Assistant Payroll Director

Application Requirements Please provide the following: Resume, Cover Letter, Contact Information for at least 5 professional references, 2 of which MUST be current or former direct managers or supervisors. Use your cover letter to highlight specific examples that demonstrate your experience with complex payroll operations, compliance-related problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration. Focus on how you approach accuracy, deadlines, and process improvement in a high-volume environment. Posting Information Posting Number: PG194698EP. Working Title: Assistant Payroll Director. Anticipated Hiring Range: $120,000 – $123,000. Job Location and Schedule Work Schedule: Core Business Hours Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (eligible for flexible arrangement, hybrid remote work). Department: University Controller’s Office. About the Department The University Controller’s Office is a department within the Finance Division. It covers general accounting, cash services, asset management, financial reporting, payroll, accounts payable, debt, and the university’s tax compliance. It manages gross payroll for over 18,000 staff and 117,000 vendor payments, operating on a net position of about $2.0 billion and a payroll of $1.3 billion. The payroll section processes timely and accurate wages for roughly 10,000 monthly and 8,000 biweekly staff, including foreign nationals and temporary employees, and ensures tax compliance across 35 states and territories. Wolfpack Perks and Benefits You belong here. The employee value proposition includes exclusive perks designed to enhance personal and professional well‑being, including childcare benefits, wellness & recreation membership, and wellness programs. Eligibility depends on full-time or part-time status. Position Overview The Assistant Payroll Director serves as a trusted partner to the Payroll Director, leading payroll operations for one of the state’s largest employers. Responsibilities span payroll administration, tax compliance, financial oversight, systems management, and staff development, ensuring accurate, timely pay and regulatory compliance. Key Responsibilities Supervise the Payroll Tax Manager, Foreign National Tax Manager, and broader payroll staff, including training, performance management, and professional development. Act as delegate for the Payroll Director, providing leadership for payroll operations, strategic planning, and business continuity efforts. Serve as primary contact for internal, external, and state auditors. Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll‑related financial transactions, including payments to tax agencies, retirement systems, and benefit providers, year‑end reconciliations, payroll and benefit expense distribution, and review of salary encumbrances. Review payroll tax documentation, resolve complex tax‑related issues, and support responses to W‑2 inquiries. Maintain internal controls, separation of duties, and documentation standards for payroll transactions and adjustments. Lead payroll‑related system upgrades, testing, documentation, and implementation activities with technical teams. Participate in governance and planning activities related to HR and payroll systems. Compile, analyze, and report payroll performance metrics and key performance indicators. Investigate payroll discrepancies, coordinate corrective actions, and manage repayment and collection processes when necessary. Advise university departments on payroll regulations, tax requirements, and implementation of legislative or policy changes. Coordinate payroll‑related communications through websites, listservs, mass communications, and other university channels. Other Responsibilities Occasional opportunities to participate in special projects may arise. Minimum Education and Experience Post‑baccalaureate credentials with 7+ years of relevant experience, including at least 2+ years of supervisory experience; or a bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience, including at least 1–2 years of supervisory experience, may be substituted on an exceptional basis. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of federal and state employment laws and payroll tax regulations, including Internal Revenue Code requirements. Payroll administration experience in a large, complex organization with multiple funding sources and foreign national payments. Customer service experience involving consultation, issue resolution, and professional written communication with diverse stakeholders. Use of PeopleSoft Query, SQL, or similar tools to analyze, interpret, and report payroll, financial, or HR data. Ability to adapt to changing regulations, systems, priorities, and organizational needs while maintaining service quality and compliance. Experience handling confidential employee and financial information while exercising sound judgment and discretion. Required License(s) or Certification(s) Valid North Carolina Driver’s License required. EEO Statement NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations are welcome to contact View phone number on click.appcast.io to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks; some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. #J-18808-Ljbffr