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University Payroll Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Howard

Lead Payroll Analyst

Washington, DC

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth. Here is what we offer ... The Lead Payroll Analyst plays a key role in ensuring the accuracy, compliance, and ...

Bath Spa University

Sitting in the HR Department, the Payroll team of four delivers the University's payroll and pensions services through MHR iTrent. The team manages payroll for over 2,200 employees, covering the ...

Umd

HR & Payroll Coordinator

College Park, MD

$21 - $28.50/hr

The Center for Global Sustainability (CGS) at the University of Maryland seeks an HR & Payroll Coordinator to provide operational support for human resources and payroll administration. This position ...

PFEIFFER UNIVERSITY

Athletic CDL Driver

Misenheimer, NC · On-site

Confirm hours worked in the University's payroll/HRIS system. * Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as necessary. * Communicate with Deputy Director of Athletics any problems with bus or ...

Equiliem

University HR Payroll Coordinator

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

26-09033 University HR Payroll Coordinator The University HR Payroll Coordinator will support payroll operations for a large public-sector organization, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on ...

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University Payroll information

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How much do university payroll jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for university payroll in the United States is $27.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is university payroll?

University payroll refers to the department or process responsible for managing the compensation of all university employees, including faculty, staff, and student workers. This includes processing salaries, wages, deductions, tax withholdings, and issuing paychecks according to the university's pay schedule. Payroll also ensures compliance with state and federal labor regulations, maintains accurate records, and handles employee inquiries related to pay and benefits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a university payroll specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a University Payroll Specialist, you need a solid understanding of payroll processes, tax regulations, and accounting principles, often supported by a degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Familiarity with payroll software such as ADP, PeopleSoft, or Banner, as well as certifications like the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), is typically required. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to maintain confidentiality are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate and compliant payroll operations, timely payments, and the protection of sensitive employee information in a university setting.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in university payroll, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in University Payroll often encounter challenges such as managing complex pay structures for various employee types (faculty, staff, student workers), ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, and meeting tight payroll deadlines, especially during academic transitions. Effective communication with HR, finance, and departmental staff is crucial to resolve discrepancies and clarify payroll policies. Staying organized, proactively updating knowledge on tax laws and institutional policies, and utilizing robust payroll software can help overcome these challenges and ensure accurate and timely payroll processing.

What is the difference between University Payroll vs University Human Resources?

AspectUniversity PayrollUniversity Human Resources
CredentialsPayroll certifications, accounting knowledgeHR certifications, labor law expertise
Work EnvironmentPayroll department, finance teamsHR department, employee relations
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, educational institutionsUniversities, colleges, educational institutions
Common Search/ComparisonPayroll processing, salary managementEmployee benefits, staffing, compliance

University Payroll focuses on processing employee salaries, managing tax withholdings, and ensuring accurate payment. In contrast, University Human Resources handles broader employee relations, benefits administration, hiring, and compliance. While both roles support university staff, Payroll specializes in financial transactions, whereas HR manages personnel policies and employee well-being.

More about University Payroll jobs

What cities are hiring for University Payroll jobs?

Cities with the most University Payroll job openings:

What states have the most University Payroll jobs?

States with the most job openings for University Payroll jobs include:

What job categories do people searching University Payroll jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for University Payroll jobs are:

University Payroll jobs near you
Infographic showing various University Payroll job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,982 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Senior Payroll Specialist (48790)

Bastyr University

Kenmore, WA • On-site

$30 - $33.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

The Senior Payroll Specialist is a 100% FTE, non-exempt position responsible for independently performing key operational functions of the University's payroll cycle under the direction of the Finance Manager. This position serves as a primary day-to-day payroll resource requiring a high degree of confidentiality and supports accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing.
  • Independently processes and maintains payroll information, including compensation and other payroll-related changes, time worked, leave, deductions, withholdings, direct deposits, and other payroll data.
  • Identifies opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, system functionality, and employee and manager support and makes recommendations to the Finance Manager.
  • Coordinates and independently performs the University's semi-monthly payroll cycle, including pre-payroll preparation, data validation, payroll audits, final processing and transmission, paycheck distribution, and post-payroll reporting.
  • Reviews payroll data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established procedures and internal controls and resolves discrepancies before payroll transmission.
  • Audits new hire documentation and timecards/hours and works with managers to ensure accurate payroll setup and timely approvals in accordance with payroll deadlines.
  • Serves as a primary resource for employees and managers regarding paychecks, timecards, payroll deductions, direct deposits, tax withholdings, payroll policies, procedures, and payroll and timekeeping systems.
  • Researches and resolves routine payroll discrepancies and system issues and escalates complex, unusual, high-risk, or potentially non-compliant issues to the Finance Manager.
  • Serves as a primary resource for payroll system functionality and assists with system configuration, testing, updates, and implementation of payroll-related processes, coordinating with Finance and IT as needed.
  • Performs payroll reconciliations, audits, quality-control reviews, and reporting to ensure payroll records and transactions are accurate and complete.
  • Supports federal, state, and local payroll tax and regulatory compliance activities, including multi-state payroll tax requirements and reporting.
  • Supports annual and periodic payroll audits and year-end payroll activities, including W-2 preparation, reporting, and reconciliation of payroll records.
  • Maintains a high degree of confidentiality and security of payroll and employee information in accordance with University policies and applicable laws and regulations.
  • Provides training and guidance to employees and managers and provides lead-level guidance and support to Payroll Specialists as assigned.

Required Qualifications
  • 3-5 years of progressively responsible payroll processing experience.
  • Experience independently processing payroll from pre-payroll preparation through final transmission and post-payroll reporting.
  • Experience with payroll audits, reconciliations, payroll reporting, and payroll-related compliance activities.
  • Experience with multi-state payroll tax requirements and payroll tax reporting.
  • Experience processing payroll data and information in payroll and HRIS systems.
  • Experience with third-party payroll systems such as Paycom or ADP required; Paycom experience preferred.
  • Experience with timekeeping systems required.
  • Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) required.
  • Strong knowledge of payroll processing principles, practices, procedures, and internal controls.
  • Knowledge of federal and state payroll requirements and general payroll compliance practices.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail and the ability to meet strict payroll deadlines.
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate payroll information to employees, managers, and other stakeholders.
  • Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive employee and payroll information.
  • High-level knowledge of Excel, Word, Microsoft Teams, and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.
  • Associate degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, Finance, or a related field.
  • Experience working in a higher education, nonprofit, or complex organizational environment.
  • Experience using AI tools, including ChatGPT and Claude.
  • Customer service, call center, or help desk experience.
  • Experience identifying process improvements and recommending practical solutions.
  • Demonstrated ability to use emerging technology and AI-enabled tools to improve productivity, research, documentation, and workflow efficiency.

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