Payroll Manager

Who We Are:

National Louis is a 135+ year old university that has been grounded in the values of innovation, access, excellence, and equity from its inception. As an institution, we believe in providing access to educational opportunity and that education is our greatest lever for social and economic mobility. We are a student-focused community that is committed to continuous improvement and superior student service. We believe that through education we are able to empower change and build healthy communities. Our hard-working community is based on collaboration and respect for all team members and students.

What You Will Do:

The Payroll Manager oversees all aspects of payroll processing operations as well as managing and supervising personnel in charge of payroll preparations. Establishes and oversees payroll processes and procedures for routine processing, tax reporting and internal financial requirements and advising payroll team members about these requirements including but not limited to taxes and employment laws on salaries. This role also designs short-term and long-term strategies to achieve continuous improvement and efficiencies in payroll processing and delivery solutions. Using communication and leadership skills, keeps stakeholders both inside and outside the payroll department informed about the status of payroll laws and regulations and develops implementation plans for required changes to operations while ensuring these changes are in alignment with the University's overall business strategy. The Payroll Manager also process quarterly and annual unemployment tax filings, taxation reporting, fringe benefits, develop processes and procedures, handle employee questions and problems, and interpret compliance to the University's polices and government regulations affecting payroll. Responsible for the research, development, testing, implementation and documentation of Banner functions that fall under the payroll functions. Act as a liaison for auditors during the University's 403(b) Plan Audit by creating audit schedules and providing documentation. When expanding payroll operations into new states, the Payroll Manager will research payroll laws of that State and work with outside vendors and State Agencies to register the University for payroll in that State. This also requires continuous monitoring of payroll within those States to ensure compliance with State unemployment tax laws. The role requires leading, developing, training, and motivating a high-performing team to achieve goals and drive success. You will be responsible for fostering a positive work environment, providing guidance and support, and ensuring team members are equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel.

Administer monthly and bi-weekly payrolls by assigning work to payroll team, by performing audits of payroll entry for accuracy, communicate with various stakeholders of the University to answer questions or collect documentation for payroll records and make key decisions in processing payroll to ensure timely payment of all University employees.
• Process quarterly and annual unemployment tax filings, labor statistic reports, and reports necessary for university compliance by their deadlines.
• Maintain payroll screens within Banner by testing patches when updates are pushed into the Banner system and perform common tasks such as adding/ configuring new earnings / deduction codes while maintaining proper Banner documentation.
• Manage the payroll entry and all related information for all faculty and staff (part-time and full-time employees).
• Develop short and long-term strategies for the payroll department through facilitating training and development of staff within the payroll function to advance their careers as well as change policies and procedures to adapt to an ever-changing environment while ensuring payroll operations are in alignment with the University's business strategy.
• Administer fiscal year payroll and calendar year-end payroll, W-2 processing. Includes performing research on IRS releases to ensure compliance with changes to tax law.
• Interpret and assure compliance to University's policies and government regulations affecting payroll procedures including unclaimed property and wage assignments.
• Act as a liaison for the 403(b) Plan Audit by creating schedules, pulling documentation that auditors request and answering any questions that auditors may have in relation to the audit.
• Generate payroll-related data for budgeting and forecasting purposes.

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, Business or other related field
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in payroll, preferably working with multiple states
• At least 5 years of experience managing a team
• Thorough understanding of payroll taxes, including federal and multi-state deductions
• Comprehensive knowledge of and experience with Excel (along with other Microsoft Office tools)
• Attention to detail
• Experience working with Banner, preferred
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with others toward accomplishment of a shared goal as opposed to working separately or competitively. Leverages own strengths and demonstrates understanding of weaknesses in order to most effectively contribute to a project. Reinforces the team concept through all actions
• Aptitude for managing each stage of a project to ensure that commitments are met in a manner that is timely and within budget. Clearly defines roles and responsibilities, determines necessary resources, and monitors project performance through appropriate systems and procedures.
• Handles sensitive or difficult issues with grace and confidence. Remains clear-headed and focused and inspires others to do the same. Remains objective in the face of strong emotions. Can acknowledge strong emotions without being unduly influenced by their intensity.
• Customer service focus with the ability to identify customer needs and expectations and respond to them in a timely and effective manner. Anticipates and prevents delays or other things that can adversely affect the customer. Keeps customers informed about the status of pending actions and inquiries about customer satisfaction with products or services.
• Takes action to ensure that employees fully understand their roles, responsibilities and performance standards/expectations and provides ongoing feedback and support as employees strive to achieve expectations. Engages in two-way conversations throughout the year that ensure an up-to-date understanding of expectations, performance gaps and actions required to close any gaps.

NLU Inclusion Statement:

National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us: they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.

At National Louis University, we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact. As our external environment changes, our employees are provided the opportunities and tools needed to grow both personally and professionally to remain successful. NLU employees and dependents are offered a wide range of benefits, including but not limited to, Health Insurance benefits, Retirement benefits, Paid Time Off and Educational Opportunities. Additional information regarding full-time staff benefits can be found here.

The salary range of the grade for this position is $63,288 to $91,768 annually. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate. Offers are based on multiple factors permitted by law, including but not limited to: budgetary considerations, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, market considerations, tenure and standing with the university (applicable to current employees), and internal equity.

Please Include the following along with your application:

• Resume (Required)
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• Current NLU employees please also submit an Internal Posting Form