Payroll Specialist - University of New Haven

Who we are:

The University of New Haven, founded on the Yale campus in 1920, is a private, coeducational university that has been recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report for academic excellence. Located between New York City and Boston in the shoreline city of West Haven, the University is a diverse and vibrant community of nearly 10,000 students from across the globe. Within its five colleges, students immerse themselves in a transformative, career-focused education across the liberal arts and sciences, fine arts, business, engineering, public safety and public service. More than 100 academic programs are offered, all grounded in a long-standing commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary, project-based learning.

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the University’s weekly payroll process which encompasses administrative, clerical, facilities, police and student employees. Job duties include processing transactions, running the payroll, balancing the output and responding to employee questions. Additional duties include completing verification of employment requests, maintaining the time keeping system, and working closely with the Human Resources Department.

You will:

• Ensure all payroll transactions are processed accurately and timely in accordance with University policies and procedures
• Process weekly payroll cycle for non-exempt employees

o Perform necessary data entry in payroll software as required; employee tax and direct deposit elections, garnishments/child support orders, voluntary/involuntary deductions, manual time sheets, etc.

o Process the time keeping interface

o Calculate and process retroactive payments

o Print checks, process positive pay and direct deposit files

o Create and communicate post-payroll reports for taxes and deductions

• Maintain the time keeping system and assist employees and supervisors with time keeping questions & training
• Cross train and act as backup for semi-monthly payroll
• Prepare and upload report of new employees to State of Connecticut
• Process/reissue manual checks as needed
• Complete verifications of employment
• Maintain accurate payroll records and employee files
• Respond to employee inquiries and requests regarding payroll matters
• Work closely with Finance and Human Resources on all payroll related issues
• Support payroll related audit requests
• Prepare unclaimed property report for Accounting
• Track and report Federal Work Study and Graduate Student hours for supervisors
• Maintain strict standards of confidentiality and trust

You need:

• Bachelor’s degree in business management, accounting or related field is required
• A minimum of two years of experience in payroll is required
• Experience working in a higher education environment is preferred
• Experience with Banner software a plus
• Knowledge of payroll best practices and knowledge of federal and state tax regulations a plus
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Excel is required
• Must demonstrate a strong work ethic and a high level of professionalism
• Must be able to multi-task and work in a very dynamic environment
• Must have excellent interpersonal communication skills and the ability to communicate with various levels of management
• Must be detail oriented and able to adhere to tight deadlines with excellent organizational skills
• Education and experience qualifications may be waived for individuals with appropriate alternative experiences