What are the responsibilities and job description for the Payroll Clerk position at NEW MEXICO HIGHLANDS UNIVERSITY?
The Payroll Clerk is responsible for supporting the accurate and timely processing of payroll for faculty, staff, and student employees using Paycom. This position performs payroll data entry, auditing, reconciliation, and compliance functions in accordance with federal and state regulations, university policies, and applicable collective bargaining agreements. The Payroll Clerk ensures confidentiality, accuracy, and integrity of payroll records while providing responsive customer service to university employees.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Payroll Processing (Paycom)
Review, and process payroll transactions in Paycom, including new hires, job changes, pay rate adjustments, stipends, overloads, deductions, and terminations.
Maintain university’s biweekly payroll for salaried, hourly, adjunct, and student employees.
Review and audit employee timecards and supervisor approvals within Paycom to ensure accuracy and compliance with policy and collective bargaining agreements.
Process retroactive pay adjustments, leave payouts, and corrections as necessary.
Ensure all payroll actions are properly documented, approved, and entered timely in Paycom.
Compliance and Recordkeeping
Maintain payroll records in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations, state labor laws, and university policies.
Assist with payroll-related deductions including taxes, retirement, benefits, garnishments, and voluntary deductions.
Support year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing and reconciliation.
Ensure compliance with applicable collective bargaining agreements and employment contracts.
Maintain strict confidentiality of payroll and personnel records.
Reconciliation and Reporting
Reconcile payroll reports generated in Paycom prior to payroll finalization.
Identify, research, and resolve payroll discrepancies in coordination with HR, Finance, and departmental staff.
Generate routine and ad hoc payroll reports using Paycom for internal review, audits, and reporting needs.
Assist with reconciliation of payroll expenses to general ledger accounts.
Customer Service and Support
Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, taxes, leave balances, and Paycom self-service access.
Provide guidance and training to employees and departments on Paycom payroll and timekeeping processes.
Assist employees with completion of payroll-related forms and electronic acknowledgements in Paycom.
Other Duties
Assist with testing and implementation of Paycom system updates, enhancements, and process improvements.
Participate in audits and compliance reviews as requested.
Perform other duties as assigned to support payroll and human resources operations.
Qualifications:Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or GED.
Two (2) years of experience in payroll, accounting, or related clerical work.
Experience with electronic payroll and timekeeping systems.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
Preferred Qualifications
Associate’s degree in accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience using Paycom in a payroll or HR capacity.
Experience working in higher education or public sector payroll.
Knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and public university employment practices.
Experience processing payroll for multiple employee groups (faculty, staff, students).
Preferred Skills
Working knowledge of federal and state wage and hour laws.
Ability to interpret policies, procedures, contracts, and collective bargaining agreements.
Strong analytical, reconciliation, and problem-solving skills.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a deadline-driven environment.
Salary : $22 - $33