Human Resources - Payroll Assistant

Position Summary

The Payroll Assistant will support the day-to-day processing of payroll for Sacred Heart University. This role will help keep payroll operations accurate and timely by handling routine data updates, reviewing submissions, supporting employees with basic inquiries, and assisting the Payroll Director with recurring tasks.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with payroll processing across three pay groups: Semi-Monthly, Bi-Weekly Staff, and Bi-Weekly Student employees.
• Review payroll data for accuracy through basic audits, reconciliations, and cross-checks, verifying totals, deductions, and required approvals.
• Identify and escalate discrepancies or issues that require further review by the Payroll Director.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and update employee information for hires, terminations, pay changes, and direct deposit or tax form updates.
• Respond to common employee questions regarding pay dates, direct deposit, and general payroll policies.
• Track payroll deadlines and follow up with departments on missing or incomplete information.
• Help verify the accuracy of benefit deductions and contributions such as health insurance premiums, 403(b) elections, and HSA/FSA amounts during each payroll cycle.
• Assist the Faculty Affairs Manager and Payroll Director in processing academic stipends and per-credit payments, ensuring accuracy of credit-based compensation and other variable payments.
• Work collaboratively with department assistants and the Finance team to ensure payments align with budgeted allocations and approved contracts.
• Provide general administrative and operational support to the Payroll Director.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes

• High school diploma required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, HR, or related field preferred.
• 1–2 years of experience in payroll, HR, accounting, or another detail-heavy administrative role.
• Solid attention to detail with comfort handling numerical data.
• Ability to learn payroll/HR systems (Dayforce experience is a plus).
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Strong communication skills and professional customer-service approach.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Organized, dependable, and able to follow established procedures while managing multiple routine tasks.
• Familiarity with multi-state payroll or higher-education environments.
• Experience with payroll reporting or basic compliance tasks.

Unusual Working Conditions

Must follow all payroll, HR, and confidentiality standards.