Payroll Specialist

Aurora University seeks talented staff and administrators who are passionate about supporting an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning.

Position Purpose: The Payroll Specialist supports learning by working directly with the University Controller/Chief Business Officer in promoting financial accuracy at Aurora University. Primary responsibilities include supporting the University Controller and Business Office with the payroll and faculty contract functions of the University. This position is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for the university’s employees and for the accurate drafting and issuance of faculty employment contracts for full- and part-time faculty.

Core Competencies:

Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers, and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University.

Upholds the Mission Statement:Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching-centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and examined lives. We empower our students to achieve lasting personal and professional success.

Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business.

Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned.

Essential Job Functions:

Initiates the timely and accurate preparation of university semi-monthly, bi-weekly, and student payroll in-house payroll processes.

Works closely with the academic units of the university to draft accurate and timely full- and part-time faculty employment contracts for all academic terms.

Responsible for ensuring that all faculty employment contract data is accurately recorded in the university’s employment and payroll records so that such contracts are paid correctly according to the terms of the various agreements.

Works closely with Human Resources to ensure all faculty new to the university are appropriately vetted and on-boarded prior to the commencement of each contract.

Has a thorough understanding of the university faculty contract, payroll, and HR policies and procedures.

Ensures all constituencies receive regular updates as to the status of outstanding contracts and new faculty compliance with pre-employment verifications and paperwork submissions.

Assists in ensuring the completeness and accuracy of university accounting and payroll records and maintains a climate of confidentiality.

Assists the Business Office with monthly, quarterly, and year-end payroll regulatory filings.

Ensures proper and consistent internal controls, techniques, and procedures are followed appropriately in the performance of responsibilities. Trains other departments as needed to ensure accurate and timely processing of transactions and information. Investigates and resolves discrepancies in a timely manner.

Assists the University Controller with other projects as assigned.

Essential Job Requirements:

Education:

• Some college preferred but will consider prior payroll processing experience.

Experience:

• 4-5+ years of payroll experience with increasing responsibility in a complex organization. Not-for-profit and/or higher education experience is preferred but not required.

Skills:

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and accurate.
• Strong writing and proofreading skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, understand and attend to details, meet established deadlines, and provide excellent customer service to the university community.
• Able to maintain a strong internal control environment including supporting documentation and authorizations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Expertise in spreadsheet and word processing software; Microsoft is preferred.
• Experience with Ellucian’s Colleague system and/or ability to learn the university ERP system.
• Ability to work some overtime during high-volume periods preceding the start of academic terms.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to interact verbally in person, over the telephone, and via written and electronic media.
• Ability to move about campus and other locations.
• Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.

Benefit-eligible positions offer excellent benefits including health, dental, life, vision, long term disability, a 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA, and tuition remission. Please send resume with cover letter and contact information for three references including name, telephone and email address.

Apply to:

Aurora University
Human Resources
347 South Gladstone Ave
Aurora, IL 60506
630-844-5650 - fax
jobs@aurora.edu - email

Aurora University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.