Director of Payroll

Posting Number: S14666P

Working Title: Director of Payroll

Department: FD-Payroll

Location: Athens Area

Posting Date: 02/04/2026

Closing Date: 02/12/2026

Proposed Starting Date: 03/01/2026

Employment Type: Employee (Full Time)

Schedule: Monday‑Friday; 8am‑5pm

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

EEO Policy Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards.

More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://.

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report.

The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

Recruitment Contact Name: Amanda Mc Hugh

Recruitment Contact Email: aganger1

Responsible for overall leadership and operation of the Payroll department in accordance with USG and UGA policies & procedures and assessing the department’s accomplishments each year. Ensures compliance with IRS and state regulations, stays abreast of new developments, and leads implementation/incorporation of those into UGA processes. Directs departmental efforts to improve the payroll process by analyzing existing systems and procedures, identifying more efficient and effective solutions, and leading Payroll’s involvement in their design and implementation in partnership with OneUSG Connect.

Reviews various annual, quarterly, and monthly reports. Oversees balancing and reporting of taxable fringe and W‑2 information for over 20,000 employees that produce over 27,000 W‑2s each year.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent plus 12 years of professional experience, including 5 years of supervisory experience.

• Knowledge of practices and procedures related to payroll administration.
• Advanced knowledge of Payroll, Federal, State and Local tax regulations.
• Experience with People Soft based HCM software, or other HRMS software programs.
• Experience processing payroll in a Higher Education setting.
• Knowledge of time reporting laws and policies.
• Experience with high level account reconciliations.

• Handles personnel issues of Payroll staff such as interviewing, hiring, training, coordinating/assigning/reviewing work, conducting annual performance evaluations, salary…