Sr Specialist, Payroll (Hybrid)

$52,466 - $70,819/Yr

Milwaukee Area Technical College - Milwaukee, WI

Full-time - Mid Level

Milwaukee, WI

Educational Services

About the position

Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) is Wisconsin's largest and most diverse technical college, offering over 170 high-quality programs that connect students to a career in as little as one to two years. The college also provides a more affordable path to a four-year degree. MATC is dedicated to transforming lives, industry, and the community by preparing students for the careers of tomorrow. The college's diverse team members, 42% of whom are employees of color, work with a purpose to serve the students who make MATC one of the most diverse two-year institutions in the Midwest. The institution is committed to eliminating equity gaps in higher education for both students and employees, and is seeking passionate individuals to join their team who share this commitment. The Senior Payroll Specialist plays a crucial role under the direction of the Manager of Payroll, assisting with the planning, organization, and coordination of payroll activities. This position involves developing training programs to communicate payroll policies and procedures, including the implementation of time and attendance software. The Senior Payroll Specialist is responsible for reconciling all accounting-related transactions as they pertain to payroll functions, requiring independent judgment and analysis in decision-making according to established policies and procedures. Assignments are completed independently but are reviewed by the Payroll Manager, who the Specialist collaborates with on all pertinent matters. Key responsibilities include advanced payroll administration, internal customer education and management, external stakeholder relationship management, payroll reporting oversight, technology planning and execution, collaborative teamwork, and continuous learning and professional development. The role requires maintaining compliance with all state, federal, and accreditation standards, as well as MATC policies and procedures. The ideal candidate will possess a strong knowledge of payroll principles, practices, regulations, and procedures, along with the ability to provide exceptional internal customer service and communicate effectively with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Compiles, analyzes, and enters complex payroll data such as pension deductions and wage garnishment data.
• Recommends and determines necessary adjustments to pay, pensions, and garnishments.
• Completes appropriate forms and applies adjustments to wages and salaries, performing audits of all payroll entries.
• Compiles compensation time balances and credits for employees semi-annually.
• Prepares technical correspondence pertaining to payroll issues and ensures compliance with WRS (Pension).
• Researches, analyzes, and resolves difficult or highly technical payroll problems or questions.
• Cross-trains and advises on payroll operating procedures, rules, and regulations to faculty, students, managers, and staff.
• Collaborates with external agencies and vendors regarding employee wage compensation and deductions.
• Prepares financial, tax, and payroll reports for external stakeholders in coordination with the Payroll Manager.
• Reviews and analyzes payroll reports for accuracy and applies corrections through journal entries.
• Reconciles the payroll module general ledger and prepares yearly pension files for WRS.
• Develops database reports for auditing payrolls and evaluates technological solutions to automate payroll processes.
• Establishes and maintains positive work relationships with staff, faculty, and administrators.
• Maintains current knowledge of best practices and standards in higher education, particularly in community colleges.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in business, human resources, accounting, or related field.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible work experience in a related field.
• Knowledge of payroll principles, practices, regulations, and procedures.
• Knowledge of deductions, pension plans, garnishments, and accruals as they relate to payroll processing.
• Ability to perform detailed mathematical computations and analyze complex pay issues.
• Ability to provide exceptional internal customer service and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Proficiency in the use of computers and software specific to the position, including spreadsheets and the Internet.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree in business, human resources, accounting, or related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience in a related field.