Payroll Accountant

Position Overview

As a critical member of the University Human Resources compliance team, this position ensures accurate accounting and compliance in the areas of payroll liability fund management, payroll taxes, worker’s compensation, and unemployment insurance. The role assists in Banner payroll processing for direct deposits, warrant files and financial feeds.

The Payroll Accountant demonstrates accounting and analytical skills ensuring that business transactions are conducted and reported efficiently, effectively and in accordance with all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures. This position is directly responsible for making federal and state tax payments for which the importance of compliance cannot be overstated.

This position oversees 48 payroll liability funds totaling about $6 million per pay period, including the collection, reconciliation and distribution to appropriate vendors. It is responsible for analyzing data and making appropriate corrections and adjustments for a bi‑weekly payroll of approximately $7 million.

• Reconcile liability payments to deduction totals with high dollar amounts.
• Approve and track all liability fund payments on 48 funds including several retirement funds, workers comp, and long‑term care.
• Monitor and analyze fund balances on General Ledger.

• Settle Federal and State tax liabilities with General Ledger; schedule and track payments.
• Prepare employers quarterly federal tax return (941), reconcile and submit.
• Prepare and submit annual W‑2 statements for all MSU campuses.

• Quarterly out‑of‑state unemployment insurance and worker’s compensation; report individual earnings; approve, submit, and track payments.
• Quarterly Montana unemployment insurance reporting; reconcile with General Ledger, submit and track payments.
• Monitoring out‑of‑state employees; report to the Office of Commissioner of Higher Education.
• Bi‑weekly reports of new employees to Montana Child Support Services.
• Monthly report to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Invoice for special checks, I9s, and background checks.
• Create and implement reporting and process improvements.

• Reconcile totals and initiate direct deposits; notify State; monitor final approval and completion status.
• Reconcile totals for payroll warrants; track printing, mailing, and posting.
• Process required deductions.
• Deposit checks into correct funds.

• Two years of post‑secondary education in accounting, finance, business or related field or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience in lieu of a degree.
• Demonstrated experience in practicing a high level of discretion and confidentiality, working with sensitive employee information and high‑dollar volumes.
• Demonstrated experience in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet time‑sensitive deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience in interpreting, communicating, and maintaining compliance with policies and procedures, and exercising consistent decision‑making while working independently and effectively under supervision in a team environment.

• Working knowledge of Ellucian Banner.
• Knowledge of the State of Montana and Montana University System policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated experience with fund or government accounting and/or tax liability accounting.
• Demonstrated experience with complex accounting, payroll, or benefit systems.
• Experience in paying or tracking out‑of‑state employees.

• Maintain a positive, effective, and professional approach.
• Exercise excellent judgment and attention to detail.
• Commit to maintain confidentiality of records and sensitive information.
• Practice a high level of analytical skills, taking initiative to find and address issues thoroughly to resolution.
• Adhere to any number of deadlines and due dates and easily shift priorities as needed.
• Demonstrate service excellence to both internal and external customers, representing University Human Resources with…