Accounting Specialist (Payroll)

Rutgers University

sick time

United States, New Jersey, New Brunswick

Apr 15, 2025

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Accounting Specialist (Payroll)
Job Category	URA-AFT Administrative
Department	UFA-Payroll Services
Overview	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses. For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication's 2023 list. Rutgers' commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation's military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking an Accounting Specialist for Payroll Services. Reporting to the Payroll Supervisor this position is responsible for supporting university-wide hourly payroll processing and the administration of Time and Labor and Kronos for all hourly university employees. In the absence of the Payroll Supervisor, this position will assume full responsibility for administering all aspects of Time and Labor to ensure the timely and accurate processing of hourly payroll. Among the key duties of this position are the following: Oversees all processes related to Time and Labor for the university's bi-weekly hourly payroll, ensuring timely and accurate payroll confirmation. Manages the accurate load of payroll interfaces submitted by university departments, including IP&O, Student Centers, Trades, Dining Services, and Camden campus. Oversees RBHS employee payroll check requests entered by Time and Labor. Serves as a liaison to departments submitting payroll via interface, working directly with preparers and approvers to ensure timely error resolution. Monitors employee time entry and approvals to meet payroll cutoffs. Oversees complex payroll duties, including retroactive payment processing, payment analysis, and error report reconciliation. Collaborates with Human Resources and OIT to test new Time and Labor processes, including tax updates, mass uploads, and system enhancements. Partners with the Payroll Supervisor and Manager to develop pay values aligned with labor union agreements and reporting needs. Maintains a comprehensive understanding of payroll processes, policies, and system functionality. Leads Time and Labor administration in the absence of the Payroll Supervisor. Provides guidance and support to lower-level employees as needed. Manages weekly check and direct deposit register processes, resolving issues and ensuring compliance. Reviews and approves high-value payments, verifying documentation and payment accuracy. Ensures timely and accurate transmission of paychecks, direct deposit files, and bank reports. Administers the US Bank Focus Pay Card program, validating and uploading employee applications. Oversees the Wells Fargo Desktop Check Deposit process, ensuring proper account allocation and reconciliation. Provides exceptional customer service by responding promptly to inquiries from university departments and employees. Independently resolves complex Time and Labor issues and implements corrective actions. Leads university-wide training for department Time and Labor preparers and approvers, identifying training needs and developing instructional programs. Serves as the primary liaison for hourly payroll operations, managing overpayment negotiations and facilitating accurate repayment processing. Monitors and ensures accurate reconciliation of overpayment repayments using the Rutgers Nelnet Quik Pay system. Determines the need to escalate critical payroll issues for resolution. Establishes and maintains departmental charging instructions. Collaborates with the OneSource Faculty and Staff Service Center to ensure prompt and effective employee support. Monitors and processes payroll suspense reallocations to clear accounts. Oversees manual journal entries for payroll suspense account resolution. Manages university-wide Sick Leave Payouts for retiring employees, verifying reports, calculating payouts, ensuring accurate and timely payments, and providing clear and responsive communications.
Position Status	Full Time
Hours Per Week
Daily Work Shift
Work Arrangement
FLSA	Nonexempt
Grade	05
Position Salary
Annual Minimum Salary	65741.00
Annual Mid Range Salary	81857.00
Annual Maximum Salary	97972.00
Standard Hours	37.50
Union Description	URA-AFT Administrative
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Benefits	Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates comprehensive knowledge and understanding of general accounting principles and practices. A minimum of two years of relevant experience, excellent communication and customer service skills, and computer literacy.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Must be able work well with others in a fast-paced and frequently stressful environment. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications	Advanced Excel knowledge. Five years of experience in payroll administration. Knowledge of and experience with payroll and accounting systems. Familiarity with PeopleSoft, Oracle and Rutgers Financial Systems.
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment	This position, may at times, be required to work extra hours during peak periods during the year to meet the essential payroll processing requirements of Rutgers University.
Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number	25ST0733
Posting Open Date	04/15/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus	Off Campus
City	Piscataway
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement