Director of Payroll Services

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is experiencing sustained momentum, with record enrollment growth and a recent designation as an R1 Opportunity University, reflecting its expanding research profile and commitment to student success. This is an exceptional opportunity for a dynamic individual to join a growing university and a forward-focused leadership team at a pivotal time of institutional advancement. The position reports directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources, who serves on the Chancellor’s cabinet, offering meaningful visibility and influence at the highest levels of the organization. As a key member of the AVC for HR’s leadership team—alongside the Directors of Talent Acquisition and Compensation, Labor and Employee Relations, Equity and Compliance, and Employee Benefits—this role will help shape and advance the University’s human capital strategy in a collaborative and evolving environment.

We seek a dynamic individual to be our next Director of Payroll Services

1. Strategic Leadership & Administration: Provide leadership and administrative oversight of payroll operations and related compliance functions. Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate payroll policies, procedures, and programs to ensure efficient, compliant, and customer-focused service delivery. Establish strategic goals, performance metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives aligned with institutional priorities. Ensure effective stewardship of public funds and alignment with university financial and operational goals.
2. Payroll Operations & Compliance: Direct all payroll operations, including payroll schedules, processing, reconciliation, and internal controls. Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing in compliance with federal and state wage and hour laws.Oversee tax compliance, including federal and state deposits, quarterly filings (e.g., Form 941), and year-end reporting (W-2, 1042/1042-S).Interpret and implement new legislation affecting payroll operations and ensure institutional compliance. Maintain relationships with regulatory agencies and resolve compliance issues.
3. International Payroll & Taxation: Oversee international employee and student taxation processes, ensuring compliance with tax treaties and federal/state regulations. Coordinate with campus units (HR, Accounting, SIU Foundation, Bursar, Financial Aid, Center for International Education) and external vendors. Ensure accurate withholding, reporting, and compliance for non-resident taxation.
4. Financial Reporting & Audit Oversight: Ensure preparation of complex payroll-related financial and accounting reports. Maintain audit-ready records and support internal/external audits and regulatory reviews. Oversee exception management, including payroll corrections, bank rejections, and reconciliations.
5. Systems & Technology Leadership: Identify, implement, and manage HR/payroll systems and technology solutions. Partner with IT and campus stakeholders to improve automation, efficiency, and compliance. Lead system upgrades, implementations, and process redesign efforts.
6. Staff Leadership & Organizational Management: Oversee hiring, training, development, and performance management of payroll staff. Align staffing structures to meet operational needs and compliance requirements. Promote a culture of service excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
7. Campus Engagement & Communication: Serve as liaison to internal and external stakeholders (CMS, SUCSS, regulatory agencies). Develop and deliver training, tools, and communications for campus administrators. Ensure consistent application of payroll policies across decentralized units.
8. Strategic Planning & Resource Management: Contribute to budget planning and resource allocation for payroll operations. Evaluate service delivery models while maintaining institutional control and compliance. Support long-term strategic planning for payroll operations and infrastructure.
   

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field. Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in payroll or related operations including at least 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience. Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state payroll tax laws and employment regulations. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in higher education or public sector environments. Experience with unionized workforce environments. Knowledge of international taxation (e.g., 1042/1042-S processes). Experience with enterprise HR/payroll systems. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or similar credential. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.

Required Documents: Submit a letter of application, CV, transcripts, and three references. Via our online portal: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/siu/jobs/5291533/director-of-payroll-services

Target hiring range:

$83,016.00 - $116,244.00 Annually. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Contact: Nick Wortman, AVC for HR, nicholas.wortman@siu.edu 

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is an R1 Opportunity University with a statewide economic impact of $2.7 billion dollars. We offer 200 undergraduate degrees, minors and specializations, 79 master’s degrees, and 40 doctoral degrees. Our main campus is 1,136 acres, with additional acreage in University Farms, Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, and other facilities. The university is an essential part of the city of Carbondale and an important contributor to the culture of the entire region. While Carbondale includes many of the amenities of urban life, it retains its small-town flavor. Cost of living is considerably lower in the region than similar areas elsewhere, and many employees commute from nearby counties.

The Southern Illinois region is distinct from the rest of the state, boasting considerable natural beauty including the Shawnee National Forest, many state parks, national wildlife areas, and several lakes beloved for recreation. Local foods are readily available in the area, with a variety of eateries and a growing specialized food truck presence. The area is home to the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, an official wine appellation designation. The wineries extend the cultural reach of the community, hosting live music and continual art exhibits. The campus itself is a microcosm of the area, with a lake and forest on campus, as well as traditional collegiate architecture, quad, and residential halls. Students enjoy outdoor study areas as well as specialized computer labs scattered across campus, including in the three million volume Morris Library. To learn about employee benefits, employee tuition waivers, and find resources about Carbondale and the Southern Illinois region, visit: https://jobs.siu.edu/.