Job Description

Senior Payroll Specialist

The Payroll Specialist helps ensure the heartbeat of Indian River State College keeps movingour this role youll ensure that every member of our campus community is paid accurately and on time including faculty and staff student workers and adjunct instructors. Youll bring care consistency and attention to detail to each step of the payroll process while offering friendly knowledgeable support to employees who have questions about their pay taxes or timekeeping. Your work strengthens the trust our employees place in The River and contributes directly to a smooth student-centered learning environment.

About Us

Indian River State College is a leading public institution located on Floridas Treasure Coast serving students across multiple campuses in four counties. We are dedicated to academic excellence innovation and community engagement offering associate and bachelors degrees workforce training and continuing education programs.

At The River we believe every students and employees story matters. We value the different perspectives experiences and talents that come together on our campuses creating a learning environment and workplace thats supportive inclusive and inspiring. With flexible options online on campus and hybrid we design learning experiences that meet students where they are and prepare them for real-world success. Programs like the Promise Program open doors by providing eligible students with tuition-free access ensuring every learner has the opportunity to thrive.

Why Join the River

When you join Indian River State College you become part of a forward-thinking and supportive community where your work truly matters. Your role is more than a job; its an opportunity to shape the future uplift students and be part of a mission-driven college that is changing lives every day.

What We Offer
At Indian River State College we value the well-being and professional growth of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

Health & Wellness: Medical dental vision flexible spending accounts life insurance supplemental plans and access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Affordable Coverage: PPO/HMO options starting at just $50/month for individual coverage and $180/month for family coverage.

Retirement Security: Participation in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) plus tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) options.

Time for You: Generous paid vacation personal and sick leave to support work-life balance.

Perks & Discounts: Reduced rates on services and tickets to local attractions.

Growth & Development: Professional development programs leadership training and opportunities to advance your career.

Job Summary

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all college employees including faculty staff student workers and adjunct instructors. This role ensures compliance with federal state and local wage laws; maintains payroll records; and provides exceptional customer service to employees regarding payroll matters. The position supports the colleges mission by ensuring employees are compensated correctly and internal processes run efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing

• Prepare and process biweekly payroll for all employee groups.
• Verify time sheets stipends and additional pay requests.
• Review and audit payroll data for accuracy completeness and compliance.
• Process new hires terminations promotions and salary changes in the payroll system.

Compliance & Reporting

• Maintain thorough knowledge of payroll laws tax regulations and internal policies.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and prepare reports for finance auditors and leadership.
• Process tax withholdings garnishments wage verifications retirement contributions and other deductions.
• Assist with year-end procedures including W-2 and quarterly and annual filings.

Data Management

• Maintain accurate payroll records and support data integrity efforts.
• Assist with audits and ensure proper documentation is maintained for compliance.
• Enter and update employee information in HRIS and payroll systems.

Customer Service & Support

• Respond to employee payroll inquiries related to pay taxes leave balances and deductions.
• Provide guidance to supervisors and departments regarding timekeeping and payroll procedures.

Qualifications

Required

• Associate degree in Accounting Business Administration or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2 years of payroll processing experience.
• Strong understanding of payroll regulations timekeeping practices and tax laws.
• Proficiency with payroll and HRIS software (e.g. ADP Banner Colleague Workday).
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

Preferred

• Experience in a higher education environment.
• CPP or FPC certification (Certified Payroll Professional or Fundamental Payroll Certification).

Work Environment

• Office setting within a college campus.
• Occasional extended hours required during payroll deadlines or year-end processing.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods and work at a computer.
• Light lifting of files or materials as needed.

This description is intended to indicate typical kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as declaring every specific duty and responsibility of the particular position. This job description is not intended to be a contract for employment and the employer reserves the right to make any necessary revisions to the job description at any time without notice.

Classification

Supervisory

FLSA Exempt

Employment Type

Compensation and Application Deadline