Senior Payroll Associate (HFC)

This position is paid for and employed through Edustaff, a staffing agency, but your assignment will be Henry Ford College.

Description Summary:
Under the general direction of the Payroll Manager, the Senior Payroll Associate is responsible for the processing of multiple payrolls for the college. This position uses an understanding of the college's in-house payroll system to accurately pay employees in compliance with federal and state regulations. The Senior Payroll Associate performs difficult and complex responsibilities which require knowledge and skills for payroll processing, procedures, and all payroll related activity while providing excellent customer service.

Core Competencies and Qualifications:

• Associate's degree or higher in business related field from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or a combination of education and experience may be considered. HFC recognizes that there are alternative career paths in which candidates may gain the expertise and ability to perform the essential duties and may consider a combination of education and experience in lieu of a conferred degree.
• Two years of accounting, payroll, reconciliation, or closely related experience.
• Experience with Microsoft applications.
• Experience in higher education, union environment a plus.
• Knowledge of wages and hour and Federal and State regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Ability to act independently; ability to complete job-related tasks without direct supervision; decision making skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work with a team.
• Multitasking abilities.
• Good research and analysis skills; problem solving.
• Ability to maintain a professional office environment.
• Knowledge of payroll software; higher education software such as Ellucian Colleague desired.
• FPC or CPP Certification desired.
• Understanding and commitment to the Henry Ford College Mission.

In addition, we seek someone who values and demonstrates:

• Ingenuity: Being agile, flexible, and responsive; rewarding discovery, creativity, and innovation; collecting, evaluating, and acting on evidence; thinking critically; and continuously reimagining the future.
• Integrity: Accountability; responsible stewardship; ethical conduct; honest dialogue; and sustainable practices.
• Passion: Teaching and learning; exploring diverse perspectives and ideas; creating a student-centered environment; transforming
• Public Service Motivation: Shows a commitment to serve the public. Ensures that actions meet public needs; aligns organizational objectives and practices with public interests.
• Respect: Collaborate and rely on teamwork; celebrate diversity and inclusiveness; maintain transparent practices; show compassion and empathy; and are engaged and committed to our shared work-lives through continuous learning; and excellence in all that we do.
• Dependability and Reliability: Is reliable, responsible, and dependable in fulling obligations; diligently follows through on commitments and consistently meets deadlines.
• Integrity/Honesty: Contributes to maintaining the integrity of the organization; displays high standards of ethical conduct, is trustworthy, and understands confidentiality requirements.
• Compensation: Knowledge of compensation concepts, principles, and practices.
• Thinking Innovatively: Constantly searching for new ways of improving existing processes and doing things more efficiently
• Continual Learning: Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses; pursues self-development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities including but not limited to: Payroll Processing and Maintenance

• Responsible for processing payroll from start to finish for all College payroll categories: ex. Faculty, Adjuncts, Administrative, Support Staff, and Student Pays, in compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Process stop payments, manual and void checks, and off-cycle payrolls.
• Create and maintain computerized payroll records for college employees.
• Maintain and verify employee screens and data in computerized payroll system for proper processing.
• Maintain and input hours into database tracking system. Balance all hours and earnings to be paid.
• Audit and verify accuracy of timecards and contracts.
• Verify, input, and maintain all voluntary and mandatory deductions including but not limited to tax sheltered annuities, new tax information, direct deposits, garnishments, and any other payroll deductions in compliance with Federal and State regulations.
• Leave time reporting and accruals.
• Prepare accounts payable vouchers for deductions such as garnishments.
• Establish direct deposit and pay card setups. Review and resolve returns or discrepancies, as necessary.
• Reconcile and resolve differences on payroll-related general ledger accounts monthly.
• Reviews Personnel Action Forms.

Reporting and Compliance

• Prepare and/or assist as requested in preparation of monthly, quarterly, or annual payroll-related reports including but not limited to 941's, Michigan withholding, MPSERS, TIAA-CREF, and the Michigan Unemployment report.
• Prepare and/or assist as requested in the printing, verification, and distribution of annual W-2 Forms.
• Stay abreast and aware of payroll Federal and State laws and regulations.

Communication and Collaboration

• Interfaces with employees, supervisors, and union leaders to answer questions regarding payroll matters.
• Maintains and applies knowledge of Union Contracts.
• Work with the IT Department for system changes, updates, and improvements.
• Cross-training within the department and willingness to assist coworkers during absences and high-volume events.

Documentation, Confidentiality, and Process Improvement

• Maintains confidentiality of records and information, responsible for following the College's record retention policy.
• Coordinates, develops, and maintains written documentation regarding payroll procedures and processes for reference and training materials.
• Makes recommendations on improving payroll processes and contributes to payroll system updates, and software implementations.
• Additional duties as assigned and qualified to perform.

Additional Information:

While we have attempted to capture the core functional responsibilities in the role, the statements contained in this job announcement reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Therefore, performing additional job-related duties not listed above may be required as assigned.


Tentative Start Date: June 1, 2026

Employment type: Full-time (40 hrs./wk.), temporary (3 mos. minimum, 6 mos. maximum)

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm

Pay Rate: $25/hour