PAYROLL SPECIALIST

Job Summary         

This position provides assistance to the Payroll Manager as well as processes the entire payroll, at minimum, quarterly an in the absence of the Payroll Manager. Payroll responsibilities will include performing entry and updates in the College’s ERP Ellucian system.

Essential Job Functions

Important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Processes all new hires, terminations and employee changes in ERP including but not limited to status changes, job titles, salary changes, transfers, tax changes, benefit changes, and/or supervisor changes, verify information is complete, accurate and consistent with policies and has appropriate approvals.
• Determines correct codes and update all data related to change.
• Processes insurance changes for employee qualifying events including changes to COBRA and Retiree elections.
• Enters benefits and retirement programs, including medical, dental, vision, life and long term disability insurance, health savings accounts, flexible benefit plans and 403/457 investment plans. Research, resolve and communicate discrepancies.
• Reviews time entry, OT, contract assignments, and other payroll reports; researches discrepancies and makes adjustments for payroll processing.
• Performs data entry to update tax and direct deposit information, supplemental salaries, faculty overloads, special assignment pay, adjunct assignments and substitutions.
• Reconciles monthly activity for Work Study Payroll.
• Monitors limits for all semi-monthly payroll deductions, including but not limited to HSA, Flexible Benefit Plan, 403/457 Accounts and Pension Paybacks.
• Reports new hire information on State of Iowa reporting site.
• Keeps abreast of payroll reporting requirements.
• Prepares fiscal and calendar year end documentation to complete W-2s.
• Assists employees with questions or problems concerning payroll.
• Recommends business process improvements.
• Exercises professional judgement in preparing miscellaneous reports.
• Prepares and presents employee training of payroll services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associates degree in Accounting, Business, Human Resources or related field.
• 2 years of experience processing payroll, benefits administration and compliance.
• Demonstrated professionalism and interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential information as well as confidential situations with students, faculty and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team establishing and maintaining effective working relationships in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated experience of interpreting, explaining and applying policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated strong PC skills including a proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.
• Demonstrated strong organization skills with exceptional follow through and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills to positively interact with students, faculty and staff.
• Demonstrated experience in critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to complete multiple tasks with frequent interruptions and high volume of work on deadline.
• Demonstrated ability to create efficient, effective and actionable reports from data.
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through inclusive behaviors and helping contribute to a culture of inclusivity, and a vibrant, diverse, equitable and including learning and working environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Accounting, Business or Human Resources.
• 3 or more years of experience working in a payroll or benefits position in an educational setting.

Employment Status

Full time, hourly position with a comprehensive benefits program including health, dental, life, and LTD insurance; a Section 125 plan for medical and dependent care expense; holiday, personal, sick, and vacation leave; tuition reimbursement; and a choice of retirement programs--IPERS (defined benefit) or TIAA-CREF (defined contribution). Salary will be commensurate with the applicant’s education and experience.

Working Conditions

Requires skills for succeeding in an office environment, using technology. Requires good hand-eye coordination including visual acuity to use a keyboard and read technical information; arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp. Work is performed in an office setting. Sit, stand, bend, lift and move intermittently during working hours. During course of day, interact with students, faculty and staff in person, by telephone and computer.

Application Procedure

• Complete online application at hawkeyecollege.edu/employment including a cover letter that briefly addresses:
  • Describe your experience and role as it relates to payroll and benefits processing.
  • Describe your experience reconciling data, researching and resolving discrepancies. 
  • Describe your experience in meeting specific deadlines with multiple responsibilities.
  • Describe your computer experience including usage of payroll software and spreadsheets; include specific software used.
• Submit online application and all required materials by the deadline.

Hawkeye Community College is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to equity and diversity in its educational services and employment practices: https://www.hawkeyecollege.edu/about/diversity-inclusion/equal-opportunity. The College does not discriminate on the basis of sex; race; age; color; creed; national origin; religion; disability; sexual orientation; gender identity; genetic information; or actual or potential parental, family, or marital status in its programs, activities, or employment practices. Veteran status is also included to the extent covered by law. Any person alleging a violation of equity regulations shall have the right to file a formal complaint. Inquiries concerning application of this statement should be addressed to: Equity Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator for employees, 319-296-4405; or Title IX Coordinator for students, 319-296-4448; Hawkeye Community College, 1501 East Orange Road, P.O. Box 8015, Waterloo, Iowa 50704-8015; or email equity-titleIX@hawkeyecollege.edu, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 W. Madison, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60661, phone number 312-730-1560, fax 312-730-1576, email: OCR.Chicago@ed.gov. 

If any applicant is in need of a reasonable accommodation in completing the application process, please notify a member of Human Resource Services.