Payroll Lead

Chapman University

United States, California, Orange

1 University Drive (Show on map)

June 24, 2024

Posting Details

Position Information

Position Title	Payroll Lead
Position Type	Regular
Job Number	SA29424
Full or Part Time	Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly
Fair Labor Standard Act Classification	Non-Exempt
Anticipated Pay Range	$40.00 - $42.00
Pay Range Information	Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Position Summary Information

Job Description Summary	Under the general supervision of the Director of Payroll Services, the Payroll Lead oversees timely and accurate processing of all pay cycles. Coordinates and prioritizes the day-to-day payroll functions, activities, and schedules to meet deadlines and support university needs. Keeps current on labor laws for all jurisdictions in which Chapman operates. Acts as a liaison to HR partners to provide guidance, build working relationships, and facilitate the flow of job data to payroll data. Makes recommendations for process improvement to support efficiency, security, and accuracy. Assists with payroll accounting, journal entries, and regulatory reports. Performs other payroll related duties as assigned.
Responsibilities	Planning & Directing: Coordinate and prioritize payroll input and processing for the weekly and monthly payrolls for all university employees, ensuring accuracy and compliance with university policies and legal requirements. Compliance: Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws. Stay current on changes in payroll laws and regulations. System Management: Maintain and update payroll system records, including employee data, pay rates, direct deposit information, and tax withholdings. Employee Support: Address and resolve payroll-related inquiries and issues from employees promptly and professionally. Handle escalations for payroll-related inquiries and issues. Interpret and apply labor law and university policy to employee situations to determine the appropriate course of action. Team Supervision: Provide daily guidance and support to payroll staff, including student employees, to ensure high performance and professional development. Training: Provide ongoing training and development for payroll staff to ensure compliance with new regulations and improved practices. Recordkeeping: Assist in the maintenance of payroll records, logs, and files in accordance with university policy and state and federal regulations. Reporting: Prepare and review weekly payroll reports, including earnings, deductions, benefits, taxes, leave balances, and check registers. Audits: Conduct regular audits of payroll procedures and records to ensure accuracy and compliance. Process Improvement: Identify and recommend process improvements to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of payroll operations. Payment Requests: Prepare and transmit requests to internal and external partners for wage payments, foreign tax deposits, credit union transfers, union dues, and other payroll-related payments. Payroll Processing: Process the monthly Faculty/Admin payroll. Ensure all handwrites and cost transfers are recorded in the appropriate month by overseeing and processing month-end payrolls. Journal Entries: Prepare and post payroll-related journal entries, ensuring accuracy and proper account coding. Month-End Close: Assist the Director of Payroll in researching payroll expense entries and providing backup documentation as needed. System Testing: Participate in testing for tax updates, image updates, and tool upgrades to ensure payroll system integrity and compliance. Interdepartmental Meetings: Meet with HR and other departments as needed to maintain good working relationships with our campus partners. Year-End Close: Assist the Director of Payroll with fiscal year-end close processes, including researching payroll expense entries and providing backup documentation as needed. Performance Reviews: Provide input for annual performance reviews for payroll staff, offering feedback and contributing to goal setting for professional development. Audits: Assist with internal and external audits as necessary, providing required documentation and responding to auditor inquiries.
Required Qualifications	Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources or related field or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience. Demonstrated knowledge of policies and procedures related to payroll. Demonstrated ability to independently research and solve problems. Experience interpreting complex state and federal tax codes associated with withholding. Displays organizational and planning skills necessary to handle multiple priorities for the timely completion of work assignments. Produces high volume, quality work with minimal errors. Ability to work independently. Demonstrates experience with customer service in payroll related environment requiring excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Specific experience working with payroll practices and payment inquiries. Displays effective written and verbal communication skills to explain and resolve payroll matters. Experience using payroll software (e.g. ADP, Workday, Peoplesoft) including troubleshooting and implementation. Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel. Demonstrates effective leadership qualities and the ability to promote team building and development. Ability to represent Financial Services in a professional and positive manager in all meetings. Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality in handling sensitive matters. Ability to effectively work with culturally diverse groups or individuals.
Desired Qualifications	One year experience as a lead/supervisor. Current Fundamental Payroll Certification Basic accounting knowledge regarding debits and credits related to payroll accounts.
Special Instructions to Applicants	Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community. The University is dedicated to enhancing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruitment and employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. The University is committed to achieving a diverse faculty and staff and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. More information on diversity and inclusion at Chapman University can be found at www.chapman.edu/diversity. Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Chapman University does not sponsor applicants for Staff and Administrator positions for work visas. The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.
Minimum Number of References	3
Maximum Number of References	5