Manager of Academic Appointments and Payroll

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000

Position Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director of Academic Appointments and Payroll, the Manager of Academic Appointments and Payroll oversees the review and initial approval of appointment paperwork for over 5,000 academic personnel, including part-time faculty, student officers, research officers, and summer session faculty. Ensuring accuracy, timely processing, and policy compliance, the incumbent will manage salary accounting, train new administrators on the appointment process, identify process improvements, and work with the Executive Director and central offices to implement changes.

Arts and Sciences (A&S) is the intellectual heart of Columbia University. Home to more than 1,000 faculty, 60 research centers and institutes, and 28 academic departments, A&S provides a transformative educational experience to more than 16,000 undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students at Columbia - nearly half the student body. Our field-defining research - anchored in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences - engages fundamental questions about our society and world and supports Columbia's broader mission to advance knowledge, learning, and impact at the highest levels.

Responsibilities

• Review and approve academic appointment documents for part-time faculty, student officers, and officers of research in the Arts & Sciences Departments, Centers, and Institutes, as well as the School of the Arts (SOA) and School of Professional Studies (SPS), for submission to the Provost Office.
• Advise Departments, Centers, Institutes, the School of the Arts, and the School of Professional Studies on University policies for appointing academic staff and ensuring the quality of data relating to academic personnel.
• Responsible for reviewing all academic appointments for the summer session. Act as liaison with SPS academic affairs staff to track and resolve outstanding issues.
• Participate in the annual reappointment and merit process (eComp) for students and researchers and ensure all Officers of Research receive accurate reappointment letters. Advise and communicate with Departments, Centers, and Institutes for incomplete documentation.
• Continuously review and assess hiring processes to ensure accurate and timely appointment processing. Develop and implement new processes as directed by the Executive Director.
• Serve as a resource for questions regarding policies and procedures related to part-time faculty, student officers, research officers, and Summer Session faculty appointments. Troubleshoot and resolve issues as needed.
• Review and approve electronic rosters for part-time faculty and students for fall and spring semesters, ensuring accurate appointment letters for all individuals.
• Verify the accuracy and completeness of documentation and communicate with Departments, Centers, and Institutes to address and resolve issues.
• Process and review additional compensation for part-time faculty and student officers, ensuring compliance with University and Provost policies.
• Process and review salary distributions and cost transfers to ensure the correct allocation of salary charges.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director of Academic Appointments, A&S Departments, Centers, Institutes, Schools, and the office of restricted funds and payroll accounting to clear payroll suspense and process payroll transfers, ensuring accurate budget allocation.
• Identify, resolve, and escalate payroll issues as needed, partnering with the Provost's office central units to address employee questions and issues.
• Provide guidance on PeopleSoft and act as an intermediary with Central University offices to resolve issues. Assist in training administrators and staff on processing nomination/personnel action forms (PAF) and PAC labor distribution modules.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent and a minimum of 3 years related experience.

Other Requirements

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain high confidentiality and professionalism with a client focus.
• Strong multi-tasking, prioritization, organization skills, and ability to establish priorities with minimal supervision.
• Attention to detail, research, critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Self-starter, a fast learner who can work independently under limited supervision.
• Work well in an interactive team environment.
• Working knowledge of PeopleSoft or similar enterprise HRIS, Microsoft Office, and relational databases.
• Acquire or have detailed knowledge of university policies, procedures, and systems.
• Knowledge of Human Resources policies and procedures.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.