Payroll Manager
Job Description
Department: Human Resources
Employee Group: Meet & Confer
Schedule: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, 40 hours/52 weeks
Compensation: Grade 16, $71,000
Benefits: Full Time
Reports to: Executive Director of Human Resources
Closing: Open Until FIlled
SUMMARY
The Payroll Manager at Grand Rapids Community College is responsible for overseeing all aspects of payroll
operations for faculty and staff. This role plays a critical part in ensuring accurate and timely processing of
payroll, compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and providing excellent service to college employees. The
Payroll Manager provides oversight and supervision of other payroll professionals as well as supporting and
educating human resources colleagues in payroll set up best practices.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Payroll Management:
● Oversee the day-to-day operations of the payroll department, including payroll processing, tax
withholding, and payroll-related deductions.
● Ensure accurate calculation and distribution of salaries, wages, and other compensation for all GRCC
employees.
● Implement and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance with federal,
state and local regulations.
● Administer both GRCC sponsored retirement plans, MPSERS through the Office of Retirement Services,
and the Optional Retirement Plan with TIAA.
● Participate in and process adjunct and overload batch transfer payments.
● Oversee and collaborate in processes related to faculty absences and substitute pay.
● Process employee leave plan set up and accruals.
Team Leadership:
● Lead and manage payroll professionals, providing guidance, support and mentorship to ensure high
performance and professional development.
● Foster a collaborative and customer-focused work environment that prioritizes accuracy, efficiency and
employee satisfaction.
● Conduct regular performance evaluations, set goals, and provide feedback to team members to promote
continuous improvement.
● Assist with Healthcare Reform compliance and tracking.
Compliance and Reporting:
● Stay abreast of changes in payroll laws, regulations, and best practices and ensure compliance with
all relevant requirements.
● Prepare and submit payroll tax reports, including W-2s, 1099s, and other tax filings, accurately and
on time.
● Generate payroll-related reports for internal stakeholders, auditors and government agencies as
needed
● Prepare and distribute annual benefit profiles.
● Oversee the administration of unemployment claims and responses.
● Prepare information used during collective bargaining agreement negotiations.
System Management:
● Oversee the administration and maintenance of the payroll system and related software applications.
● Collaborate with IT staff and vendors to implement system upgrades, enhancements, and integrations to
improve efficiency and functionality.
● Troubleshoot payroll system issues and coordinate resolution with technical support teams.
Customer Service and Support:
● Serve as a primary point of contact for payroll-related inquiries and provide timely and accurate
responses to employees, supervisors and other stakeholders.
● Resolve payroll discrepancies and issues in a professional and customer-focused manner, ensuring
employee satisfaction and compliance with policies and regulations.
Other Job Functions:
● Persons in this role are identified as a Campus Security Authority (CSA). CSA's will be trained and
responsible for reporting Clery Reportable Crimes to Campus Police as required by the Clery Act.
● Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for serving
customers and performing the essential functions of this position.
● Other related duties as assigned
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Education Credentials
● Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or closely related field, required.
● Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation, preferred.
Work Experience
● Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience processing and administering payroll, required.
● Higher education experience, preferred.
● Strong knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, and best practices, including IRS regulations, FLSA, and
state labor laws, required.
● Experience with payroll software systems (PeopleSoft) and proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Skills
● Payroll Management: Proficiency in overseeing payroll operations, including payroll processing, tax
withholding, and payroll-related deductions. This skill encompasses ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and
compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
● Leadership: Strong leadership skills are essential for effectively managing a team of payroll professionals.
The Payroll Manager should be able to provide guidance, support, and mentorship to team members,
foster a collaborative work environment, and drive performance and professional development.
● Compliance & Regulations: Knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, and best practices is crucial for
ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local requirements. This includes understanding IRS
regulations, FLSA, state labor laws, and other relevant regulations governing payroll operations.
● Systems Management: Proficiency in payroll software systems and related applications is essential for
effectively managing payroll operations. The Payroll Manager should have experience in overseeing the
administration, maintenance, and optimization of payroll systems, as well as troubleshooting system
issues and coordinating with technical support teams.
● Customer Service & Communication: Excellent customer service and communication skills are necessary
for effectively addressing payroll-related inquiries and resolving discrepancies. The Payroll Manager
should be able to communicate clearly and professionally with employees, managers, and other
stakeholders, providing timely and accurate responses to their inquiries and concerns.
Physical Demands
● The position requires long periods of sitting, reading and writing, listening and computer work.
Mental Demands
● Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical
procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and
procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of
managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
● Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Must be able to maintain confidentiality in carrying out all duties, including maintaining confidential
record tracking systems.
● Understanding of local, state and federal laws, regulations and standards pertaining to public sector
labor relations.
● Knowledge of payroll resources policies, procedures and management practices, and contract
administration.
● Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure while possessing mature judgment and
flexibility in regards to interruptions and schedule changes.
● Understand and appreciate our community college philosophy and diverse populations.
● Must use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a professional manner.
● Must maintain high levels of confidentiality with appropriate discretion.
Working Conditions
● GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is
available on our policies website.
● Must be able to work flexible hours (i.e. evenings and night) including occasional weekends.
● Ability to work in a fast-paced environment that calls for flexibility/adaptability and the ability to handle
multiple interruptions and make quick decisions.
NEXT STEPS / APPLICATION PROCESS
● Please fill out an application at https://www.grcc.edu/jobs. Submit a cover letter and resume. The
opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date referenced at the
top of this job posting.
● Predictive Index Assessment (behavioral & cognitive) REQUIRED: In order to have your application
considered, you must complete the assessments:
https://assessment.predictiveindex.com/bo/8MMT/payroll_manager
HIRING PROCESS
GRCC uses an Evidence Based Selection Process, where we make data driven hiring decisions to help mitigate
bias throughout the hiring process. As part of this process, candidates will participate in assessments (cognitive
and behavioral), reference checks and interviews.
Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Grand Rapids Community College is an equal
opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the
value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and
employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the
value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and
employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual
orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation,
familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement
including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and
federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment,
including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent
discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of
retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further
information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE,
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.
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