Payroll & Human Resource Assistant
Payroll & Human Resource Assistant
Department: Human Resources
Reports To: Director of Human Resources
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday–Friday
Position Summary
The Payroll & HR Assistant provides payroll processing and human resources support to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations. This position plays a critical role in supporting payroll administration, HRIS data management, and employee records. The Payroll & HR Assistant works closely with Human Resources, Finance, supervisors, and employees and handles highly confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Payroll Responsibilities
- Assist with the preparation, processing, and auditing of bi-weekly payroll for staff and faculty
- Ensure accurate entry and maintenance of payroll data, including pay rates, deductions, stipends, supplemental pay, and time records
- Review payroll registers and reports for accuracy and resolve discrepancies prior to payroll submission
- Process payroll-related changes including new hires, terminations, promotions, pay adjustments, and retroactive pay
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional payroll regulations
- Assist with year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing and reconciliation
HRIS & Records Management
- Maintain and update employee data within the HRIS system, ensuring accuracy and compliance
- Assist with system audits related to payroll, benefits, and employee records
- Generate payroll and HR reports as requested
- Support HRIS troubleshooting and data integrity initiatives
Human Resources Support
- Assist with onboarding paperwork and employment verifications
- Maintain personnel files and confidential HR records
- Support benefits administration as it relates to payroll deductions and employee changes
- Serve as a point of contact for employee payroll-related questions
- Assist with compliance reporting and internal or external audits
- Perform other HR administrative duties as assigned
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree preferred in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field
- Associate’s degree will be considered with strong payroll experience
Experience
- Minimum of 2–4 years of payroll experience required
- Prior experience in Human Resources strongly preferred
- Experience with Paychex or Paylocity is strongly preferred
- Experience in higher education or multi-employee payroll environments preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong understanding of payroll processes and wage and hour compliance
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
- Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Work Environment & Physical Demands
- Primarily office-based work environment
- Occasional lifting of files or office materials (up to 15 lbs.)
- Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use
To apply, please complete the application at https://apply.appone.com/job/698be992e078798813153392
For questions regarding this position, please email Chris Lyons, Vice President of Human Resources, at clyons@thomasu.edu.
For questions regarding the submission of application materials, please email Anna Benefield, Human Resources Administrator, at abenefield@thomasu.edu.
