Business and Finance - Payroll Accountant

Title:   Payroll Accountant 

Department:  Finance and Business

Employment Status:  Full Time 

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt                     

Organizational Relationship: Reports to the Payroll Manager

Job Purpose: The Finance and Business Office is responsible for the overall integrity of the College’s fiscal activities.  This office provides timely and accurate financial information to key stakeholders, while protecting College assets, both real and intangible, and ensuring College compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws from a financial and fiduciary vantage point.

The Payroll Accountant role will report directly to the Payroll Manager, and will assist with the management, execution, and support of the College’s payrolls and operational financial activities.  They will become a key member of our team and support the timely payment of the College’s employees.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:     

Essential Functions

• Assist the Payroll Manager with the preparation and processing of payrolls.
• Monitor payroll email account and phone calls while keeping a log of questions and issues to be brought to attention of payroll manager or re-route to other finance department team member.
• Actively manage and assist with student time cards while ensuring students are supported and paid timely and accurately.
• Oversee weekly time cards and select a rotating sample to analyze each week.
• Gather data and documentation from Oracle for insurance and union audits
• Prepare weekly and monthly union reports with corresponding payments for 4 unions.
• Assist the payroll manager with monthly, quarterly and annual deliverables, such as tax reconciliations, payroll balance reports, quarterly filings and W-2s.
• Assist in compiling compensation files for payroll manager to upload into Oracle.
• Communicate with various departments to help manage time cards of their employees.
• Prepare reports from Oracle and assist in data audits to ensure integrity of information 
• Weekly and monthly payroll journal entries for union payments and various payroll transactions.
• Monitor Oracle for uncosted positions while working with the Payroll Manager and Assistant Controller to ensure all positions will be accounted for correctly

Non-Essential Functions

• Assist with work assignments and special projects within the department as requested
• Interact daily, in-person, via telephone and through e-mail, with College administration and outside agencies, providing assistance and information regarding financial and general inquiry

Nothing in this job description restricts Management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance, plus 3+ years of relevant experience
• MS in Accounting or MBA, preferred
• Financial experience with an institution of higher education or non-profit organization is highly desirable

Desired Work Traits:

• Experience in Higher Education, a plus
• Must be detail oriented with strong organizational and analytical skills
• Strong initiative and ability to manage multiple projects
• Ability to complete projects timely and accurately

Computer Skills: 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Experience in Oracle, a plus

Communication/Interpersonal Skills:         

• Must exhibit competence with verbal and written communication skills and an ability to maintain effective relationships with various campus departments and outside organizations
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team

 

Wagner College, founded in 1883, seamlessly blends professional programs with a liberal arts grounding for a comprehensive, experiential-forward education that fosters well-rounded, adaptable graduates. The college’s verdant residential campus offers a traditional college experience on New York City’s Staten Island.

Wagner prides itself on robust student support services, including personalized academic advising, comprehensive career counseling, and a wide array of wellness programs. Students are prepared not only for professional success but