Payroll Manager

Department: Office of Human Resources
Salary/Grade: EXS/12

Summary

The Payroll Manager oversees and manages the preparation, review, and processing of payroll for approximately 10,000 employees. This Manager ensures that payroll processing is completed accurately and on time, adhering to regulatory requirements and University policies. The incumbent has deep functional knowledge of payroll and supervises the payroll staff in carrying out responsibility for payroll preparation and production for each pay period. The Payroll Manager regularly collaborates with other leaders within the Office of HR and University colleagues to ensure appropriate handling and communication of payroll-related matters.

Principle Activities

Payroll Processing
Oversees the preparation and production of bi-weekly, monthly, and off-cycle University payrolls. Coordinates with the HR Operations Manager and Tax Manager to ensure the accuracy and integrity of all transactions. Handles escalated issues.

Standard Operating Procedure Development. Fully documents schedules, policies and practices for efficient operations and monitors their implementation and impact. Interprets policies and educates employees and managers regarding the appropriate application. Ensures policies are up to date with federal, state and local laws.

Quality Assurance and Reporting
Ensures accuracy and completeness of payroll schedules, processes, and data by establishing and implementing a quality control and auditing process. Establishes monitoring protocols and systems to understand, quantify and make actionable recommendations for improved payroll service. Prepares reports and presents to senior management regularly and as required.

Staff Management. Lead a high performing team with a focus on exceptional customer experience and quality results. Supervises and coordinates the work activities of staff. Establishes goals and performance objectives. Coaches and counsels staff members relative to performance improvement, training and development, team effectives, cross-training, etc.

Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance, business or other related discipline
• 8 years payroll experience in US, including at least 4 years in supervisory role
• Expertise in payroll and tax regulations at the federal, state and local level
• University payroll experience preferred
• FPC or CPP preferred

Minimum competencies

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Advanced PC software skills, including Excel skills
• Strong sense of integrity to work with confidential information
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational and leadership skills
• Customer service focus

Hybrid position with 5 days / month required on site.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $112,000 - $135,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.