Jobs and Careers
NO

Assistant Director-Payroll

Northern Michigan University
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 9 Jan 2026
💰 $72,180/yr($64,160/yr$72,180/yr)

About the role

 

Position Title: Assistant Director-Payroll

Department:  Controllers Office

Term of Assignment: Continuing

Term End Date, If Applicable:             

FLSA Status:   Exempt = not eligible for overtime

Work Schedule: Traditionally Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with occasional evening and weekend work required.

Salary: Targeted Salary Range: $64,160-$72,180

Travel: Less than 10%

Brief Statement of Duties

Brief Statement of Duties: Responsible for supporting and assisting the Director of Payroll in the management of ensuring an accurate, ethical and compliant payroll process for faculty, staff and student employees as well as tax compliance reporting. Support the oversight of payroll liability reconciliations and collaborate with supervisors to ensure adherence to accuracy of payroll practices and procedures. Provide excellent customer service while ensuring confidentiality.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education: Bachelor's Degree

Discipline/Degree Area: 

Required Specialized Training/Certifications: 

Required Minimum Work Experience:  4 years of relevant work experience that demonstrates progressive experience processing payroll through the use of automated systems and timekeeping systems as well as current knowledge of wage and hour labor laws, payroll tax laws, and payroll regulations.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, or Attributes Required for Satisfactory Performance of the Position Duties: 

Knowledge of payroll laws/regulations, annual tax reporting, and thorough knowledge of automated payroll/timekeeping systems.
Extensive familiarity with a variety of concepts, practices, and procedures related to both payroll and related information systems.
Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Strong prioritization skills to manage multiple tasks and anticipate/plan workloads.
Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll/tax laws.
Knowledge of tax withholding, voluntary deductions, and garnishments.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to convey and comprehend oral and written information clearly and concisely.
Ability to ensure a satisfactory customer experience with regard to payroll outcomes.
Ability to accurately perform tasks while managing multiple interruptions.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and exercise direction and judgement on significant matters.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in stressful situations in order to resolve issues.
Ability to instruct others on how to perform a task.
Strong analytical skills with experience developing reports.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

Additional Desirable Qualifications: 

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business, or related field.
Fundamental Payroll Professional (FPC).
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
Experience with Ellucian Banner and/or UltraTime, or similar ERP payroll and electronic time keeping systems in organizations with 1,000 or more employees.
Familiarity of the higher education rules and regulations including Federal Work Study, student FICA exemption, and international rules for resident and non-resident aliens.
Familiarity with various benefit plans including state sponsored defined benefit pension systems.
Previous supervisory experience.

Other

Special Instructions to Applicants: Submit application, cover letter, resume and references. This position is not currently available for sponsorship.

Contact Information:  Erica Jean, Human Resources Generalist, 906-227-1087

NMU is an equal opportunity employer.

Apply for this role

Generate a tailored application kit with a matched cover letter, interview prep, and CV highlights — in under 60 seconds.

Apply Now →Generate Application Kit

Free account required — sign up in 30s

Company

Northern Michigan University

View company profile →