Position Summary
Reporting to the Deputy Controller, the Payroll Director is responsible for the accurate and timely payment of over $3.5 billion to more than 34,000 employees. This includes managing over 100 payroll runs (semi-monthly, bi-weekly, weekly), ensuring proper tax withholdings and remittances, supporting audits, and maintaining accurate accounting and reconciliation in the PeopleSoft financial system.
The role leads a team of eight responsible for payroll operations and accounting, and participates in system enhancements and upgrades.
Responsibilities
- Oversee payroll processing for 34,000+ employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including tax reporting.
- Maintain compliance with university policies and collective bargaining agreements.
- Ensure proper payroll accounting in PeopleSoft and monthly reconciliation of general ledger accounts.
- Collaborate with HR Processing Center and CUIT on system improvements.
- Support internal and external audits, implementing recommendations timely.
- Develop operational protocols for new benefits or bargaining agreements.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and lead their implementation.
- Create payroll training materials and provide ongoing guidance to administrators.
- Interpret and administer regulations related to pay and taxation, reporting to authorities as needed.
- Provide high-level customer service; act as a key contact for HR and Finance Service Desk.
- Manage vendor relationships with ADP and Experian.
- Stay updated on payroll laws and ensure compliance.
- Lead, mentor, and develop the payroll team.
- Develop metrics and dashboards for performance monitoring.
- Participate in special projects and lead payroll-specific initiatives.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- 7-9 years of experience in payroll accounting and operations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree or CPA certification.
- Over 8 years of related experience.
- At least five years in a leadership role overseeing large payroll operations.
- Experience in a large academic or research environment.
Other Requirements
- Extensive knowledge of ERP payroll systems, preferably PeopleSoft.
- Strong understanding of payroll regulations and compliance.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with experience in report preparation and analysis.
- Excellent planning, project management, and analytical skills.
- Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
- Leadership and team management skills.
- Attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to prioritize multiple projects.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Flexibility, sound judgment, and a collaborative leadership style.
- Commitment to customer service and quality.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran. Columbia University is committed to hiring qualified local residents.
#J-18808-Ljbffr