Payroll Analyst; ERP Backfill - Temporary

Position Summary

Loyola University Chicago is seeking an Interim Payroll Analyst for a temporary assignment (estimated 18 month duration) to assist with processing and analyzing payroll-related information for both biweekly and monthly payroll cycles. Under the mentorship of the Manager, Payroll, the Payroll Analyst will coordinate and participate in technical payroll accounting activities during this contract term, ensuring accuracy and completeness of transactions and providing guidance to junior staff.

• Coordinate the preparation, maintenance, and auditing of manual and automated payroll data for biweekly and monthly payroll cycles.
• Process employee terminations, including calculation and payment of final wages, accrued vacation payouts, and applicable deductions in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Execute and validate post-payroll termination jobs (LP termination jobs) to ensure accurate employee deactivation, benefit terminations, and payroll system updates.
• Review and reconcile vacation payout balances to ensure accuracy and compliance with university policies and legal requirements.
• Partner with Human Resources and Benefits to ensure timely and accurate processing of terminations and related payroll actions.
• Conduct Federal and State 941-X filing tax reconciliations.
  
  Manage Year-End Reporting, including W-2 filings, Federal and State survey requests, and Unemployment reporting.
• Serve as the primary backup to the Payroll Manager during the contract period.
• Lead, train, and provide work direction and guidance to payroll staff.
• Design, document, and implement procedures to streamline payroll processes and increase efficiency.
• Conduct regular audits of payroll procedures and records.
• Report to management on payroll issues, changes, and fiscal year payment calendars.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding salaries, taxes, first or final pay, vacation payouts, and with holdings while delivering a high level of customer service.
• Stay up to date on changing state and federal payroll and tax laws and assess impacts to payroll operations.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• At least three to five years’ experience in a computerized accounting environment preferably within Payroll, Accounting or Finance.

• Strong knowledge of state and federal payroll and tax regulations, including experience with 941-X filings.
• Excellent analytical skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and provide effective communication/guidance to a team.
• Hands‑on experience with payroll systems such as Lawson, Kronos or UKG Ready.
• High proficiency in Excel and spreadsheet analysis.

Loyola University Chicago adheres to all applicable federal, state, and local civil rights laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination in private institutions of higher education. Please see the University’s Nondiscrimination Policy.