Human Resources - Payroll Assistant

About Sacred Heart University
As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2025 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu

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To apply

Only applications submitted through the official Careers at SHU site will be accepted for employment consideration. If you are viewing this job advertisement through a different site, please visit Careers at SHU to submit a formal application.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a complete application and resume via our online application system. A cover letter or statement of interest is also preferred for all staff positions.

Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.


Position Summary
The Payroll Assistant will support the day-to-day processing of payroll for Sacred Heart University. This role will help keep payroll operations accurate and timely by handling routine data updates, reviewing submissions, supporting employees with basic inquiries, and assisting the Payroll Director with recurring tasks.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
• Assist with payroll processing across three pay groups: Semi-Monthly, Bi-Weekly Staff, and Bi-Weekly Student employees.
• Review payroll data for accuracy through basic audits, reconciliations, and cross-checks, verifying totals, deductions, and required approvals.
• Identify and escalate discrepancies or issues that require further review by the Payroll Director.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and update employee information for hires, terminations, pay changes, and direct deposit or tax form updates.
• Respond to common employee questions regarding pay dates, direct deposit, and general payroll policies.
• Track payroll deadlines and follow up with departments on missing or incomplete information.
• Help verify the accuracy of benefit deductions and contributions such as health insurance premiums, 403(b) elections, and HSA/FSA amounts during each payroll cycle.
• Assist the Faculty Affairs Manager and Payroll Director in processing academic stipends and per-credit payments, ensuring accuracy of credit-based compensation and other variable payments.
• Work collaboratively with department assistants and the Finance team to ensure payments align with budgeted allocations and approved contracts.
• Provide general administrative and operational support to the Payroll Director.
• Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes
• High school diploma required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, HR, or related field preferred.
• 1–2 years of experience in payroll, HR, accounting, or another detail-heavy administrative role.
• Solid attention to detail with comfort handling numerical data.
• Ability to learn payroll/HR systems (Dayforce experience is a plus).
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Strong communication skills and professional customer-service approach.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Organized, dependable, and able to follow established procedures whi