Payroll Specialist

Company Description

McDaniel College is a four-year, independent college of the liberal arts and sciences offering over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. One of the original "Colleges That Change Lives," McDaniel emphasizes experiential learning and student-faculty collaboration to develop the unique potential in every student. Represented by the Green Terror, over 20 athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division III Centennial Conference. A student-centered community of 1,600 undergraduates and 1,400 graduate students offers access to both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., plus a European campus in Budapest, Hungary.

This position has a budgeted hiring rate of $61,000. The position is classified as an A4. The A4 salary band for all full-time, 12-month positions at the college with this classification have a minimum rate of $50,000 and a maximum rate of $93,780. The actual schedule for exempt positions may vary based on the workload and responsibilities assigned. This is an on-site working position.

At McDaniel College we value our employees by offering our full-time employees tuition remission, 403B retirement accounts, paid time off, medical insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and paid maternity and parental leave. For more information about the college's benefits, please click here to review the 2026 benefits guidebook and click here to view 2026 premium rates.

Click here to see how McDaniel College employees impact the lives of students.

Job Description

The Payroll Specialist independently coordinates the College's payroll operations and is accountable for the accuracy, timeliness, compliance, and integrity of each payroll cycle. The position reviews employee and payroll data, resolves discrepancies, administers pay adjustments, maintains payroll records, and produces reports supporting institutional decision-making and regulatory compliance. Working in collaboration with Human Resources, Budget, and Financial Aid, the Payroll Specialist exercises judgment in evaluating payroll information, identifying issues, and determining appropriate action within established policies and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

Key Responsibilities

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for faculty, staff, and student employees while ensuring compliance with College policies and federal, state, and local regulations. Key responsibilities include:

• Process and reconcile payroll, including timesheets, manual checks, stop payments, stipends, garnishments, leave accruals, and related transactions.
• Maintain accurate employee and payroll records in ADP Workforce Now, including new hires, compensation changes, tax elections, direct deposits, and separations.
• Analyze payroll and financial reports, resolve discrepancies, prepare journal entries, and maintain supporting payroll documentation.
• Ensure employee data remains accurate and aligned between ADP Workforce Now and Colleague, including importing and exporting data and identifying opportunities to improve system efficiencies.
• Partner with HR, Benefits, Financial Aid, and other departments on benefits transactions, FMLA, work-study earnings, W-2/1095 preparation, and other payroll-related matters.
• Serve as a resource to faculty, staff, students, supervisors, and external agencies by responding to payroll questions and resolving issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee and payroll information while consistently meeting established payroll deadlines.
• Stay current on payroll regulations, ADP updates, and industry practices to support compliance and continuous process improvement.

Requirements

• Associate's degree or equivalent experience required, Bachelors degree preferred.
• Three or more years of related experience.
• Proficient financial knowledge to calculate payroll and produce journal entries.
• Experience with HRIS systems required, ADP payroll processing and Colleague software preferred.
• Must be able to understand and apply local, state and federal employment regulations
• Competent writing skills including excellent grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Ability to accurately assess and handle phone calls, visitor requests, etc., with discretion and a positive attitude
• Ability to prioritize duties and work independently.
• Intermediate computer skills (database, Internet, email, MS office)
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to deal with complex situations while maintaining the decorum of the Human Resource Office
• Must be able to anticipate and plan for cyclical activities.
• Discretion and reliability in sensitive and confidential matters are vital

Additional Information

McDaniel College, in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate in the recruitment, admission, and employment of students, faculty, and staff in the operation of any of its educational programs and activities. McDaniel College will not tolerate any discrimination or harassment on the basis of any protected status including protective hairstyle, race, religion, color, ancestry or national origin, disability, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military status, genetic information, marital status, veteran's status, or any other actual or perceived legally protected characteristics.

Application Instructions

To apply

For a complete job description including essential responsibilities and to apply, please visit the college's employment webpage. Completed applications must include a cover letter addressing position qualifications and related experience, resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately. The position will be open until filled.

McDaniel College is an AA/EOE institution and welcomes applications from diverse candidates and candidates who support diversity.