Union County College is a public comprehensive community college providing quality, affordable, accessible educational programs that serve the greater Union County region. It is the oldest of New Jerseys 19 Associate Degree Colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College enrolls almost 30,000 credit, non-credit and continuing education students and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Many programs lead to the Associate in Arts, Science and Applied Science degrees.

Campus: Cranford

General Description:

The Financial Operations and Payroll Manager is a key member of the College's Finance team responsible for the oversight and coordination of payroll operations and accounts payable. This role ensures adherence to institutional policies, state and federal regulations, and best practices. The Manager serves as a liaison between Finance, Human Resources, and other departments to support operational excellence, compliance, and efficient service delivery.

Characteristics, Duties and Responsibilities:

Oversee and manage all aspects of payroll processing, including timely payments, deductions, reimbursements, and compliance with employee contracts and negotiated agreements.

Administer the College's time and attendance system, ensuring timely updates, accurate data, and alignment with payroll cycles.

Coordinate and monitor all pension contributions ( PERS and ABP ), ensuring compliance with employee elections and IRS guidelines.

Conduct regular audits and reconciliations, including year-end payroll data, to ensure consistency between internal payroll records and ADP systems.

Manage and review payroll components including faculty overloads and overages, adjunct compensation, group term life ( GTL ), union dues, and payroll liability accounts.

Reconcile benefit deductions to billing sources and ensure accurate reporting.

Supervise and provide leadership to a team of four staff members ensuring efficient workflow, accuracy, and compliance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements. Conduct regular performance reviews, provide training and support, and foster a collaborative and accountable work environment.

Partner with academic deans to maintain accurate course contact hours in Colleague for payroll processing.

Collaborate with Human Resources to resolve payroll-related issues and prepare retroactive salary adjustments.

Review monthly payroll accruals and payroll entries.

Monitor Federal Work-Study ( FWS ) awards and payments to students and reconcile activity to the general ledger.

Oversee accounts payable operations, maintaining accurate subsidiary ledgers and collaborating with the Purchasing department to address discrepancies.

Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency, internal controls, and customer service.

Performs general accounting duties and support other duties as assigned.

Education Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting

Experience:

Minimum of five years of progressive experience in payroll and financial operations, with at least two years in a supervisory capacity.

Proficiency with ADP Workforce Now

Experience managing time and attendance systems.

Knowledge of federal and state payroll tax laws and pension regulations

Experience with accounts payable.

Competencies and Skills Required:

Minimum of five years of progressive experience in payroll and financial operations, with at least two years in a supervisory capacity.

Proficiency with ADP Workforce Now

Experience managing time and attendance systems.

Knowledge of federal and state payroll tax laws and pension regulations

Experience with accounts payable.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

This position's duties are normally performed in a typical interior/residence work environment, based on the activity scheduled.

Some physical effort required; however, the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

Union County College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, religion, age, disability, handicap or other legally protected status in its provision of employment, education, and activities, or other services. Union County College is an EEO/AAP Employer/Protected Veteran/Disabled Disclaimer: This job description outlines the general nature and key features performed by various positions that share the same job classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of all employees assigned to the job. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or re-assign duties to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodations or other business reasons. Union County College offers a competitive compensation package and salaries that are commensurate with experience and qualifications. The following benefits are also provided: Medical benefits and pension plan offered through the State of NJ; Dental and vision benefits; Vacation days based on accrual system; Ten paid holidays and three floating holidays that are determined by the College; Tuition remission for employee, spouse, and eligible children for credit and non-credit courses; and Tuition reimbursement for approved degree programs at an accredited college or university.

Union County College

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Financial Operations and Payroll Manager