Director of Payroll

AP Professionals has been retained by a premier University in search of a Director of Payroll due to a retirement. This position oversees and manages a complex, in-house payroll. The University has an excellent reputation, offers a work/life balance, commitment to community engagement and strong relationships across campus. Additionally, they are financially stable and growing. This is a highly respected role. You don’t want to miss out!

Responsibilities

Payroll Management:

• Manage and verify bi-weekly payroll processing for all employees, including data entry for deductions, new hires, and job setups.
• Review payroll calculations, employee benefit deductions, and gross-to-net accuracy.
• Oversee payroll system feeds and manage direct deposit, tax payments, and bi-weekly submissions to NYS.
• Maintain and reconcile payroll-related benefits, deductions, and remittances, including health, dental, disability, and retirement plans.
• Prepare and file quarterly and annual federal and state payroll reports (e.g., 941, NYS-45, W-2, 5500).
• Support audits, surveys (AAUP, IPEDS), unemployment filings, and Workmen’s Compensation reports.
• Manage student payroll, taxable benefit reporting, tuition remission entries, and faculty voting lists.
• Maintain payroll-related modules in HRIS (Position Control, HR, Self-Service), including fiscal year close activities.
• Create and distribute payroll communications and salary increase worksheets.
• Serve on the payroll system Change Control Board.

Accounts Payable Oversight:

• Oversee all AP processing, ensuring timely and accurate disbursements.
• Support e-procurement processes in Unimarket and maintain AP-related forms and communication.
• Manage and reconcile AP ledger accounts including control accounts, prepaid expenses, and travel advances.
• Prepare and electronically file annual 1099s and the NYS Abandoned Property Report.
• Maintain, test, and update AP systems and procedures, including fiscal year close coordination.

Other Responsibilities:

• Serve as the point of contact for payroll and AP-related inquiries from internal and external stakeholders.
• Create journal entries and troubleshoot payroll system issues.
• Maintain and update Microsoft Access databases and reporting tools.
• Complete additional tasks as assigned by the Controller or VP of Finance and Administration.
• Manage interfaces into payroll system.
• Supervise Payroll Assistant and Accounts Payable Coordinators.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, or related field preferred (equivalent experience considered).

Experience

• At least 2 years of direct experience in payroll, accounts payable, and general accounting.
• Supervisory experience required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics

• Strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills with a customer service focus.
• Must maintain confidentiality, prioritize tasks effectively, and adapt to changing demands.
• Notary Public and ID.Me account preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and analytical abilities.
• High attention to detail with sound professional judgment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Demonstrated leadership and problem-solving skills.