Payroll Specialist

Associate Global Payroll Specialist

The Finance Division at Carnegie Mellon University is responsible for providing financial management, enterprise planning and stewardship in support of education, research, and strategic goals of the university. As part of the Controller's Office Team, the payroll department supports the entire scope of pay operations for CMU, including staff, faculty, and students, across international and domestic multi-state locations.

Carnegie Mellon University's Finance Division is searching for an Associate Global Payroll Specialist to join our team of experts dedicated to processing payroll and administering related pay activities for the university's faculty, staff and students (i.e., standard and off-cycle payroll runs, W-2 processing, garnishment maintenance, treaty documentation for non-resident aliens, etc.) using the Workday HR/Payroll system. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in an interesting and challenging work environment!

The Associate Global Payroll Specialist supports the accurate and timely processing of payroll for faculty, staff, and students across multiple payroll cycles, including monthly, semi-monthly, biweekly, and off-cycle payroll runs. This role operates within Workday and is responsible for payroll data entry, validation, and gross-to-net processing activities, ensuring all transactions are completed with a high degree of accuracy, urgency, and compliance.

This position requires strong problem-solving and analytical skills to support a multi-tier case management model. The Associate Global Payroll Specialist researches and analyzes payroll inquiries, resolves complex payroll discrepancies, facilitates issue resolution across HR, Benefits, Finance, and departmental partners, and escalates issues when appropriate. The role also requires the ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-volume payroll environment.

Core Responsibilities

• Assist with processing global payrolls, including U.S., U.S. expatriate, and international payrolls (Qatar, Rwanda, Australia), ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness.
• Execute standard and off-cycle payroll runs, including review, validation, and completion of payroll cycles within required deadlines.
• Perform payroll input and adjustment processing (earnings, deductions, benefits, retirement, tuition, and finance-related corrections).
• Support payroll activities such as W-2 processing, garnishments, and non-resident alien treaty documentation.
• Maintain accuracy, urgency, and data integrity across all payroll transactions.
• Support payroll reconciliation activities, including gross-to-net validation, register review, and exception identification.

Employee Support & Case Management

• Resolve payroll case management tickets by providing timely, accurate, high-quality customer service to employees, HR, and business partners.
• Research and investigate payroll inquiries, discrepancies, and issues using payroll systems and supporting documentation.
• Perform root cause analysis and ensure accurate resolution in alignment with policy and compliance requirements.
• Escalate complex or high-risk issues as appropriate while maintaining ownership through resolution.
• Communicate payroll outcomes, corrections, and status updates clearly and professionally.

Compliance, Systems, Controls & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain awareness and application of federal, state, and international payroll regulations, including taxation and statutory requirements across assigned countries.
• Support payroll compliance activities, including tax filings, year-end processes, and regulatory documentation inputs.
• Utilize payroll systems and reporting tools to extract, validate, and analyze payroll data to support accuracy, reporting, audit requirements, and payroll close readiness activities (inputs, approvals, and validations).
• Support payroll system testing, including validation of calculations, configurations, and updates, as well as system enhancements in partnership with technical and functional teams.
• Participate in payroll-related projects and process improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and control effectiveness.

General Responsibilities

• Adhere strictly to payroll calendars and deadlines.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of sensitive payroll and employee data at all times.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of payroll operations.

You should demonstrate:

• Strong commitment to accountability and meeting team objectives, including payroll deadlines and service standards. You will contribute to a high-quality customer service environment by communicating with tact, diplomacy, and professionalism when working with faculty, staff, and student employees.
• Ability to problem solve and multi-task processes in the context of a multi-tier customer inquiry and issue resolution model, including performing research and analysis, facilitating resolutions to complex payroll inquiries, escalating as needed, and providing high quality customer service.
• Ability to demonstrate accountability and a strong commitment to meeting team objectives.
• Adaptability in response to changing policies, processes, and system enhancements, and actively supports continuous improvement efforts to enhance payroll accuracy, efficiency, and control.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• 1 to 3 years of Payroll experience
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including VLOOKUPs and PivotTables
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful pre-employment background check

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it's about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function: Payroll

Position Type: Staff Regular

Full Time/Part time: Full time

Pay Basis: Hourly

More Information:

• Please visit "Why Carnegie Mellon" to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
• Statement of Assurance