Payroll and Accounting Coordinator

About Utica University:

Located in the heart of Central New York, Utica University is a comprehensive, independent, private institution founded in 1946 as Utica College. We offer many of the advantages of a large university, such as undergraduate and graduate degree options, excellent academic programs, and outstanding faculty, but with an intimacy and a high degree of personal attention more closely associated with smaller private institutions.

We empower learners to achieve their career and life goals through personally enriching experiences and outstanding educational pathways.

At Utica University, we are committed to creating a working and learning environment where all people feel supported.

Following our institutional values, we work to support diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences in an equitable, respectful, and inclusive environment, while promoting freedom of expression and encouraging civil discourse.

Job Description:

Position Summary:

The Payroll and Accounting Coordinator is responsible for processing and maintaining accurate payroll and accounting records in support of the university's financial operations. This position requires strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small team environment. The ideal candidate will have experience with Banner Finance, Payroll, and Human Resource modules or similar enterprise systems used in higher education.

Responsibilities:

Payroll Responsibilities:

• Process biweekly and semi-monthly payrolls for faculty, staff, and student workers using the Banner HR/Payroll module
• Maintain payroll records, ensuring accuracy of employee data, benefits, deductions, and direct deposits
• Ensure payroll compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies and deadlines
• Assist with year-end payroll activities, including W-2 preparation and reporting
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll and benefits deductions
• Maintains an accurate accounting of payments by making various journal entries related to payroll processing and reviews payroll output for accuracy
• Transmits weekly H.S.A. advances as well as quarterly H.S.A. deposits
• Responsible for processing timely and accurate payroll-related tax activities, wage garnishments, unemployment insurance correspondences, employment verifications, and month-end payroll deduction reports

Accounting and Administrative Support:

• Assist with daily accounting functions, including data entry, account reconciliations, and report generation using Banner Finance
• Support accounts receivable processes, including student refund processing
• Maintain accurate and organized financial files in accordance with audit standards and university policies
• Assist with month-end and fiscal year-end closing procedures
• Provide supporting documentation for internal and external audits

Requirements:

Education and Experience:

• Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field (Bachelor's degree preferred).
• Prior payroll and/or accounting experience, preferably in a higher education or non-profit setting.
• Experience working with Ellucian Banner (Finance and/or HR/Payroll modules) strongly preferred.
• A combination of education and past relevant experience may be considered.

Skills/Abilities:

• Must have strong attention to detail
• Must have a high level of organizational skills
• Must have flexibility to handle a variety of tasks and shift priorities simultaneously
• Must have the ability to understand in-depth University-wide policies/procedures and HR legal issues, including knowledge of accounting principles and payroll methods
• Must have extensive knowledge of computer database software, spreadsheets, and word processing (preferably Excel and Word)
• Must have the ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and perform research to provide a resolution to problems
• Must have the ability to deal with confidential and sensitive information
• Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure
• Must have a cooperative and service-oriented attitude
• Must be able to work flexible hours if necessary

Additional Information:

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

EEO/AA Statement

Utica University is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and creating a welcoming work environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to veteran status, disability, citizenship status, domestic violence victim status, or protected status under applicable local, state, or federal law.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

Utica University is a comprehensive, independent, private institution founded in 1946 to offer options for higher education study to veterans returning from the Second World War. More than seventy years since veterans returned from WWII, this tradition of serving veterans is still held in high regard here at Utica University, and we are proud to welcome veterans as students and as valued members of our faculty and professional staff.

Application Instructions:

To be considered for this position, you must upload the following documents:

• Resume / Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter