Payroll: Unit Administrator

Unit Administrator 1

The University of New Mexico Office of the University Controller, also known as Financial Services, located on Main Campus, is responsible for all central accounting functions for the University. The Controller's Office is responsible for ensuring compliance with all financial policies, rules, and regulations, including state and federal audit requirements, and for maintaining the official financial records of the University. The Payroll Department processes payroll for all UNM faculty, staff, and student employees.

Join Our Team and Make an Impact! We’re on the lookout for a collaborative and enthusiastic individual who can dive into the exciting world of supporting UNM’s Payroll Department. If you thrive in a team environment, love learning new skills, and are ready to contribute to meaningful initiatives, we invite you to apply.

What We’re Seeking! The ideal candidate is a proactive self-starter with exceptional interpersonal skills and outstanding organizational abilities. You should be adept at juggling multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, and maintaining a sharp eye for detail. Strong verbal and written communication skills, a commitment to excellent customer service, flexibility, and the ability to work independently are essential for success in this role.

As a Unit Administrator 1, you will provide primary administrative support for the Payroll Department, handling front‑line customer service, managing communications, and assisting with clerical and accounting tasks to support accurate payroll processing. You will oversee internal operations such as purchasing, travel, and records management, while contributing to departmental planning and compliance efforts. This role is ideal for someone interested in office coordination with exposure to financial, purchasing, travel arrangements, and payroll processes in a university setting.

• Serve as the front‑line representative for all walk‑in visitors, phone calls, and emails sent to the general Payroll department inbox; triage and respond to inquiries or route them to the appropriate staff member.
• Provide administrative support to the Payroll Accounting office, including scheduling, filing, record keeping, mail distribution, and supply ordering.
• Assist payroll accounting staff with basic accounting functions such as data entry, preparing forms, document verification, and logging transactions for processing.
• Monitor and maintain payroll records to ensure accuracy and completeness, following up on missing or incomplete data as needed.
• Respond to questions from university employees regarding payroll dates, paycheck distribution, timesheet submissions, tax forms, and direct deposit set‑up.
• Collaborate with payroll staff to troubleshoot basic payroll issues and route more complex concerns to the appropriate personnel; coordinate internal communication regarding deadlines, procedural changes, or documentation requirements.
• Support special projects such as annual reporting, fiscal year‑end processes, or audit preparation by organizing files, compiling data, or proofreading documents.
• Update departmental procedures and maintain accurate records of internal workflows and standard operating procedures.
• Assist in identifying opportunities for process improvements related to customer service or data handling within the payroll office.
• Perform miscellaneous job‑related duties as assigned to support the overall efficiency and goals of the department.

High school diploma or GED; at least 2 years of experience managing at least one of the following functional areas: fiscal services, administration, and/or human resources AND 1 year of additional experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year‑for‑year basis.

• Bachelor’s degree and successful completion of at least 9 credit hours of university‑level accounting through intermediate accounting.
• Knowledge of UNM payroll processes is a plus.
• Experience working with UNM…