Assistant Payroll Director

Posting Information

• Posting Number: PG194698EP
• Internal Recruitment:
  No
• Working Title:
  
  Assistant Payroll Director
• Anticipated Hiring Range: $120,000 - $123,000
• Work Schedule:
  
  Core Business
  
  Hours:
  
  Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (eligible for hybrid remote arrangement)
• Job Location:
  
  Raleigh, NC
• Department:
  University Controller's Office

The University Controller's Office is a department within the Finance Division. It manages general accounting, cash services, asset management, financial reporting, payroll, accounts payable, debt, and tax compliance. The office advances fiscal accountability, improves financial systems and controls, and supports efficient business operations. It oversees federal and state wage payments to over 18,000 employees and manages a $2.0 billion net position and a $550 million debt portfolio.

The Payroll section handles payments to roughly 10,000 monthly and 8,000 biweekly staff, faculty, and other workers with an annual payroll of over $1.3 billion, and ensures compliance with federal and state tax regulations.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• Childcare benefits
• Wellness & Recreation Membership
• Wellness Programs

The Assistant Payroll Director collaborates with the Payroll Director to lead payroll operations, ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely employee compensation, and drive strategic payroll initiatives.

• Supervise the Payroll Tax Manager, Foreign National Tax Manager, and payroll staff, including training, performance management, and professional development.
• Act as delegate for the Payroll Director, providing leadership for payroll operations, strategic planning, and business continuity.
• Serve as primary contact for internal, external, and state auditors.

• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll‑related financial transactions, including payments to tax agencies, retirement systems, and benefit providers.
• Review payroll tax documentation, resolve complex tax issues, and support responses to W‑2 inquiries.
• Maintain internal controls, separation of duties, and documentation standards for payroll transactions and adjustments.

• Lead payroll‑related system upgrades, testing, documentation, and implementation, partnering with technical teams to support resilience and disaster recovery.
• Participate in governance and planning activities related to HR and payroll systems.
• Compile, analyze, and report payroll performance metrics and key performance indicators.

• Investigate payroll discrepancies, coordinate corrective actions, and manage repayment and collection processes when necessary.
• Advise university departments on payroll regulations, tax requirements, and legislative changes.
• Coordinate payroll‑related communications through websites, listservs, mass communications, and other university channels.

Occasional participation in special projects beyond core duties.

Minimum Education and Experience
Requires post‑baccalaureate credentials with 7+ years of relevant experience, including or exceeded by 2+ years of supervisory experience. A bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience, including or exceeded by 1–2 years of supervisory experience, may substitute on an exceptional basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws and payroll tax regulations, including Internal Revenue Code requirements.
• Payroll administration experience in a large, complex organization with multiple funding sources and multistate considerations.
• Customer service experience involving consultation, issue resolution, and professional written communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Use of People Soft Query, SQL, or similar tools for analyzing, interpreting, and reporting payroll, financial, or HR data.
• Ability to adapt to changing…