Payroll / HR Specialist - Full Time

Job Summary
The Payroll/HR Specialist supports payroll processing and human resources operations within a higher education institution. This role ensures accurate and timely payroll for faculty, staff, and student employees, while maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations, institutional policies, and academic employment structures. The position also assists with HR functions including onboarding, benefits administration, and employee support.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration
• Process payroll for faculty (full-time, adjunct), staff, and student workers
• Manage complex pay structures, including stipends, overloads, grants, and contract-based compensation
• Ensure compliance with federal and state wage laws, as well as institutional and grant funding requirements
• Maintain payroll records and ensure accuracy of deductions, leave balances, and tax withholdings
• Coordinate payroll timelines around academic calendars, semesters, and contract periods
• Reconcile payroll reports and assist with audits (internal, external, and grant-related)

Human Resources Support
• Maintain employee records in Paychex Flex
• Assist with onboarding for faculty, staff, and student employees, including I-9 verification, background check and new hire documentation
• Support faculty contract processing, renewals, and tenure-related documentation
• Administer benefits for eligible employees and assist with open enrollment
• Ensure compliance with employment laws, accreditation standards, and institutional policies
• Assist with recruitment processes, including posting positions and coordinating interviews
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, benefits, contracts, and HR policies

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field
• 3–5 years of payroll and/or HR experience, preferably in higher education or public sector
• Experience handling multiple employee classifications (faculty, staff, student workers)
• Familiarity with grant-funded payroll and academic contracts preferred
• Knowledge of HRIS/payroll systems such as Paychex and Student First
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Power Point)
• Understanding of FERPA and confidentiality requirements

Skills & Competencies
• Strong attention to detail, especially with complex pay structures
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, contracts, and regulations
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills aligned with academic cycles
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work with diverse campus populations
• High level of discretion when handling sensitive employee data

Preferred Certifications
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
• SHRM-CP, PHR, or equivalent HR certification

Applicants who meet the qualifications listed above are invited to submit a complete application packet, consisting of a cover letter, resume, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation to Jennifer Jeansonne, jennifer.jeansonne@uhcno.edu in a single submission. Incomplete application packets will not be considered.

Equal Opportunity
The University of Holy Cross assures equal opportunity for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, marital status, or veterans’ status in the admission to, participation in, or employment of its programs and activities.