Payroll Specialist

Special Instructions

Our agency supports second‑chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated, or justice‑involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.

Please Note:

• A criminal background check will be conducted on the candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment.
• If it is determined that no applicants meet the minimum competency, education, and experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants.
• Salary will be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
• Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered.
• Failure to complete the application completely may result in you not being considered for the vacant position.
• Your application for the position will not be completed until you receive an online confirmation number at the end of the process of applying for a position.
• If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at OHR
  . Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodation in the application and interview process, please call .

Winston‑Selam State University is seeking a payroll professional with an accounting background for our Payroll Administrator position.

Join the family!

WSSU’s Office of Human Resources delivers professional HR services for SHRA, EHRA non‑faculty, institutional administrators, temporary and student employees, and faculty (benefits administration). Our team leads staffing & talent acquisition, classification & compensation, employee relations, training & professional development, performance management, leave and position management, payroll services, unemployment programs, and more. Join us to elevate HR service and help our community thrive!

The Payroll Administrator oversees all payroll operations to ensure that employee payments—including salaries, benefits, taxes, and deductions—are processed accurately and on time.

• Independently process monthly and bi‑weekly payroll cycles, applying advanced knowledge of payroll rules, compensation structures, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform complex payroll calculations for multiple employee classifications and compensation types.
• Review, validate, and reconcile payroll data transferred from the HR system to Banner Production to ensure accuracy, completeness, and data integrity.
• Conduct direct deposit pre‑note validations prior to payroll processing, including review of tax forms and garnishment deductions.
• Process payroll adjustments, retroactive payments, supplemental pay, and special payroll transactions requiring independent judgment.
• Prepare and process direct pay requests for internal departments and external third‑party payroll vendors.
• Research, analyze, and elevate payroll discrepancies between payroll, HR, and accounting systems to the Chief Campus Payroll Administrator.

• Prepare payroll‑related journal entries and/or garnishment requests for account expense and reconciliation entries.
• Reconcile payroll clearing funds, over/under funds, and Foundation payroll‑related funds monthly.
• Monitor payroll clearing fund activity to ensure zero balance at month‑end in accordance with the Controller’s Office and Office of the State Controller standards.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies between payroll activity and accounting entries to ensure accurate reconciliation.
• Complete the annual escheatment process for payroll disbursements in compliance with State regulations.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of required Federal and State payroll reports.

• Prepare, analyze, and maintain payroll reports for audits, compliance reviews, and internal controls.
• Track, maintain, and report UNC FIT (Financial Improvement and Transformation) KPIs related to payroll accuracy and timeliness.
• Develop, update, and maintain standard operating procedures and workflow documentation for…