Payroll Accounting Analyst

Job Description

Department:

Payroll

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Employee Type:

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Director of Financial Services Operations, the Payroll Accounting Analyst plays a critical role in providing analytical and technical expertise in payroll processing and tax compliance. This position is responsible for the thorough review, reconciliation, and interpretation of all payroll data, while ensuring the integrity and efficiency of payroll systems and processes. Additionally, the role provides essential support to employees, facilitating payroll-related tasks, and resolving complex issues with a focus on accuracy and compliance. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity. This is a hybrid, on-site position in Waterville, Maine and is not open to fully remote candidates. Please submit a resume AND cover letter with your application.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform end-to-end, accurate, and timely processing of multiple payrolls (bi-weekly and monthly) in accordance with labor regulations and standard accounting and payroll principles
• Process accurate and prompt retroactive and special payments
• Identify, research, and resolve payroll discrepancies and related issues by analyzing payroll data, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and understanding the downstream impacts of corrective actions
• Utilize test system for troubleshooting purposes
• Support employees with inquiries about tax withholdings, direct deposit, and guide them in making updates via Employee Self-Service in a kind and courteous manner
• Promptly process payments and supplier invoice requests for withholding orders and specified employee benefit deductions following the completion of payroll to meet required deadlines
• Reconcile all payroll liability accounts monthly
• File and reconcile quarterly payroll taxes via ADP smart compliance
• Assist with the preparation, submission, and disbursement of W-2s
• Run reports for timekeeping, absence, taxation, and payroll to assist with any special data requests or filings
• Collaborate cross-functionally with campus teams, including IT, HR, other departments, and external vendors, to ensure accurate payroll processing, data transmission, and security protocols for bi-weekly and monthly payrolls
• Follow departmental practices; develop and/or recommend new or revised guidelines to improve overall efficiency
• Ensure compliance with College policies and procedures, governmental regulations, wage tax laws, segregation of duties, Department of Labor, and other federal and state legislation impacting payroll; adhere to established control objectives
• Maintain employees’ confidence and protect payroll operations by keeping information confidential
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and experience
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible in payroll, finance or HCM roles
• Certified Payroll Professional - or willingness to become certified
• Preferred experience in higher education or in a mid-to-large HR/payroll function
• Strong knowledge of wage and hour laws, including federal, state, and local payroll taxes
• Familiarity with Workday and ADP SmartCompliance
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel
• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, and support-oriented skills
• Ability to adapt to changing regulations or technologies in payroll, demonstrating flexibility and willingness to learn
• Proven problem-solving, decision-making abilities, and keen attention to detail and accuracy
• Proficiency with integrated and automated payroll accounting systems
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and sound judgment
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team, establish priorities, and work collaboratively as a member of a diverse community
  
  

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

Reporting to the Director of Financial Services Operations, this position has significant interactions with administrators, faculty, staff, and other outside constituencies.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Ability to move around campus is required, as is some travel.

TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the "Apply" button on the Colby Careers website. Please submit a letter of interest including salary requirements, resume, and the contact information of three professional references. Materials should be addressed to:

Payroll Accounting Analyst - Search Committee

Office of Human Resources

Colby College

5500 Mayflower Hill

Waterville, ME 04901-8855

A review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Colby is a private, coeducational liberal arts college that admits students and makes employment decisions on the basis of the individual's qualifications to contribute to Colby's educational objectives and institutional needs. Colby College does not discriminate in its educational programs or employment on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or military or veteran’s status. Colby is an equal opportunity employer and operates in accordance with federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Colby complies with Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in an institution’s education programs and activities. Questions regarding Title IX may be referred to Colby’s Title IX coordinator or to the federal Office of Civil Rights. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.

For more information about the College, please visit our website: www.colby.edu.