implementation, and coordinate post-payroll audits.
- Evaluate internal controls, system reliability, and operational procedures to identify risks and improve payroll accuracy and efficiency.
- Contribute to strategic planning and the ongoing improvement of university payroll operations.
- Analyze and resolve complex, unusual, and escalated payroll matters using sound judgment and interpretation of applicable regulations and policies.
- Identify potential payroll processing issues, assess operational risks, and implement corrective actions to maintain accurate and timely payroll services.
- Implement policy updates, internal controls, and procedural changes to strengthen compliance and reduce operational risk.
- Coordinate and validate payroll system enhancements, software updates, and process changes in collaboration with central offices and cross-functional teams.
- Establish and implement unit goals and operational objectives that support university priorities.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, encourage innovation, and guide staff through evolving operational and institutional requirements.
Work schedule and location: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (This position is eligible for a flexible work arrangement to include hybrid remote work).
Other Work/Responsibilities:
In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department's operations.
Minimum Experience/Education:
Requires post-baccalaureate credentials with 5+ years of relevant experience; a bachelor's degree with 5+ experience including or exceeded by 1-2 years of supervisory experience may be substituted for the advanced qualifications on an exceptional basis.
Required Qualifications:
n/a
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced knowledge of payroll processing in a large organization supporting more than 5,000 employees, using an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
- Experience working in a complex computing environment with integrated systems and established operational controls.
- Previous supervisory experience or experience leading teams, assigning work, and supporting staff development.
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively to audiences across different organizational levels.
- Experience using PeopleSoft for payroll processing or related human resources and financial function
Required License or Certification:
n/a
AA/EEO Statement:
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.