Payroll Operations Manager

Job Description

Virginia Tech is seeking an experienced accounting manager to join the University supporting payroll operations. Reporting to the Director of Payroll this position requires a high level of analysis and critical thinking skills to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. The manager supervises the payroll operations team to ensure the accurate timely and efficient completion of semi-monthly payroll system processes. Other responsibilities include calculation and submission of federal and state payroll taxes; processing payroll payroll adjustments garnishments and levies for each cycle; researching and making payroll system recommendations to address new initiatives and programs; performing system upgrade testing; maintaining procedural documentation for payroll processes; and maintaining payroll calendars. The accounting manager assists the Director of Payroll with special projects and other payroll related research as needed.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor degree in accounting finance tax business administration or related field and related experience.
Extensive knowledge of the payroll function including preparation balancing internal control payroll taxes and payroll software.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to work effectively in a complex and diverse environment.
Experience leading a team with strong skills in mentoring training and fostering a collaborative work environment.
Strong research analytical and critical thinking skills including ability to proactively recommend options to balance external compliance requirements with operational efficiency and customer service.

Preferred Qualifications

Masters degree in accounting business or a related field.
Professional certification (Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or similar.
Ability to use query tools to gather and analyze information from large relational databases.
Knowledge of internal controls as related to payroll processes.
Experience working with a large ERP system (i.e. Banner SAP Oracle Workday) with high volume.
Experience working with electronic timekeeping systems.
Experience in analyzing business processes and recommending and/or implementing improvements to same.
Working knowledge of university payroll activities and operations.
Supervisory experience.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience with a salary range of $85000-$95000 per year

Hours per week

40

Review Date

April 10 2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its mottoUt Prosim(That I May Serve) Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world Virginia Tech is aninclusive communitydedicated to knowledge discovery and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36000 undergraduate graduate and professional students in eightundergraduate colleges aschool of medicine aveterinary medicinecollegeGraduate School andHonors College.The university has a significant presence across Virginia including Blacksburg the greater Washington D.C. area the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke sites in Newport News and Richmond and numerousExtension officesandresearch institutes.A leading global research institution Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.