Widener University is currently seeking a Payroll Manager to oversee the University’s payroll process as a member of the Payroll and Accounts Payable team within the Fiscal Operations & Risk Management department. The Payroll Manager runs the day to day operations of the University’s payroll processing including reviews, updates, reports and tax changes. This position is responsible for the timely and accurate processing of employment related payments, including student workers. This position requires an individual who is detail-oriented and has strong organizational skills. It requires an individual who is skilled at operational tasks. The selected candidate should be comfortable with identifying and pursuing problem solving and education, as well as have the ability to effectively write and communicate in a concise manner to a variety of stakeholders.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential:
- Manages the processing of over $80 million of University payroll disbursements to faculty, staff, and student employees working on 3 campuses and in 30+ states
- Communicates information regarding processes, procedures, and best practices to the University community
- Assesses opportunities for improvement and executes to increase efficiency of workflow
- Conducts an in-depth review of payroll reports and summaries to identify discrepancies and variances and ensure accuracy prior to payment
- Verifies proper authorizations are in place for outgoing payments
- Process payroll requests, including data compilation, input, coding, electronic and physical check runs, responses to customer and auditor inquiries
- Manages time entry and approval process for applicable employees
- Process transmission of direct deposit and positive pay data to University’s financial institution. Proactively researches and resolves issues
- Manage weekly, monthly, and off-cycle payroll runs including exempt, non-exempt, and students
- Manages inquiries and payroll related communication to and from the University community
- Ensure proper recordkeeping for use in tax preparation and periodic audits
- In coordination with Director of Accounts Payable & Payroll, research new tax locality/state withholding instructions upon setup and also at calendar year end for tax filing guidelines and updates.
- Leads the fiscal year-end process for monitoring and recording payments in the correct period and assists Controller’s team with accrued payroll calculations
- Collaborates with departments across campus to ensure proper recording of transactions
- In coordination with Director of Accounts Payable & Payroll, manages the reconciliation and production of year-end tax reporting, including distribution of Form W-2s and IRS reporting to applicable individuals
- Assist with creation of reporting for senior management and executive boards
- Develops guidelines and procedures for proper submission, handling and coding of time entry and employee profile information in accordance with University policies
- Serves as subject matter expert of University’s standalone HCM provider to educate on processes and resolve issues
- Participates with new system and application implementations by reviewing and assessing current and proposed workflows and system testing of new processes.
- Ensures proper document and file retention to facilitate University audits and analysis.
Secondary responsibilities:
- Customer and departmental inquiry response and status updates
- Attend meetings as a representative of the Fiscal Operations department
- Other duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field or equivalent combination of relevant education, training and/or experience.
- Five (5) years of experience in Payroll, Fiscal Operations or relevant area
- Ability to adapt current processes
- Demonstrated experience with ERP systems and moderately advanced Microsoft Excel
- Excellent written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills required.
- Ability to work independently and within deadlines
- Ability to effectively work in a fast-pace and ambiguous environment.
- Thorough understanding of payroll functions and operations
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to motivate and develop staff
Preferred:
- Experience with Ellucian Colleague and Informer
- Experience in Higher Education
- Prior supervisory experience
- Experience with standalone HCM system
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- This role may require periodic overtime as needed (quarterly and year-end closings etc.)
- 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
