Senior Payroll Specialist

Johnson & Wales University - Providence, RI

Full-time - Entry Level

Providence, RI

Educational Services

About the position

The Senior Payroll Specialist at Johnson & Wales University is responsible for processing employee payrolls in compliance with university policies and applicable payroll regulations. This role involves handling various payroll reporting tasks and ensuring that all payroll records are maintained accurately. The position requires a thorough understanding of payroll systems and the ability to compile, verify, and update payroll and benefits deductions, as well as other employee payroll data. The Senior Payroll Specialist will prepare input forms, enter data into the payroll system, and generate periodic reports on earnings, taxes, and deductions. Additionally, the role includes processing payments to external vendors and generating re-issued payroll checks as necessary. In this position, the Senior Payroll Specialist will compile employee demographic and wage data, completing various statistical surveys, including IPEDS reporting. The specialist will also provide wage and employee verification information to state and federal agencies, as well as other outside entities such as banks and housing authorities, ensuring that all forms are filed in a timely manner. Assisting with payroll accounting functions, including payroll audits and requisition processes for various invoices, is also a key responsibility. The role requires research and response to legal requests for subpoenaed documents and other employee-related information, including garnishment orders. The Senior Payroll Specialist will respond to inquiries from employees, managers, and external parties related to payroll, such as paid time off balances and time record discrepancies, while maintaining a professional demeanor. This position also involves maintaining employee attendance and paid time off records in compliance with university policy and generating various payroll reports as requested. Other duties may be assigned as necessary to support the payroll department and the university's operations.

Responsibilities

• Processes payroll for scheduled pay periods and maintains appropriate payroll records
• Compiles, verifies, maintains, and updates payroll, benefits deductions, rate changes, and other employee payroll data
• Prepares input forms, enters data into the payroll system, and compiles other periodic reports on earnings, taxes, and deductions
• Processes payments to external vendors and generates re-issued payroll checks
• Compiles employee demographic and wage data and completes various statistical surveys, including IPEDS reporting
• Provides wage and employee verification information to state and federal agencies and other outside entities as requested
• Assists with payroll accounting functions, including payroll audits and requisition processes for various invoices
• Researches and responds to legal requests for subpoenaed documents and other employee-related information
• Responds to employee, managers, and external party inquiries related to payroll and completes payroll investigations
• Maintains employee attendance and paid time off records in compliance with university policy
• Generates various payroll reports as requested
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Minimum of an associate's degree or a combination of education/certification(s) and/or experience suitable for the position
• Moderate amount of experience working in payroll, general accounting or other related experience