Payroll Manager at The Planet Group

Payroll Manager
Direct
$95,000.00 - 105,000.00 Annual Salary
Onsite: Wellesley Hills, MA 02481

Must Haves:

• Bachelor’s degree
• State of MA payroll experience
• Union experience
• 5+ years progressive experience in payroll, finance, business management, or related fields
• PeopleSoft, HR/CMS, MMARs, and Excel Pivot tables

Preferred:

• Higher education

Job Description: The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day payroll operations working under the direction of the Payroll Director. This role involves managing timekeeping and payroll functions through the College’s Self-Service Time and Attendance (SSTA) system and other payroll platforms. The Payroll Manager will ensure that payroll data is accurately entered and compliant with College policies, while also assisting the Payroll Director in generating reports, running queries, and analyzing payroll information. Additionally, the Payroll Manager will supervise and delegate tasks to the Payroll Accounting Staff, ensuring accuracy and timely completion of payroll-related duties.
Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Payroll Processing & Reconciliation:
  • Prepare and compile bi-weekly payroll balances for full-time and part-time employees, stipends, and reimbursements, ensuring all entries are accurate for final review and approval.
  • Reconcile payroll for each pay period, aligning with State Funding reports, ensuring payments are correctly distributed across employees, accounts, and state appropriations.
  • Process payments for adjunct professors, hourly instructors, and contracted employees, ensuring compliance with contract rates, the Affordable Care Act, and other regulations.
  • Support the development of bi-weekly payroll schedules, ensuring proper documentation is in place for audits of payroll, benefits, and deductions.
• System Management & Oversight:
  • Participate in the implementation of the SSTA system, ensuring smooth transitions and ongoing procedural improvements.
  • Oversee payroll account setups and data input across various systems such as PeopleSoft, HR/CMS, and MMARS, ensuring accuracy for both payroll and grants.
  • Assist the Payroll Director with cash funding analysis and system adjustments, including handling payroll reversals, fund holds, and rule inputs for MMARS.
• Team Leadership & Delegation:
  • Supervise the Payroll Accounting Staff, delegating tasks such as compensation requests, employee reimbursements, and various payroll deductions.
  • Provide ongoing training and support for staff on the use of the SSTA system and other payroll-related software, ensuring a high level of competency across the department.
• Error Resolution & Reporting:
  • Take a proactive approach to researching discrepancies, addressing issues promptly, and collaborating with departments to resolve errors or exceptions in the payroll system.
  • Perform monthly payroll reconciliations and ensure timely submission of reports to the finance office.
  • Respond to inquiries from staff, faculty, and external agencies regarding payroll discrepancies and procedural questions.
• Confidentiality & Compliance:
  • Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive payroll information in compliance with college policies, state laws, and best practices.
  • Assist with unemployment claims, retirement distributions, and other employee benefits as needed.
• Support for Payroll Director:
  • Serve as the primary backup and support for the Payroll Director, ensuring seamless payroll operations in their absence.
  • Assist with other payroll-related projects and duties as assigned.

Commitment to Equity:

• Actively contribute to commitment to closing equity gaps and promoting diversity and inclusion within the College community.
• Engage in conversations and initiatives that support underserved students, and work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students to implement best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Support the College's anti-racist initiatives and help create an environment that embraces diversity and ensures equal opportunities for all.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5-8 years of progressively responsible experience in payroll, finance, or business management.
• Strong understanding of state and federal payroll laws and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in payroll and accounting software, with extensive experience using PeopleSoft, HR/CMS, MMARS, and advanced Excel features (e.g., Pivot Tables).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage complex payroll systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with sensitive payroll information.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a diverse environment and a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Experience supervising payroll staff and coordinating payroll functions.
• Familiarity with state payroll systems and higher education payroll processing.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to resolve discrepancies and implement solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.