Payroll Specialist

Department: Provost's Administrative Services Team (PAST)

Classification: Accounting Technician

Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing

Salary: $19.36 - $28.75 per hour

FTE: 1.0

Review of Applications Begins: January 5, 2026; position open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To ensure consideration, a complete application must include:

1. A current resume.
2. Three professional references with contact information. References will only be contacted you have been notified.

Motivated candidates bring experience, curiosity, and fresh ideas. Please apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification. If you meet the key requirements and want to support the PAST team in delivering reliable, people-centered Payroll Services, we encourage you to apply.

Department Summary:

The Administrative Services division at the University of Oregon oversees multiple business hubs and shared service organizations throughout the University. Located within the Finance and Administration portfolio, the objective of the division is to provide efficient, strategic and specialized administrative services to support the missions of various departments, schools and colleges at the University of Oregon. Administrative Services focuses on department-specific budget, finance, payroll, human resources, and procure-to-pay functions as well as specialized physical security and utility technologies. Administrative Services is a metric-driven, people-first administrative team that strives to create efficient, effective and sustainable administrative support structures across campus.

As one of the shared services hubs in Administrative Services, the Provost's Administrative Services Team (PAST) provides business and administrative services for Partner Units in the Office of the Provost (OtP) portfolio. PAST partner units include the Division of Global Engagement; Division of Graduate Studies; Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art; Museum of Natural and Cultural History; Undergraduate Education and Student Success; and University Libraries. The units supported by PAST constitute a large business enterprise consisting of more than 1,500 employees and total operating expenditures of more than $70 million, all funds. PAST works with multiple employee types including staff, faculty, graduate employees, and student workers.

Position Summary:

The Payroll Specialist plays a crucial role on the PAST HR Operations and Payroll Team, serving as an expert in payroll. This position is a trusted resource for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll services for partner units. The Payroll Specialist's work includes both routine and non-routine payroll operations and ensures compliance with policies and procedures across partner units. On a daily basis, this position handles requests and questions from partner units and collaborates with both them and PAST colleagues to complete transactions smoothly while providing clear guidance and excellent customer service. The Payroll Specialist frequently explains University of Oregon policies and procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and state and federal laws to provide direction and ensure compliance.

Additionally, this position reviews payroll operations, prepares reports with recommendations for changes to business controls and internal procedures, and provides technical advice and training on the Smartsheet ticketing system and the UKG Ready timekeeping system. As a member of the PAST team, the Payroll Specialist contributes to the overall goal of supporting partner units in serving students, faculty, staff, and the University.

Beyond working in your areas of expertise, PAST offers opportunities for growth and advancement through cross-training with PAST colleagues in other areas of HR Operations and Payroll. This allows the Payroll Specialist to broaden their skill set, contribute to team success, and develop their career at the University of Oregon.

The Payroll Specialist reports directly to the HR Operations and Payroll Manager. They collaborate with HR Coordinators, Payroll Business Operations Specialists, and other PAST colleagues who support HR Operations and Payroll processes across the PAST portfolio.

Minimum Requirements:

12 quarter hours (8 semester hours) of Accounting courses OR An Associates Degree in Accounting; OR One year of experience that includes entering, compiling and/or reporting financial information; OR An equivalent combination of education and experience. Transcripts must be submitted for all required and/or related courses. All courses must be from accredited colleges, universities, or private vocational schools.

Professional Competencies:

• Effective customer service skills, with the ability to maintain composure in challenging situations.
• Proficiency with software and technology, including word processing and spreadsheets, with an interest in using technology to improve processes.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively while recognizing and respecting diverse identities and backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing tasks and shifting priorities successfully, both independently and in a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to interpret laws, rules, policies, and procedures, and to apply those interpretations to specific, non-routine situations.
• Commitment to promoting and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two years of experience in payroll processing or a payroll-related setting.
• Experience completing the payroll cycle at the University of Oregon.
• Experience with the UO Banner HRIS system.
• Experience with computer programs, including Excel and Smartsheet.
• Experience using UKG Ready running standard reports for time and attendance, payroll, and employee information.

FLSA Exempt: No

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

This is a classified position represented by the SEIU Local 503, Oregon Public Employees Union.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.

To apply, visit https://careers.uoregon.edu/en-us/job/536148