Payroll Specialist, Senior

Job Details

Department: Financial Operations

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: $22.03 per hour/$45,800 per year

Work Schedule: 8-5; M-F

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

Do you thrive on deadlines, precision, and solving complex challenges all at once? WSU is seeking a high energy, detail driven Senior Payroll Specialist who excels in a fast paced, confidential environment and takes pride in getting payroll right every time. This critical role ensures accurate and timely pay for a large and diverse employee population. The perfect candidate is someone who can move quickly without sacrificing accuracy, effectively juggle competing priorities, and maintain the highest level of trust when handling sensitive information. If this sounds like you, then WE need you.

Job Summary

Completes complex payroll transactions, which includes, but is not limited to, reviewing and auditing payroll transactions, compiling financial reports and reconciling accounts.

Essential Functions

Reviews, processes and audits complex payroll transactions. Compiles financial reports and reconciles accounts. Maintains accurate records, ensuring that payroll transactions are entered timely so that balancing of payroll file and delivery to state system is completed by deadline. Generates payroll reports and audits and resolves discrepancies. Responds to inquiries related to transactions or payments.

Job Duties

In this senior-level role, you will independently manage and audit complex payroll transactions while serving as a resource to departments across campus. Key responsibilities include: Reviewing, processing, and auditing complex payroll transactions to ensure accuracy and compliance; Entering and validating payroll data under strict deadlines to ensure payroll files are balanced and delivered on schedule; Researching, reconciling, and resolving payroll discrepancies with a high level of ownership; Generating and analyzing payroll reports; identifying issues before they become problems; Responding to payroll inquiries with professionalism, discretion, and a service-oriented mindset; Safeguarding sensitive and confidential employee data at all times.

Required Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent. Four (4) years of experience in payroll, finance or related field. Every 30 hours of college coursework can be substituted for two (2) years of experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of payroll processes, practices, and controls, including auditing and reconciliation of complex payroll transactions. Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour requirements sufficient to ensure accuracy and compliance. Knowledge of payroll reporting, record-keeping standards, and documentation requirements. Knowledge of confidentiality requirements and handling of sensitive employee and payroll information. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to research, identify, and resolve payroll discrepancies accurately and efficiently. High level of attention to detail with the ability to maintain accuracy in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Effective organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously. Proficient written and verbal communication skills to respond to payroll inquiries clearly and professionally. Skill in maintaining accurate records and producing payroll reports and audit documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred experience includes processing and auditing complex, high-volume payroll transactions; reconciling payroll data; generating payroll reports; handling confidential employee information; and working effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Preferred License/Certifications/Training

Payroll-related training or coursework in payroll processing, accounting, finance, or business operations. Professional development or continuing education related to payroll compliance, wage and hour regulations, or payroll auditing practices. Experience-based training in payroll systems, reporting tools, or enterprise financial systems. On-the-job or formal training focused on confidentiality, data protection, and handling sensitive employee information. Note: No licenses or certifications are required for this position; however, candidates with relevant payroll-related training or professional development are preferred.

Additional Information

This position is part of a collaborative payroll team responsible for ensuring accurate and timely pay for a diverse employee population within a higher education environment. Work is performed in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment, particularly during payroll processing cycles and fiscal year activities. The role requires a high degree of independence, accountability, and attention to detail, balanced with teamwork and shared deadlines. Strict adherence to confidentiality standards is essential due to the sensitive nature of payroll and employee data. The position works closely with campus departments to resolve payroll issues and provide guidance on payroll-related questions. Work schedule is generally Monday–Friday during standard business hours, with flexibility required during peak payroll or audit periods. This position is in-person and located on the Wichita State University campus.

Physical Requirements

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information. Sedentary work involving remaining stationary for extended periods. Ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to operate a computer and other standard office equipment, including but not limited to phones, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate effectively and accurately exchange information with others.