Lead Payroll Analyst
JOB PURPOSE:
The Lead Payroll Analyst plays a key role in ensuring the accuracy, compliance, and effective operation of Howard University’s payroll processes. This position supports the review and validation of payroll data, monitors payroll activity for consistency, and assists in the timely processing of bi-weekly and off-cycle compensation for faculty, staff, and student workers. The Lead Payroll Analyst also serves as a primary resource for employee payroll inquiries, offering guidance and facilitating timely resolution with a strong customer service focus. The role helps maintain internal controls and supports cross-departmental collaboration to ensure payroll is administered in alignment with University policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable federal and state regulations.
SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:
None.
NATURE AND SCOPE:
The Lead Payroll Analyst functions as an experienced payroll professional within the University’s centralized payroll structure and supports the accurate and timely execution of bi-weekly payrolls and supplemental off-cycle payments. The role requires close coordination with Human Resources, Budget, Benefits, Accounting, and departmental administrators to verify payroll data, ensure proper documentation, and support consistent payroll operations across the institution.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Payroll Preparation & Support
- Prepare and validate payroll inputs in advance of each payroll cycle, ensuring HR-provided files (salaries, benefits, job changes) are complete and properly formatted for processing.
- Perform pre-payroll audits to identify missing data, unexpected variances, incorrect deductions, or tax issues, and escalate findings to the Payroll Manager.
- Support the Director/Manager during monthly payroll processing by running calculations, reviewing results, and resolving flagged errors.
- Process routine off-cycle items such as corrections, small retro payments, and adjustments as directed by the Payroll Manager.
Employee Support & Inquiry Management
- Manage the Payroll Inbox by monitoring, prioritizing, and responding to employee payroll questions related to pay, taxes, deductions, direct deposit, and time reporting.
- Research and resolve routine issues; escalate complex or policy-impacting matters to the Payroll Manager.
- Track common inquiry themes and recommend updates to FAQs or procedure guides.
Garnishments, Deductions & Payments
- Process wage garnishments, tax levies, child support orders, and other wage attachments; maintain records and prepare remittance packets for manager approval.
- Administer union dues, voluntary deductions, and retirement contributions that originate within Payroll’s purview (not HR-managed benefits).
- Maintain logs of all remittances and assist in preparing reconciliations for manager review.
System Support (Workday & ADP)
- Update and maintain basic Workday Payroll configuration items (simple deductions, tax updates, pay schedule updates) under guidance from the Payroll Manager.
- Execute routine tests during Workday releases and patches; document issues and assist with troubleshooting.
- Assist with ADP Tax Services interactions, including reviewing tax files, setting up new jurisdictions, and documenting tax notices for management action.
Reconciliation, Reporting & Compliance Support
- Prepare standard payroll reports (registers, deduction reports, tax summaries) for manager review before final processing.
- Assist with monthly reconciliations of payroll liabilities, verifying balances and following up on discrepancies with Accounting.
- Support quarterly and year-end processes by gathering data, running preliminary reports, and assisting with W-2 review.
- Maintain organized documentation for internal and external audit requests.
Process Improvement & Team Support
- Document payroll procedures, update job aids, and maintain checklists to ensure consistency and accuracy in recurring tasks.
- Recommend process improvements to reduce errors or improve efficiency.
- Provide cross-training support to payroll staff and serve as backup on routine tasks when needed.
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