Payroll Analyst

Position Summary

Whitworth University is seeking a detail-oriented and customer-focused Payroll Analyst. In this role, you will ensure accurate and timely payroll processing for university employees while maintaining compliance with labor laws, tax regulations, and university policies. As a key partner to HR and Finance, you will provide exceptional payroll support, reconcile payroll accounts, and contribute to process improvements that enhance efficiency and accuracy.

If you have a keen eye for detail, enjoy solving payroll-related challenges, and thrive in a collaborative environment, this is an excellent opportunity to join the Whitworth community. 

To ensure full consideration, submit your application by March 24, 2025. Applications will be reviewed starting that week, and the position will remain open until filled.

Core Responsibilities

Payroll Processing, Accounting & Compliance | 35%

• Process biweekly and monthly payroll for student, non-exempt, and exempt employees.
• Audit and reconcile timecards, ensuring compliance with time and attendance policies.
• Maintain accurate payroll records, including benefits, deductions, and direct deposits.
• Ensure payroll compliance with FLSA and other relevant regulations.
• Reconcile payroll liabilities and fringe benefits accounts to the general ledger.
• Prepare quarterly and annual payroll tax filings, including 941s, unemployment reports, and W-2s.
• Assist in payroll audits and year-end reporting.
• Ensure compliance with multi-state payroll regulations and tax laws, if applicable.

Customer Service & Collaboration | 25%

• Respond to faculty, staff, and student payroll inquiries promptly and professionally.
• Educate employees on payroll-related policies, deductions, and tax implications.
• Serve as a liaison between Payroll, HR, and Finance departments to resolve payroll concerns.

Process Improvement, Learning, and System Support | 20%

• Identify and recommend process enhancements to improve payroll accuracy, efficiency, and overall workflow.
• Support payroll system updates, including testing, user training, and troubleshooting payroll-related system issues.
• Develop expertise in Whitworth University’s payroll system and recommend enhancements for accuracy and efficiency
• Collaborate with IT and other departments to troubleshoot, resolve, and enhance payroll-related system issues for smoother operations.
• Contribute to the documentation and training of payroll system updates, ensuring consistent usage and understanding across the team.
• Continuously grow in the role by mastering payroll system capabilities and exploring new tools to improve efficiency and accuracy.

Regulatory Compliance & Policy Support | 15%

• Assist in interpreting federal and state payroll regulations and updating policies accordingly.
• Support the implementation of payroll changes due to regulatory updates.
• Ensure compliance with tax treatment of non-resident alien employees.

Other | 5%

• Assist with special projects and attend University and department functions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Core Competencies

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred. A combination of relevant experience and professional development will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of payroll processing experience.
• Strong understanding of payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Experience with payroll and HRIS systems, with proficiency in Excel and data analysis.
• A personal commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith and learning.
• A commitment to the educational mission of Whitworth University as a comprehensive Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church.

Core Competencies

• Strong attention to detail to ensure error-free payroll processing and compliance with timekeeping policies.
• Understanding of payroll tax laws, deductions, benefits, and compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Ability to reconcile payroll accounts, audit records, and ensure accuracy in reporting.
• Experience with payroll software, HRIS systems, and Microsoft Excel for payroll-related analysis.
• Ability to troubleshoot payroll discrepancies and work collaboratively to resolve employee concerns.
• Commitment to handling sensitive payroll and employee information with discretion and professionalism.
• Strong interpersonal skills to assist employees with payroll inquiries and explain complex payroll matters clearly.

Other Details

Schedule
1.0 FTE | 12 months | 40 hours per week
Whitworth's standard office hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Whitworth University is a Christian liberal arts university. Our shared mission is to provide our diverse students with an education of mind and heart, equipping them to honor God, follow Christ, and serve humanity. We seek candidates who are willing to engage with the university’s mission and integrate their Christian faith into their work.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, faith statement, and contact information for at least three professional references. A background check and sexual misconduct check will be required of the successful candidate.