"Payroll Manager"

Job Details

Position Details

Classification Information

Position Classification Title

Accounting Professional, Accountant

FLSA

Exempt

Position Class

89657

Position Overview

Position Summary

Winston-Salem State University is seeking a payroll professional with an accounting background for our Payroll Manager position. Join the Ramily!

About the Team and Opportunity: WSSU’s Office of Human Resources delivers professional HR services for SHRA, EHRA non-faculty, institutional administrators, temporary and student employees, and faculty (benefits administration). Our team leads staffing & talent acquisition, classification & compensation, employee relations, training & professional development, performance management, leave and position management, payroll services, unemployment programs, and more. Join us to elevate HR service and help our community thrive!

The Payroll Manager oversees all payroll operations to ensure that employee payments—including salaries, benefits, taxes, and deductions—are processed accurately and on time. Responsibilities include:

Payroll Operations Management

• Oversee and process the monthly and bi-weekly payroll cycles, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with all regulations.
• Perform accurate and timely payroll calculations for all employee types and compensation categories.
• Review and validate payroll data transferred from the HR system to Banner Production, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and data integrity.
• Complete direct deposit pre-note validations before each monthly or bi-weekly payroll, to include tax forms and garnishment deductions.
• Manage adjustments, retroactive payments, supplemental pay, and all other payroll-related transactions.
• Prepare and process direct pay requests for university internal and external third-party payroll vendors.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies between payroll records and accounting records, ensuring proper reconciliation and compliance.
• Maintain payroll records in accordance with University, State, Federal, and UNC System Office guidelines.

Accounting and Financial Coordination

• Prepare and post payroll-related journal entries, including entries for payroll expenses and reconciling items.
• Reconcile payroll clearing funds, over/under funds, and Foundation payroll-related funds, ensuring deposits are completed on a monthly basis.
• Ensure the payroll clearing fund maintains a zero balance at month-end, preventing reconciliation issues for the Controller’s Office and the Office of the State Controller.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies between payroll activity and accounting entries to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Complete the annual escheatment process for payroll disbursements in compliance with State requirements.
• Coordinate payroll adjustments, cash requests, and other financial transactions with the Controller’s Office.
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of all mandated Federal and State payroll reporting.

Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare and maintain payroll reports for internal and external auditing and compliance reviews.
• Maintain and report UNC FIT (Financial Improvement and Transformation) KPIs related to payroll accuracy and timeliness.
• Develop and maintain payroll operational manuals, workflow documentation, and online policy resources.
• Generate and distribute detailed payroll summaries and exception reports after each payroll cycle.

Communication and Collaboration

• Prepare clear, professional communications regarding payroll processes, updates, deadlines, and policy changes.
• Collaborate with Human Resources, Budget, the Controller’s Office, and other internal stakeholders to maintain alignment across payroll, compensation, and financial processes.
• Deliver engaging training sessions and process demonstrations, including representing Payroll Services at New Employee Orientation and participating in HR Town Hall meetings to ensure employees receive clear, informative guidance on payroll procedures.
• Maintain effective working relationships with the UNC System Office and other internal partners to ensure smooth and compliant payroll operations.
• Utilize organizational skills and attention to details, strong analytical skills and problem solving skills to ensure accurate information is transcribe and shared with employees and administrators.
• Manage payroll-related communication of all testing outcomes to the Office of Information Technology, Shared Service Center and UNC System Office.

Policy and Process Improvement

• Evaluate payroll operations regularly and identify process improvements, technology enhancements, and compliance needs.
• Develop, revise, and enforce payroll policies and procedures to ensure security, consistency, and accuracy.
• Research and resolve complex payroll issues that require regulatory or policy interpretation.
• Participate in system testing, upgrades, integrations, and implementation efforts; communicate testing outcomes to stakeholders.

The ideal candidate:

• Has a comprehensive knowledge of federal and state payroll regulations, tax compliance, and reporting standards.
• Demonstrates excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Collaborates effectively with university departments and external partners.
• Provides excellent communication and customer service when addressing employee inquiries.
• Is detail-oriented, capable of preparing and submitting complex reports, and committed to staying current with evolving payroll policies and compliance requirements.

Position Information

Position Number

117016

Working Position Title

Payroll Manager

Building and Room No.

Anderson Conference Center, Suite 137

Appointment Type

Permanent Full-Time

If Time Limited.

No

Appointment Length.

12

Requirements and Preferences

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

Not Mandatory

Normal Work Schedule

8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday

Department Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration/Management with accounting coursework and 2-3 years’ experience in accounting procedures
• OR an equivalent combination of education and working experience.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• 3 -5 years of progressive payroll management, accounting and tax operations experience.
• Advanced knowledge of payroll compliance, tax regulations, deductions, and reporting
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities based on general accepted accounting principles.
• Proficiency in HR/Payroll System Ellucian Banner – specific to the Human Resources (Payroll) and Finance modules with demonstrated understanding of data dependencies and applicable technology information to perform accounting duties. Ability to perform journal entries, account reconciliation and vendor payments.
• Expert knowledge of payroll and finance practices under the UNC Shared Services module.
• Capable to compile, monitor, examine, and audit moderately payroll and finance information, reports, account information, general ledger information and budget codes for accuracy, timeliness, integrity substantive issue and address them thoroughly with analysis, collaboration, and research.
• Possess exceptional customer service skills to respond timely in written and verbal communication methods with employees in a professional demeanor at all times.

Required License or Certification

Valid US Driver's License

No

Commercial Driver's License Required

No

Physical Required

No

List any other medical/drug tests required

Posting Details

Posting Details

Internal Posting Only

No

Time Limited Position

No

Appointment Length

Salary

Commensurate with education and experience

Open Date

11/19/2025

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions Summary

Our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated, or Justice-involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for Which they may be qualified.

Please Note:

• A criminal background check will be conducted on the candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment.
• If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and T&E requirements, then management may consider other applicants.
• Salary will be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
• Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered.
• Failure to complete the application completely may result in you not being considered for the vacant position.
• Your application for the position will not be completed until you receive an online confirmation number at the end of the process of applying for a position.
• If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at OHR@wssu.edu. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodation in the application and interview process, please call 336-750-2834.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. Do you have 3 or more years experience working in Payroll or Human Resources? If so, what area did you work in and what were your main duties? (Open Ended Question)
2. Please describe any experience working in a high accountability metric driven environment. (Open Ended Question)
3. Describe any work experience using BANNER software (Open Ended Question)
4. How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
   • Public Job Posting
   • Internal Job Posting
   • Agency Referral
   • Advertisement/Publication
   • Personal Referral
   • Website
   • Other

Applicant Document

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents