Payroll Operations Manager

Job Description

Virginia Tech is seeking an experienced accounting manager to join the University supporting payroll operations. Reporting to the Director of Payroll, this position requires a high level of analysis and critical thinking skills to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. The manager supervises the payroll operations team to ensure the accurate, timely and efficient completion of semi‑monthly payroll system processes.

Other responsibilities include calculation and submission of federal and state payroll taxes; processing payroll, payroll adjustments, garnishments and levies for each cycle; researching and making payroll system recommendations to address new initiatives and programs; performing system upgrade testing; maintaining procedural documentation for payroll processes; and maintaining payroll calendars. The accounting manager assists the Director of Payroll with special projects and other payroll related research as needed.

• Bachelor degree in accounting, finance, tax, business administration or related field and related experience.
• Extensive knowledge of the payroll function including preparation, balancing, internal control, payroll taxes, and payroll software.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work effectively in a complex and diverse environment.
• Experience leading a team, with strong skills in mentoring, training, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Strong research, analytical, and critical thinking skills, including ability to proactively recommend options to balance external compliance requirements with operational efficiency and customer service.

• Master’s degree in accounting, business or a related field.
• Professional certification (Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or similar).
• Ability to use query tools to gather and analyze information from large relational databases.
• Knowledge of internal controls as related to payroll processes.
• Experience working with a large ERP system (i.e., Banner, SAP, Oracle, Workday) with high volume.
• Experience working with electronic timekeeping systems.
• Experience in analyzing business processes and recommending and/or implementing improvements to same.
• Working knowledge of university payroll activities and operations.
• Supervisory experience.

Exempt:
Not eligible for overtime.

Regular.

Commensurate with experience with a salary range of $85,000-$95,000 per year.

40.

April 10, 2026.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands‑on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem‑solvers. A comprehensive land‑grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, a Graduate School, and an Honors College.

The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Zachary LaCroix at zlacroix during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.