Lead Payroll Analyst

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.
* *** Work-Life Balance:
*** PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
* *** Financial Wellness:
*** Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
* *** Professional Development:
*** Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
** Join Howard University and thrive with us!
** PRINCIPAL

ACCOUNTABILITIES :

Employee Support & Inquiry Management  
• Manage the Payroll Inbox by monitoring, prioritizing, and responding to employee payroll questions related to pay, taxes, deductions, direct deposit, and time reporting.  
• Research and resolve routine issues; escalate complex or policy-impacting matters to the Payroll Manager.  
• Track common inquiry themes and recommend updates to FAQs or procedure guides.

System Support (Workday & ADP)  
• Update and maintain basic Workday Payroll configuration items (simple deductions, tax updates, pay schedule updates) under guidance from the Payroll Manager.  
• Execute routine tests during Workday releases and patches; document issues and assist with troubleshooting.  
• Assist with ADP Tax Services interactions, including reviewing tax files, setting up new jurisdictions, and documenting tax notices for management action.

Reconciliation, Reporting & Compliance Support
• Prepare standard payroll reports (registers, deduction reports, tax summaries) for manager review before final processing.  
• Assist with monthly reconciliations of payroll liabilities, verifying balances and following up on discrepancies with Accounting.  
• Support quarterly and year-end processes by gathering data, running preliminary reports, and assisting with W-2 review.  
• Maintain organized documentation for internal and external audit requests.

Process Improvement & Team Support  
• Document payroll procedures, update job aids, and maintain checklists to ensure consistency and accuracy in recurring tasks.  
• Recommend process improvements to reduce errors or improve efficiency.  
• Provide cross-training support to payroll staff and serve as backup on routine tasks when needed.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, wage attachments, and taxation, with experience supporting complex higher-education payroll environments.  
• Proficiency in Workday Payroll and familiarity with ADP Smart Compliance, including basic configuration, troubleshooting, and report execution.  
• Advanced attention to detail and analytical skills, with the ability to audit data, identify discrepancies, and support reconciliations.  
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain payroll concepts clearly and provide high-quality customer service.  
• Strong Excel capability (pivot tables, lookups, data validation) for payroll auditing and analysis.  
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality, follow internal controls, and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.  
• Collaborative team player who works well with HR, Accounting, Benefits, and campus departments to resolve issues and support payroll operations.  
• Adaptable and proactive, with a continuous improvement mindset and willingness to learn new systems and processes.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.  
• 3–5 years of payroll experience in a complex, multi-department organization; higher…