Payroll Operations Specialist

$51,000 - $61,000/Yr

Rappahannock Community College

Part-time - Entry Level

Educational Services

About the position

The Payroll Operations Specialist plays a crucial role in the Virginia Community Colleges System (VCCS) by ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll for the Shared Services Center customers. This position is essential for maintaining compliance with various payroll policies and procedures, which are designed to support the overarching mission of maximizing community college resources for student success and credential completion. The specialist will work both independently and collaboratively within a team to identify and implement process improvements and efficiencies in Payroll Operations. This includes planning, organizing, and executing payroll support functions while adhering to all audit requirements. The role requires staying informed about payroll projects, service level agreements, and updates from the Payroll Manager, IRS, and Department of Accounts Payroll Bulletins. The VCCS Shared Services Center is strategically located in Daleville, Virginia, and serves as a hub for all 23 colleges in the system. The center aims to reduce the administrative burden on individual colleges by consolidating transaction-based functions and improving backroom process efficiency. This allows the colleges to focus more on their primary mission of supporting students in their educational journeys. The Payroll Operations Specialist will be expected to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and work effectively with a diverse range of constituencies within the community. In addition to the core payroll responsibilities, the specialist may be required to perform other duties as assigned, including assisting the agency or state government during emergency declarations. The position operates under a full-time schedule, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with potential telework options subject to business needs.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll through established policies and procedures for the Shared Services Center customers, ensuring timely and accurate payment and required withholding.
• Identify process improvements and efficiencies in Payroll Operations.
• Contribute to planning, organizing, and processing payroll support functions to ensure timely and accurate administration while meeting audit requirements.
• Remain informed on payroll projects, Payroll Service Level Agreements, and updates from the Payroll Manager, IRS, and Department of Accounts Payroll Bulletins.
• Assist in other duties as assigned, including support during emergency declarations.

Requirements

• Comprehensive knowledge of Internal Revenue Code, Regulations, and Rulings regarding income, withholding, tax deposit, and wage and tax reporting requirements.
• Comprehensive knowledge of fiscal operations management and accounting.
• Working knowledge of payroll best practices including compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Experience in one or more of the following fields: Payroll, Human Resources, Finance, or Accounting.
• Intermediate level experience with Microsoft Office, specifically with Excel.

Nice-to-haves

• Fundamental experience with Internal Revenue Code, Regulations, and Rulings regarding income and withholding.
• Experience or knowledge of multi-state taxation.
• Experience in state government or higher education.
• Experience with healthcare, retirement, or other benefit reconciliations.
• Experience with Peoplesoft/Oracle systems.
• Certifications: Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

Benefits

• Hybrid telework options available, subject to change based on business needs.