"Payroll Specialist"

Job Description Summary

The Business Administrator B (Payroll Specialist) is responsible for managing all payroll operations for SP2, with emphasis on accuracy, compliance, and timely processing across faculty, staff, students, and temporary workers. This role oversees payroll costing, monthly audits, reallocations, compensation actions, and student payroll (including federal work-study, non-federal work-study, and non-work study). The Payroll Specialist also manages Workday security roles, assists with merit planning, serves as the primary timekeeper, and provides backup support for ZenDesk Finance inquiries. The position requires strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and excellent customer service as the school's main point of contact for payroll matters and as liaison with central Payroll, Human Resources, and Student Employment offices.

All SP2 staff are required to participate in convocation and graduation ceremonies as needed.

Job Responsibilities

• Process compensation actions and support merit planning, including one-time payments, activity pay, reclassifications, compensation changes, and annual merit adjustments.
• Manage payroll costing allocations, reallocations, and corrections across all fund types; reconcile payroll suspense accounts to ensure timely resolution.
• Oversee student and temporary worker payroll, including hiring, entry, and processing for federal/non-federal work-study, non-work study, and weekly-paid temporary staff.
• Serve as primary timekeeper for weekly-paid employees; monitor, verify, and approve time submissions for compliance.
• Conduct payroll audits and compliance reviews, including monthly audits, quarterly reviews of active employees without pay, and reconciliation of summer salaries.
• Manage Workday security roles to ensure appropriate access and internal controls for payroll and financial transactions.
• Serve as SP2 liaison with central Payroll, HR, and Student Employment offices, participating in work groups, ensuring policy compliance, and communicating updates to the Finance team.
• Provide customer service and guidance to faculty, staff, students, and temporary workers on payroll policies and procedures; serve as backup for ZenDesk Finance inquiries.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, including participation in convocation and graduation ceremonies as needed.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science and 2 to 3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

• Demonstrated experience with payroll processing, payroll costing, or related HR/finance operations in a complex organization.
• Strong knowledge of payroll principles, and applicable federal, state, and University regulations.
• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and data integrity with proven ability to manage high-volume transactions and deadlines.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve discrepancies independently.
• Strong communication and customer service skills, with the ability to explain policies and procedures clearly to faculty, staff, students, and temporary workers.
• Ability to interpret and apply University payroll and compensation policies, ensuring compliance and proper documentation.
• Commitment to confidentiality, integrity, and providing timely, customer-focused support.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team and across administrative units.
• Knowledge of Penn's financial and HR systems, particularly Workday, Payroll Reallocations, and BEN Financials, is strongly preferred.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Social Policy and Practice

Pay Range

$55,000.00 - $65,000.00 Annual Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.