"Payroll Specialist I (Fixed-Term), Payroll"

Job Description Summary

Responsible for accurate and timely preparation and processing of Wake Forest University payroll transactions for exempt, non-exempt, and student payrolls as assigned. Prepares and maintains reconciliation functions related to assigned payrolls. Answers incoming phone calls and emails. Works closely with all areas of Human Resources, Financial Services and WFU Business Partners to maintain communication, standards, values and goals set within the Payroll Office. Provides exceptional customer service to the campus community.

Job Description

Essential Functions:

• Analyzes, prepares, and processes and distributes all aspects of assigned payrolls.
• Responsible for meeting processing deadlines.
• Audits payroll data to confirm accuracy of payments, independently follows through on issue resolution.
• Ensure compliance with payroll data regarding Federal and Multi-State governmental tax regulations.
• Ensures compliance with WFU Payroll policies and procedures.
• Works closely and maintains a collaborative working relationship with WFU Human Resources to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
• Assist faculty, staff, student and departmental managers with definitions and interpretation of Payroll, Financial Services, and Human Resources Policies and Procedures.
• Provides superior customer service to Wake Forest University faculty and staff. This includes responding accurately, timely, and professionally to all payroll inquiries.
• Reconciliation of pay runs including but not limited to pay and deduction data each pay period for month to date, quarter to date and year to date balancing.
• Works closely with all areas of Financial Services to ensure payroll data is processed and reconciled within the deadline.
• Reads, sorts, and maintains general requests and questions sent to the payroll email account (i.e. requests for manual checks, prior period adjustments, and additional compensation); assigns emails to the appropriate payroll staff member for processing; answers general questions and/or forwards to the appropriate department.
• Works closely and maintains a collaborative working relationship with HR to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
• Participates in special projects as assigned by the payroll management team.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Associate degree in business administration, Accounting or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of payroll experience in a fast-paced environment. Must have processed a payroll from beginning-to-end without outsourcing.
• Strong analytical, research, technical skills and the ability to identify and resolve multifaceted payroll problems.
• Strong Excel and Word experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in a customer service role.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• CPP, Cognos, Workday experience

Accountabilities:

• Ability to work and participate effectively in a team environment with various levels of staff to accomplish the goals and values of the payroll office.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, deadline driven environment.
• Strong knowledge of relevant Federal, Multi-State tax regulations and the ability to keep personal knowledge base up to date.
• Knowledge and understanding of Workday and Various Accounting Software systems.
• Ability to manage and maintain confidentiality of records and information.
• Ability to analyze and interpret WFU policy and procedures.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational, time management and customer service skills required.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills, strong interpersonal skills, superior telephone etiquette and ability to interact effectively with students, faculty and staff as well as peers and management. Must have a strong dedication to customer service and satisfaction.