Payroll Specialist - Clark University

Clark University - Worcester, MA

Part-time - Entry Level

Worcester, MA

Educational Services

About the position

The Payroll Specialist at Clark University plays a crucial role in ensuring the accurate and timely preparation and processing of bi-weekly payroll for over 1,300 employees. This position requires a close working relationship with the Payroll Manager and involves maintaining confidentiality while preparing reconciliations, generating related reports, and responding to inquiries from employees. The Payroll Specialist is responsible for reviewing hours and overtime on electronic timesheets, contacting supervisors for timesheet approvals, and resolving any issues that may arise during the payroll process. In addition to processing payroll, the specialist coordinates with the Human Resources and Student Employment departments to ensure that payroll is processed accurately and on time. They also maintain the tax status of international employees using Sprintax software and generate bi-weekly third-party payments, such as garnishments and union dues. The role includes answering employee questions and resolving payroll-related issues, supervising student employees, and assisting with year-end processing of W-2 and 1042-S forms. Furthermore, the Payroll Specialist will assist with ADP/Banner tax liability reconciliation on a bi-weekly and quarterly basis, perform monthly benefit and general ledger account reconciliations, and take on additional responsibilities as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Prepare bi-weekly payroll, including reviewing hours and overtime on electronic timesheets.
• Contact supervisors for timesheet approvals and to resolve issues.
• Coordinate with HR and Student Employment to ensure accurate and timely processing of bi-weekly payroll.
• Maintain international employees' tax status using Sprintax software.
• Generate bi-weekly third-party payments (e.g., garnishments, union dues, etc.).
• Answer employee questions and resolve payroll-related issues.
• Supervise student employees.
• Assist with year-end W-2 and 1042-S processing.
• Assist with ADP/Banner tax liability reconciliation (bi-weekly and quarterly).
• Perform monthly benefit and general ledger account reconciliations.
• Perform additional responsibilities as requested or assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED with at least 2 years of payroll experience or a comparable amount of training and experience.
• Experience with running payroll in Banner is preferred, but candidates with experience in any payroll system will be considered.
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to meet deadlines while maintaining a high degree of accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Extensive experience with Microsoft Excel.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Outlook.

Nice-to-haves

• Accounting degree.
• Familiarity with Banner payroll software.
• Understanding of international treaty benefits/tax rules using international tax navigator software.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel.

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Generous retirement plan
• Group health and dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Tuition assistance
• Use of campus amenities