Manager, Payroll

Job Description Overview Reporting to the Executive Director, Benefits and Payroll, providesoperational leadership for all payroll functions serving Auburn University (AU) and Auburn University at Montgomery(AUM). Manages payroll operations, ensures regulatory compliance, maintains system integrity, andleads and develops the payroll team to deliver accurate, timely, and efficient payroll services. Responsibilities Manages and oversees payroll operations for Auburn University,Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM), and other campuses and business operations in Alabama andout-of-state to ensure the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of employee compensation. Provides operationalleadership for payroll administration, establishes operational priorities and payroll calendars, anddevelops, implements, and maintains payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliancewith federal, state, and municipal regulations as well as University requirements. Provides oversight for the configuration, maintenance,security, and integrity of payroll-related data, system tables, and processing rules within the University's payroll,timekeeping, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Ensures payroll records, earnings, deductions, taxwithholdings, and benefit contributions are accurately maintained, processed, and compliant with applicablepolicies and regulations. Collaborates with stakeholders to support system enhancements, upgrades, testing, andprocess improvements that ensure the ongoing effectiveness and reliability of payroll operations. Monitors and evaluates changes in federal, state, and municipalpayroll laws, tax regulations, wage and hour requirements, and industry best practices. Assesses operationalimpacts, implements necessary process and system changes, and provides recommendations for improvement. Establishes and maintains payroll-related internal controls,audit procedures, reconciliation processes, and risk mitigation strategies. Responsible for balancing payrollliability accounts, reviewing reconciliations, preparing accounting and journal entries, and ensuring accurate andtimely transmission of taxes, deductions, garnishments, and other required remittances. Overseescompliance with IRS, State, and Municipal regulations and reporting requirements through theproactive identification, investigation, and resolution of payroll discrepancies. Develops, leads, and maintains a high-performing payroll teamthrough effective hiring, training, coaching, mentoring, performance management, and employee developmentactivities. Establishes performance expectations, promotes accountability, and fosters a culture ofcollaboration, continuous improvement, customer service, and operational excellence. As the university's payroll expert, liaises with vendors,auditors, State and Federal agencies in partnership with the Executive Director to ensure fully compliant payrolloperations. Collaborates with University leadership, departmental administrators, Human Resources, Finance,and Information Technology to resolve complex payroll issues and support institutional objectives. In close collaboration with Information Technology partners andend-users, provides oversight and training of timekeeping systems. This includes implementations, configurations,upgrades, testing, maintenance, and vendor relationships. Develops, analyzes, and distributes metricsand workforce data to support compliance monitoring, budgeting, financial reporting, workforce planning, andmanagement of decision-making. Oversees payroll communication, outreach, and traininginitiatives for University employees and departments, including the development and delivery of trainingprograms, procedural documentation, required notifications, and educational resources related topayroll administration and timekeeping processes. Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration,Business Management, Accounting, Finance, or other relatedfield. 7 years of Experience in progressively responsible experiencein payroll administration, tax compliance, and payroll/HRIS systemsadministration within a complex, multi-entity, multistateenvironment. At least 1 year of experience supervising full-timeemployees. Desired Qualifications: Professional certification such as Certified Payroll Professional(CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC). Contract Type Continuing Why Work at Auburn? Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives throughresearch, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on ourstudents, our communities, and the world. Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveragingour strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a topemployer in higher education. We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits,educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/lifebalance. Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offerssouthern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, andeasy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexicobeaches. A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fosteringan environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed,valued, respected, and engaged. Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement It is our policy to provide equal employment and educationopportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color,national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genderidentity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protectedveteran status, genetic information, or any other classificationprotected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of EqualOpportunity Compliance's website to learn more. #J-18808-Ljbffr