Payroll and Accounting Specialist

Kalamazoo College seeks a detail-oriented and collaborative Payroll and Accounting Specialist to join our Business Office team. Reporting to an Associate Controller, this position plays a key role in ensuring accurate payroll processing, strong financial reporting, and excellent service to the campus community.

This role supports the College’s mission by delivering accurate, timely, and reliable financial services that directly contribute to a positive student experience. The position partners closely with colleagues across the Business Office, Human Resources, leadership, faculty, and staff.

Completed applications received by August 7, 2026, will receive full consideration; later applications will be reviewed as needed until the position is filled. Apply via really

In this role, you will:

• Verify and process employee time entries through the electronic timecard system, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with College payroll policies
• Prepare and remit payroll withholdings and deductions, including retirement plans, flexible spending accounts, donations, and garnishments
• Prepare and submit federal and state employment tax filings and ensure timely tax remittance
• Serve as a resource for questions related to the taxability of employee payments and benefits
• Prepare compensation and payroll reports for audits, compliance, and budget monitoring
• Partner with Human Resources to process employee benefits changes and maintain accurate records
• Update employee and student direct deposit information
• Maintain vendor records and assist with accounts payable and other accounting functions
• Prepare general ledger journal entries and support month-end and year-end accounting activities
• Produce financial reports and conduct analysis using Excel and financial systems
• Maintain Business Office web resources and documentation
• Support special projects and additional duties as assigned

You’re a great fit if you have:

We’re seeking someone with a high school diploma or equivalent and at least three years of experience in building or property maintenance, or a related trade. Ideal candidates bring:

• Bring at least three years of payroll and/or accounting experience
• Are highly proficient with Excel, financial systems, and standard office software
• Understand generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and can apply them in daily work
• Have knowledge of federal and state employment and tax regulations and enjoy researching complex issues
• Are accurate, detail-focused, and committed to protecting confidential information
• Communicate clearly and professionally—both in writing and verbally
• Can identify and resolve problems efficiently and thoughtfully
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt to shifting priorities
• Work well independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Demonstrate strong customer service skills and a positive, solutions-oriented attitude
• Are committed to supporting the College’s mission, values, and inclusive community

Benefits

About Kalamazoo College

Kalamazoo College is a nationally recognized liberal arts college known for rigorous academics and offering an integrated undergraduate experience that weaves a traditional liberal arts curriculum into educational experiences in both domestic and international settings with the majority of our graduates participating in study abroad. Kalamazoo College is committed to the liberal arts and sciences, experiential education, freedom of individual conscience and celebration of diversity and inclusion. It is one of the nation’s 100 oldest colleges and universities and a thought leader and innovator in higher education.

The campus of Kalamazoo College is located midway between Chicago and Detroit in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a metropolitan community of 261,000, which supports multiple college and university campuses along with numerous civic arts and cultural associations and sports teams. Thirty-five miles from Lake Michigan, the area offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation, a walkable downtown, outstanding restaurants, and plenty of family-friendly activities. The city is home to the Kalamazoo Promise, which covers up to 100% tuition and fees at Michigan colleges, universities, and trade schools for graduates of Kalamazoo Public Schools.

Kalamazoo College encourages candidates who will contribute to the cultural diversity of the College to apply and to identify themselves if they wish. An equal opportunity employer, Kalamazoo College is committed to equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal protection under the law. Please be invited to review our full EEO statement by visiting https://www.kzoo.edu/about/nondiscrimination-policy/. To provide a safe and secure educational environment, Kalamazoo College conducts criminal background reviews on all people who receive an offer of employment. Kalamazoo College is an E-Verify participating employer. Please select Notice and Rights for more information.