Payroll Supervisor

Roger Williams University

Title:

Payroll Supervisor

Location:

Bristol, RI Category:
Professional and Clerical Job Type: Full-time Regular Posted On:
Tue Aug 18 2026

Job Description:

Reporting to the Controller, the Payroll Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the payroll operations of Roger Williams University and the Roger Williams School of Law. The Payroll Supervisor ensures compliance with all Federal and State laws, disseminating information and ensuring compliance with Union Contract provisions related to accounts payable, payroll, and University employment policies. Essential Functions/Characteristics Ensure accurate and timely in-house processing of the University and School of Law payrolls and all relative payroll reports.

Supervise payroll staff to ensure coordination between division staff and Office of Human Resources in order to meet payroll processing deadlines. Train and develop Payroll staff on coverage for all payroll functions, and to promote professional growth. Develop, maintain and ensure compliance of payroll procedures and processes, payroll data integrity and process improvement. Manage calculations and implementation of salary and wage provisions of multiple union dues deduction amounts and produces union leave and seniority reports.

Interpret and confirm the application of employment and benefit policies in conjunction with the Office of Human Resources and the Office of General Counsel Ensure compliance with federal/state policies in connection with payroll activities in conjunction with the Office of Finance. Make recommendations on policy and process modification to senior management as appropriate. Maintain all payroll records, reports, computations and audits, including maintaining an internal control system for the payroll operation and verification.

Test ERP system functionality and any other system conversions and upgrades. Maintain the integrity of the time and attendance system including leave plans. Assist in supporting help desk calls related to time and attendance. Work closely with Human Resources staff to develop enhancements and user documentation and training. Keep abreast of regulatory changes and best industry practices. Taxation and Audit Responsibilities Process preparation and submission of all federal and state payroll tax reports, including quarterly and year-end returns;

determine taxation of non-wage payments and serve as in-house contact for technical tax compliance issues, including tax liabilities of foreign nationals. Balance payroll reports to quarterly and annual wage and tax reports. Annually update tax tables, supervise W-2 processing and develop the annual payroll calendar. Handle federal and state agency audits and maintain close contact with APA, IRS, SSA, DOL and other regulatory agencies to ensure RWU has accurate information and is in compliance.

Critically review and analyze current payroll, benefits and tax procedures in order to recommend and implement changes leading to best-practice operations. Work with the Office of Finance to make sure that all payroll transactions are properly recorded in the general ledger including reconciliation of payroll tax accounts and 403b liabilities. Provide data as requested for financial audit, A-133 audit, 403b audit, and 990s.

Responsible for the Worker's Compensation audit. Ensure compliance with IRS regulations as they pertain to Form 1099 and Form 1042S. Additional Functions Perform research on payroll and accounts payable related issues. Generate and process W2 and 1099 forms and administer the vacation and sick leave plans. Attend required internal and external meetings relating to payroll and accounts payable matters. Exhibit teamwork and team orientation.

Willingly cooperate and work collaboratively toward solutions which generally benefit all parties involved, work cooperatively with others to accomplish charted objectives, ability to supervise and work with support employees and take direction well.

Job Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in business, human resources or related field. Minimum 5 years' experience in a payroll position and at least two years of supervisory experience. Excellent communication skills.

Demonstrated proficiency in Excel and Word. Proven ability to utilize an HRIS system, such as Colleague or Banner.

Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of Colleague and ADP Time and Attendance system. At the University's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be accepted where the…