Widener University is currently seeking a Payroll Specialist in their Payroll Department. This role is a key member of the Fiscal Operations team primarily responsible, along with the Payroll Manager, for the bi-weekly payroll processing for the University’s 3 campus locations. The payroll process is time sensitive and conducted according to in accordance with the University’s payroll schedule. The Payroll Specialist provides exemplary customer service to the University community and various departments on payroll related questions, information, reporting, and issues. This position serves as an expert on the University’s time entry system and provides insight and education to employees and supervisors. The Payroll Specialist reports to the Director of Accounts Payable and Payroll.
Duties and Responsibilities: (included but not limited to)
Essential duties:
- Works with Fiscal Operations colleagues and across the University to ensure high levels of customer service by providing professional and timely services
- Evaluates current processes and recommending improvements and efficiencies
- Maintains confidential and sensitive information as part of daily operations
- Performs time-sensitive duties according to the University payroll schedule
- Responsible for processing bi-weekly payrolls for support staff and student workers
- Prepares additional payrolls as needed for supplemental and off-cycle payments as well as replacement payments
- Analyzes and maintains all student contracts, W-4’s, direct deposit and miscellaneous forms to ensure proper pay
- Work proactively with supervisors and employees to resolve payroll related issues including pay lines, timesheets and, discrepancies.
- Determines and enters appropriate payroll tax withholdings for all University personnel
- Analyzes electronic web time entry information, including positions, codes, and time for compliance with University policies
- Reviews student work study wages against financial aid to ensure compliance with University policies and regulatory limits
- Responsible for transmission of direct deposit and positive pay data to the University’s financial institution. Proactively researches and resolves issues and differences
- Prepares and distributes payroll and wage reports to departments
- Collects, reviews, and maintains documentation for student contracts, tax information, direct deposit, and miscellaneous forms
- Leads and executes the student workers payroll process
- Serves as expert on the University’s electronic time entry system. Works collaboratively with University personnel to learn, perform, and educate on updates and improvements
- Prepares journal entries to record payroll related reallocations and corrections
- Provides employment verification information to regulatory agencies and external parties
- Serves as main point of contact, along with Sr. Payroll Specialist, to the University community on all matters involving wages and payroll related taxes.
- Participates with new system and application implementations by reviewing and assessing current and proposed workflows
Secondary responsibilities:
- Cross trains in Sr. Payroll Specialist duties; acts as backup
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned or directed
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (education/training and experience)
Required:
- One to three years payroll or financial operations experience
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
- Willingness to learn and adapt to process changes
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated ability to self-direct and work independently
- Excellent communication skills and customer centric orientation
- Knowledge and ability to perform advanced MS Excel functions include VLOOKUP and pivot tables
Preferred:
- Basic knowledge of applicable tax law
- Demonstrated experience with Financial systems and data query tools, including the ability to adapt and implement new systems and applications.
- Higher education or non-profit experience
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- Occasionally lifting less than 15lbs.
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Usual office environment; routines sitting at a desk occasionally standing, bending, stooping or kneeling.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy. U.S. work authorization is required.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
EOE M/F/V/D
