Payroll Accountant I, II, III

Position Function:

The Payroll Accountant provides specialized accounting payroll and compliance support within the Controller and Treasurers Office. This position ensures the accuracy integrity and timely processing of payroll-related financial activity; supports university business managers and fiscal staff; and assists with required reporting to federal and state agencies. The role contributes to maintaining strong internal controls accurate payroll integrations into the universitys financial system and high-quality service to campus stakeholders.

Salary Grade:I- SG 14 II/III- SG 15

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC these positions are Unclassified and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

The Office of Payroll is dedicated to providing the best and most efficient payroll services to Mississippi State University employees.

It is our goal to produce payroll payments and supporting documents in a timely and accurate manner. We also process retroactive job labor redistributions retirement billings for Extension personnel in the 82 counties and handle payroll deductions such as garnishments bankruptcy payments and United Way contributions.

We strive to continually review our services and implement improvements to keep pace with the opportunities available through on-line entry of information. It is our goal to be a leader not a follower in this technological age.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The following examples represent typical responsibilities for this classification. Duties may vary and similar or related tasks may be assigned as needed.
1. Prepare process and issue payroll adjustment checks ensuring accuracy and compliance with university policies and regulatory requirements.
2. Prepare and reconcile county billing resolving discrepancies and ensuring proper posting to the financial system.
3. Prepare reconcile and submit monthly State Retirement System files ensuring accuracy timeliness and compliance with state regulations.
4. Prepare reconcile and submit Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) files coordinating with vendors and state agencies as required.
5. Prepare federal and state payroll tax deposits ensuring compliance with IRS SSA and state withholding requirements.
6. Serve as key resources for Payroll staff and campus partners by researching and resolving payroll issues providing guidance on payroll accounting procedures.
7. Monitor data integrity in Banner HR and Banner Finance running queries validating entries and identifying irregularities.
8. Maintain required documentation and support internal and external audits preparing reports reconciliations and related materials.
9. Ensure confidentiality and secure handling of sensitive payroll data adhering to university policies and federal and state regulations.
10. Collaborate with HR ITS the Budget Office and departmental business managers to resolve issues and improve payroll workflows.
11. Identify opportunities for process improvements and assist in refining payroll accounting procedures and system practices.
12. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Level I (Salary Grade 14)
Bachelors degree in accounting finance business or related discipline.
No experience required.
Indicated education is required; substitutions are not allowed.

Level II (Salary Grade 15)
Bachelors degree in accounting finance business or related discipline.
Two (2) years of relevant experience including at least two years at the preceding level or equivalent.
Additional relevant education may substitute for required experience at a rate of one (1) year of education per one (1) year of experience.

Level III (Salary Grade 15)
Bachelors degree in accounting finance business or related discipline.
Four (4) years of relevant experience including at least two years at the preceding level or equivalent.
Additional relevant education may substitute for required experience at a rate of one (1) year of education per one (1) year of experience.

ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Bachelors degree in Accounting.
2. Experience using Banner or similar enterprise resource planning systems.
3. Advanced degree (e.g. MBA) and/or professional certification (e.g. CPA).

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

1. Well-developed interpersonal customer service and collaboration skills.
2. Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
3. Commitment to advancing and supporting diversity and inclusion.
4. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat.
5. Working knowledge of database query tools and reporting systems.
6. Ability to work independently demonstrating initiative and a strong work ethic.
7. Experience in environments requiring teamwork and management of high-volume tasks.
8. Ability to manage multiple priorities meet daily deadlines and maintain accuracy.
9. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
10. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information responsibly.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

1. Routine deadlines; variance in work volume seasonal and predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressures; infrequent evening and weekend work is required.
2. Job frequently requires sitting reaching talking hearing and handling objects.
3. Job occasionally requires standing walking stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling and lifting to 25 pounds.
4. Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply: application cover letter and resume at Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment programs or activities based on race color ethnicity sex pregnancy religion national origin disability age sexual orientation genetic information status as a U.S. veteran or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance 231 Famous Maroon Band Street P.O. 6044 Mississippi State MS 39762 .

What do I do if I need an accommodation

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA) if you have a disability and wouldlike to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi StateUniversity please contact the Department of Human Resources Management attel: or.

If you have any questions regarding this policy contact the Department of Human ResourcesManagement ator. Upon request sections of thisjob listing are available in large print and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.