Payroll Assistant
University Payroll Services is seeking a Payroll Assistant to perform essential customer service duties and payroll functions. Engage in payroll-related communications with employees and departmental staff, ensuring smooth and efficient payroll operations. Responsibilities will include assisting with daily payroll processing to ensure timely and accurate payroll distribution, handling direct deposit and paper check returns, conducting employment verifications, and managing payments for deceased employees. Additionally, they will perform financial reconciliations to maintain accurate payroll records. They will provide backup support for processes such as retroactive accounting adjustments and auditing independent contractor payments. Collaboration with other departmental units is essential to support the overall mission of University Human Resources. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines are crucial for success in this position. Experience in payroll processing and financial reconciliation is preferred, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment is essential.
This position is eligible for hybrid work (combination of on campus and remote) within Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.
Job Duties and Tasks
- Calculate and analyze salary payments.
- Determine net pay for projected changes in salary or deductions.
- Reconcile reports and research and resolve discrepancies.
- Process returned payments accurately and timely.
- Process employment verifications timely and adhering to all policies.
- Monitor departmental email and respond appropriately and timely.
- Research and review employee and departmental questions, then respond either by email, phone, or in person.
- Strive to promote continual process and quality improvement.
- Maintain confidential personnel records and reports.
To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact Jade Rogers at jade-o-rogers@uiowa.edu.
Education or Equivalency Requirement:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and administrative work experience is required.
Required Qualifications
- Demonstrated professional or internship experience with HR functions, payroll and accounting.
- Minimum of 6 months of experience in payroll-related tasks or similar financial operations.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to analyze payroll data and identify discrepancies.
- Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and relationship management skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Strong customer service skills.
- Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.
- Demonstrate working proficiency with Microsoft Office software, (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
- The ability to effectively transmit and interpret information through appropriate communication with internal and external customers.
- Understanding of payroll processes and procedures.
- Ability to work within a team and alone or with limited guidance, as appropriate.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience in government or academic setting.
- Familiarity with university accounting or finance systems.
- Familiarity with HRIS or PeopleSoft systems.
- Proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential problems.
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations and compliance requirements.
- Basic understanding of tax laws related to payroll.
Application Details:
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For questions, contact Jade Rogers at jade-o-rogers@uiowa.edu.
Benefits Highlights:
Regular salaried position. Pay Level 2B. Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans. For more information about Why Iowa? Click here.
Equal opportunity/affirmative action employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
