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University Payroll Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chapman University

Payroll Specialist

Orange, CA

$30 - $34/hr

... Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making ...

Calvin University

Payroll Specialist

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$22.50 - $30.75/hr

Advise the University on payroll-related issues, including IRS updates and regulatory changes. Review compensation policies and monitor one-time payments in coordination with HR and the Provost ...

University of Alaska

Payroll Technician

Juneau, AK · On-site

$25 - $32.75/hr

The University of Alaska is seeking to hire a diligent and accurate Payroll Technician to support our payroll function. You will be responsible for all the data entry related to the payroll process ...

Calvin University

Payroll Specialist

Grand Rapids, MI

$22.50 - $30.75/hr

Advise the University on payrollrelated issues, including IRS updates and regulatory changes ... Coordinate payroll activities with Human Resources and Financial Services staff to ensure ...

Elon University

Payroll Analyst II

Elon, IA

Elon University's home is the charming town of Elon, North Carolina, a small, friendly community located a short distance from the beach and the mountains, and among the vibrant cities of Greensboro ...

Stony Brook University

Payroll Lead

Stony Brook, NY · On-site

Stony Brook University Human Resource Services is seeking a dedicated Payroll Lead to support all State payroll operations, review and interpret payroll related aspects of the various bargaining ...

Stony Brook University

Payroll Lead

Stony Brook, NY · On-site

Stony Brook University Human Resource Services is seeking a dedicated Payroll Lead to support all State payroll operations, review and interpret payroll related aspects of the various bargaining ...

Lindenwood University

Coordinator, Payroll

Saint Charles, MO · On-site

$21.25 - $28.25/hr

Welcome to Career Opportunities at Lindenwood University. PLEASE READ: For all applications, please ... Director, Payroll Positions Supervised: N/A Job Summary The Payroll Coordinator ensures the ...

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How much do university payroll jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 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 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 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 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 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% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,982 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Payroll Specialist

Chapman University

Orange, CA

$30 - $34/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Chapman University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

256th of 615 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Information
Position Title Payroll Specialist Position Type Regular Job Number SA84424 Full or Part Time full-time 40 hours weekly Fair Labor Standard Act Classification Non-Exempt Anticipated Pay Range $30.00 - $34.00 Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
Provide accounting, administrative, and customer service support for the payroll processes. General knowledge of the payroll cycle, garnishments, payroll tax, and manual check calculations.
Responsibilities
Payroll Support
  • Input employee data into payroll system
  • Prepare bi-weekly and monthly payroll checks
  • Reconcile payroll checks to employee registers and resolve discrepancies
  • Verify, process and update direct deposit applications
  • Monitor employee timesheets and work with employees and supervisors to resolve issues
  • Coordinate with HR to process general payroll information changes (hires/terminations/assignment changes)
  • Process direct deposits, stop payments, garnishments, and vacation/sick benefits
  • Process off cycle manual checks
  • Prepare reports/data for journal entries, federal and state tax payroll deposits, garnishments, and other payroll remittances

Customer Service Support
  • Answer payroll policy and procedure questions
  • Research payroll requests
  • Resolve payroll discrepancies
  • Assist HR to research, resolve and answer payroll questions, requests and discrepancies according to FLSA, CA state wage and labor code, DHS, IRS, and Chapman University policies and procedures

Administrative Support
  • Sort and review payroll information for accuracy and prioritization
  • Establish and maintain records for all general payroll processes, direct deposits, stop payments, garnishments, and vacation/sick benefits
  • File payroll information

Other Payroll Support
  • Prepare wage audit information to federal and state agencies
  • Prepare special payroll reports for management as requested
  • Perform other tasks and duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
  • General knowledge of the payroll cycle
  • Working knowledge of payroll and timekeeping systems (e.g. PeopleSoft, Workday, ADP, Kronos)
  • Mathematical aptitude
  • Good knowledge of FLSA and CA labor laws
  • Strong Attention to Detail
  • Critical Thinking/Problem Solving Skills
  • Excellent Time Management Skills
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Customer service skills
  • Ability to keep information confidential and use discretion
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Excellent time management skills
Desired Qualifications
  • Previous experience with PeopleSoft HCM
  • Previous experience processing garnishments
  • Intermediate Excel
Special Instructions to Applicants
At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.
Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics.  All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. 
The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.
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