Chief Payroll Administrator and Operations Director

Job Details

Position Details

Classification Information

Position Classification Title

Chief Campus Payroll Administrator

FLSA

Exempt

Position Class

89626

Position Overview

Join the Ramily!

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is a distinguished institution that combines academic excellence, community engagement, and a commitment to fostering student success. We are proud to be North Carolina’s only university to earn the distinguished designation of Opportunity College by the Carnegie Classifications of Higher Education and the American Council on Education (ACE). WSSU is dedicated to preparing students for leadership roles through rigorous programs in health sciences, business, education, and the humanities. Known for its supportive environment, the university fosters a close-knit community that nurtures both professional and academic excellence.

Situated in Winston-Salem, North Carolina—known as the city of Arts and innovation, WSSU provides students with opportunities to engage in a dynamic mix of professional, social, and cultural experiences. Winston-Salem is home to thriving arts, healthcare, and technology sectors, offering both students and faculty unique collaboration opportunities and professional development pathways.

With its beautiful campus, strong sense of community, and dedication to fostering personal and professional growth, Winston-Salem State University is an ideal place to teach, work, and learn.

We invite strategic leaders who are passionate about operational excellence and advancing higher education to become part of our team.

Find information about our current benefits and retirement options, our holiday schedule, and other discounts and perks at the links below:
UNC System Employee Benefits Central
UNC System Retirement Benefits
WSSU Holiday Schedule
WSSU Discounts and Perks

Position Summary

The Chief Payroll Administrator and Operations Director plays a critical leadership role in advancing the strategic priorities of Winston-Salem State University and the Office of Human Resources. As a key member of the HR leadership team, this position provides oversight and direct execution of core HR operational functions, including payroll, leave administration, HRIS, data integrity, records management, and workers’ compensation. This role ensures the accurate and timely processing of payroll, compliance with federal, state, and UNC System regulations, and the integrity of HR systems and data. The Chief Payroll Administrator and Operations Director is responsible for driving operational efficiency, mitigating risk, and enhancing service delivery across the institution.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Collaboration

• Partner with the Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources/Chief Human Resources Officer to develop, implement, and execute university and HR strategic priorities, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
• Provide operational and tactical guidance to divisional and departmental leadership, supporting effective workforce planning, compliance, and service delivery.

Payroll Management

• Oversee and process payroll operations to ensure timely and accurate processing.
• Implement and monitor payroll policies and procedures, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and alignment with organizational standards.
• Review, validate, and approve payroll transactions, including adjustments, retroactive pay, supplemental pay, and off-cycle payrolls.
• Investigate and resolve payroll issues, inquiries, and discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Oversee and perform all operational components of payroll processing, including but not limited to Labor Law compliance, Financial Reporting, and Payroll audits.
• Collaborate with UNC System Office payroll service teams and internal partners to ensure compliance and operational alignment.

Leave Administration

• Direct and manage leave programs, including workers’ compensation, voluntarily shared leave, personal, vacation, and other leave types.
• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements related to leave.
• Work with the Benefits and Leave team to update, monitor, and communicate leave policies, procedures, and eligibility criteria.

HR Information Systems (HRIS) and Banner Records Management

• Responsible for overseeing the functionality, integrity, and security of HR data within the Banner system and related HRIS platforms. Ensure HR data integrity by managing data entry protocols, data auditing, and system security measures.
• Lead system upgrades, CAB implementations, and enhancements, coordinating with stakeholders to meet organizational needs
• Supervise the data entry of record management clerks, maintenance, storage to BDMS, and security of employee records, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and organizational requirements. Implement and monitor records management policies of personnel records, including document retention and confidentiality standards.
• Regularly audit records management practices to ensure data accuracy, privacy, and compliance.
• Guide staff on record-keeping best practices and support audits or investigations as necessary.

Position Information

Position Number

117024

Working Position Title

Chief Payroll Administrator and Operations Director

Building and Room No.

137D Anderson Center

Appointment Type

Permanent Full-Time

If Time Limited.

No

Appointment Length.

12 months per year

Requirements and Preferences

Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies

Pandemic Mandatory Home

Normal Work Schedule

8 am – 5 pm, Monday – Friday, with a flexible work schedule possible.

Department Required Skills

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, preferably with coursework in Human Resources Management, Accounting, Payroll, Business Administration, or a related field, and a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in program development and personnel management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in human resources and payroll, or a master’s degree with at least three (3) years of professional experience in human resources and payroll. Coursework emphasis in human resources and payroll is preferred.

Required Competencies

• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, with a high level of attention to detail.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and coach staff, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Ability to manage complex projects and oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively, synthesize information, and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, flexibility, and discretion in managing sensitive issues and executing organizational strategies.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• Master’s Degree or Higher; Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, payroll administration, or HR operations leadership
• Prior experience in higher education and/or UNC System environment
• Demonstrated experience managing complex payroll operations, compliance, and multi-functional HR teams