Edtech.com's Summary

Penn State University is hiring a Payroll Associate to support payroll operations within its Finance and Business organization. The role involves processing and validating payroll transactions, resolving payroll discrepancies, providing customer service, and collaborating with various university departments to ensure accurate and compliant payroll processing.

Highlights

Process, review, and validate payroll transactions for all employee types using Workday.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, local payroll laws, and university policies.
Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries on compensation, taxes, and deductions.
Prepare and distribute year-end payroll documentation such as W-2 and W-2c forms.
Collaborate with Human Resources, Finance, and other departments to resolve payroll issues.
Maintain payroll procedures, documentation, and promote continuous process improvements.
Provide customer service via phone, email, and in-person, safeguarding confidential information.
Preferred knowledge in payroll practices, tax regulations, and experience with Workday Payroll or similar systems.
Minimum of a high school diploma or GED with at least 2 years of relevant experience.
Salary range: $44,628 to $64,668 annually, with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and tuition discounts.

Payroll Associate Full Description

Payroll Associate

Hybrid

Penn State University Park

Full time

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete theinternal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Payroll Department, part of Penn State’s Finance and Business organization, is seeking a Payroll Associate (Intermediate Support) to support payroll operations across the University. This position plays an important role in ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for faculty, staff, and student employees.

As a member of the Payroll team, the Payroll Associate will process and validate payroll transactions, research and resolve payroll issues, and provide knowledgeable customer service to employees and University partners. The position requires strong attention to detail, sound judgment, confidentiality, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments while managing multiple priorities. The successful candidate will also contribute to cross-training, knowledge sharing, documentation, and continuous improvement of payroll processes.

This position reports to the Payroll Supervisor and supports Penn State’s commitment to integrity, respect, and inclusive excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Process, review, and validate payroll transactions in Workday for all employee groups, including faculty, staff, and student employees.
Ensure payroll transactions are processed accurately and in accordance with federal, state, and local payroll laws, regulations, and University policies.
Research, investigate, and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries involving compensation, taxes, deductions, payments, and other payroll-related matters.
Analyze payroll results and identify issues or trends that may require additional research, correction, or escalation.
Assist with the preparation and distribution of W-2, W-2c, and other year-end payroll documentation.
Collaborate with Human Resources, Finance, departments, and other University partners to research and resolve payroll-related issues.
Provide backup support for payroll functions and participate in cross-training and knowledge-sharing activities to promote operational continuity.
Maintain and update payroll procedures, job aids, and other documentation.
Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, efficiency, and customer service.
Provide high-quality customer service through phone, email, and in-person communication while protecting confidential employee and payroll information.
Escalate complex or unusual payroll matters to the appropriate supervisor or subject-matter expert when necessary.

Work Arrangement

This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work, with a requirement to work in the office at the University Park campus at least two days per week. Questions related to the flexible work arrangement should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

The Successful Candidate Must Possess

Demonstrated knowledge of payroll practices, payroll tax regulations, and gross-to-net payroll calculations preferred.
Ability to research and resolve payroll issues using sound judgment, attention to detail, and analytical skills.
Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established payroll deadlines in a time-sensitive environment.
Ability to handle confidential payroll and employee information with discretion and professionalism.
Experience using Workday Payroll or a similar HCM/ERP system preferred.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Demonstrated commitment to providing high-quality customer service and supporting continuous process improvement.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSGeneral Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS)
2+ years of relevant experience; Relevant education accepted in lieu of

experience
Required Certifications:
None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Due to the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $44,628.00 - $64,668.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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Payroll Associate

Edtech.com's Summary

Payroll Associate Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Procurement Lead

Finance Manager

Controller

Finance Manager

Director of Financial Management and Planning