"Specialist, Payroll"

About Western Kentucky University:

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the second largest undergraduate institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 15,035 students (29% first generation, 18% underrepresented minority, 1% international) and nearly 2,508 faculty and staff employees*.

Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our ever-evolving communities.

Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.

Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at wku.edu/about.

Job Description:

Position Summary

The Payroll Specialist position performs a variety of duties that require high level of initiative, accuracy, independent judgement, and payroll knowledge necessary to assist the University in paying employees. This position plays a critical role in ensuring accurate and timely processing of payroll in accordance with relevant regulations, contracts, and policies, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local tax regulations.

The position reports to the Payroll Manager.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are customary for this position but are not to be construed as all-inclusive. Duties may be added, deleted and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.

• Ensure accurate calculation and distribution of salaries, wages, and other compensation for multiple payroll groups monthly.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of tax laws and regulations and the ability to calculate complex payroll calculations.
• Analyze and interpret complex payroll documents, regulations, and challenges that may arise and apply critical thinking to find the appropriate solution.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related inquiries from employees, addressing concerns and providing clarification on payroll calculations and deductions.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and accuracy in the payroll process and serve on project team for all system updates, software implementations and in-service training.
• Provide guidance and direction for Payroll Coordinators.
• Collaborate with Human Resources, Information Technology, and Accounting teams to ensure accurate wage and labor distribution information.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies throughout each payroll process.
• Maintain confidential payroll and tax withholding information.
• Maintain accurate information on payroll website.
• Assist with audit requests internally and externally.
• Provide excellent customer service to all internal and external interactions.
• Assist Payroll Manager, as needed.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or related field
• Previous payroll processing experience

Additional Information:

Salary Range: $50,000 - $55,000

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.