"Payroll Specialist"

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 Administrator 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 Administrator oversees all payroll operations to ensure that employee payments—including salaries, benefits, taxes, and deductions—are processed accurately and on time.

Responsibilities include:

Advanced Payroll Specialist

• Independently process monthly and bi-weekly payroll cycles, applying advanced knowledge of payroll rules, compensation structures, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform complex payroll calculations for multiple employee classifications and compensation types.
• Review, validate, and reconcile payroll data transferred from the HR system to Banner Production to ensure accuracy, completeness, and data integrity.
• Conduct direct deposit pre-note validations prior to payroll processing, including review of tax forms and garnishment deductions.
• Process payroll adjustments, retroactive payments, supplemental pay, and special payroll transactions requiring independent judgment.
• Prepare and process direct pay requests for internal departments and external third-party payroll vendors.
• Research, analyze, and escalate payroll discrepancies between payroll, HR, and accounting systems to the Chief Campus Payroll Administrator

Financial Reconciliation and Compliance

• Prepare payroll-related journal entries and/or garnishment requests for account expense and reconciliation entries.
• Reconcile payroll clearing funds, over/under funds, and Foundation payroll-related funds monthly.
• Monitor payroll clearing fund activity to ensure zero balance at month-end in accordance with the Controller’s Office and Office of the State Controller standards.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies between payroll activity and accounting entries to ensure accurate reconciliation.
• Complete the annual escheatment process for payroll disbursements in compliance with State regulations.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of required Federal and State payroll reports.

Reporting, Documentation, and Data Integrity

• Prepare, analyze, and maintain payroll reports for audits, compliance reviews, and internal controls.
• Track, maintain, and report UNC FIT (Financial Improvement and Transformation) KPIs related to payroll accuracy and timeliness.
• Develop, update, and maintain standard operating procedures and workflow documentation for payroll.
• Generate payroll summaries, reconciliation reports, and exception reports following each payroll cycle.

Consultation, Communication, and Functional Leadership

• Serve as a payroll subject-matter expert, providing guidance and technical support to employees, supervisors, and campus departments.
• Prepare and distribute clear, professional communications related to payroll processes and deadlines during HR Townhall meetings and in the HR newsletter.
• Collaborate with Human Resources, Budget, the Controller’s Office, Information Technology, and Shared Services to ensure alignment across payroll and financial operations.
• Deliver payroll training and process demonstrations, including participation in New Employee Orientation and HR informational sessions.
• Work with the Chief Campus Payroll Administrator where needed to communicate payroll system testing outcomes and issue resolutions to the Office of Information Technology, Shared Services Center, and UNC System Office.

Policy Interpretation and Process Improvement

• Interpret and apply payroll policies, procedures, and regulations to resolve complex payroll issues.
• Recommend process improvements to the Chief Campus Payroll Administrator to enhance payroll accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
• Participate in payroll system testing, upgrades, integrations, and implementation initiatives; document and communicate results 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 Specialist

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: All - Emergency and Pandemic on site

Normal Work Schedule: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday, occasional evenings as necessary.

Department Required Skills:

• Associate’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or Business Management with coursework in accounting, and two (2) years of experience performing accounting, HRIS, or payroll-related procedures;
  OR
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and progressively responsible work experience.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education:

• Two to three (2 – 3) years of progressive experience in payroll administration, and accounting operations.
• Advanced knowledge of payroll compliance, Federal and State tax regulations, deductions, withholdings, and payroll reporting requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills grounded in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Proficiency in Ellucian Banner, specifically the Human Resources (Payroll) and Finance modules, with demonstrated understanding of system data dependencies and integrated business processes.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare journal entries, perform account reconciliations, and process vendor and payroll-related payments.
• Expert-level knowledge of payroll and finance practices within the UNC Shared Services environment.
• Ability to compile, monitor, review, and audit moderately complex payroll and financial data, reports, general ledger accounts, and budget codes to ensure accuracy, timeliness, data integrity, and compliance; independently research and resolve substantive issues through analysis and collaboration.
• Exceptional customer service skills, with the ability to communicate payroll and financial information clearly and professionally through written and verbal communication with employees, supervisors, and campus partners.

Required License or Certification:

• Valid US Driver's License: No
• Commercial Driver's License Required: No
• Physical Required: No

Posting Details

Internal Posting Only: No

Time Limited Position: No

Appointment Length:

Salary: Hiring range is $62,000- $70,000

Open Date: 02/10/2026

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 it is determined that no applicants meet the minimum competency, education, and experience 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.