APU is seeking employees who desire to engage in our thriving culture by cultivating community through professional interactions, demonstrating a posture of lifelong learning, and modeling Christ-like character. Working together, employees at APU commit to establishing a university atmosphere that is pleasing to God and edifying to one another.

Under the general direction of the Director of Procurement and Payments, this position supervises the payroll staff to ensure that all payroll-related processes are executed appropriately and in a timely manner. Serves as a subject matter expert on the various payroll transactional processes and resolves issues that arise. Optimizes the contribution of the team through coaching, counseling and implementing workable solutions to business issues/problems as needed and within university policies and procedures. Serves as a partner with the Director of Procurement and Payments to continuously look for improvements in operational processes and designs, and implements those initiatives in coordination with the Offices of Human Resources and the Business Office.

Required Education

• High school graduate, some college preferred with accounting and/or business related courses. Certified Payroll Professional is a bonus.

Required Experience

• Three - five years of payroll management experience with a working knowledge of federal and state labor regulations, payroll processing, payroll accounting. Multiple states is a bonus.
• Prior supervisory experience required.

Primary Duties/Essential Functions

• Meets payroll operational standards by:
  • Coordinating with the Office of Human Resources, Office of Student Employment, and the Business Office systems team in the payroll data management, system configuration, and payroll processing.
  • Assuring that payroll is processed timely and accurately with payroll service provider including all calculations of earnings, deductions, taxes, paid time off, retirement plan contributions, wage garnishment orders, preparation of paycheck statements, checks, pay cards, or direct deposit in compliance with federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.
  • Ensuring that all reporting activities are completed by service provider including all federal and state tax filings and employee wage statements (W-2).
  • Assisting the payroll team in payroll calculations, deductions, insurance coverage, wage garnishments, tax filings, and child support.
  • Coordinating with accountants for payroll accounting, transactions and reporting activities.
  • Analyzing payroll problems and providing appropriate resolutions.
  • Contributing information to audits, accounting and other departments as needed.
  • Maintaining appropriate document retention policy and procedure. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, benchmarking state-of-the-art practices and participating in professional societies.
  • Assisting Director Procurement and Payments with strategic payroll objectives annually.
  • Contributing to the overall success of the Business Office by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
  • In agreement with the purpose and goals of Azusa Pacific University in providing a Christian-based higher education for its students.

• Provides direct supervision and guidance to professional payroll staff members in the development, implementation and maintenance of payroll operations.
• Provides direction to payroll staff according to established policies.
• Acts as an advisor to the department to meet schedules and resolve issues.
• Oversees the workflow of payroll administration to ensure optimal efficiency and maintains high standards of customer service.
• Provides expertise and support to ensure that salary records and payroll data remain current and accurate.
• Administers new payroll processes, utilizing industry best practices in order to achieve consistency and standardization.
• Assists in the resolution of highly complex and escalated payroll issues and situations.

Skills

• Knowledge of accounting principles, payroll methods, Department of Labor regulations, federal and state tax regulations, and international tax is required.
• Skilled in understanding and using ADP or other major ERP payroll processing systems is required.
• Proficiency with Excel and/or other spreadsheet and database applications is required.
• Strong skills in: attention to detail, confidentiality, thoroughness, verbal communication and customer service.
• Demonstrated coaching/mentoring skills with subordinates.
• Ability to effectively supervise team members and organize their work activities.
• Ability & interest in training other team members.
• Ability to communicate well in person and by email and telephone.
• Ability to interface effectively with management level staff, the payroll service, and all types of employees including faculty, staff and students.
• Knowledge of management reporting in regard to payroll information is required.
• Accuracy in auditing and editing of data and computer reports.

Mental Demands

• Able to work with distractions, meet deadlines, handle several projects simultaneously and have logical problem-solving skills.
• Good time management and organizational skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Physical Demands

• Ability to walk upstairs.
• Requires repetitive motions while at computer keyboard.
• Continuous sitting for approximately 5-6 hours per day.
• Hearing and speaking on the telephone.
• Able to conduct business at other offices on campus.
• Ability to lift, pull, grasp, stoop to lower file drawers and reach to top of five-drawer file cabinet.
• Able to lift up to 20 lbs. occasionally.

Visual Demands

• Computer monitor and reading.

Environment

• On second floor with no elevator.
• Pleasant office setting, comfortable temperature.

Technologies

• Proficient in ADP and/or major ERP timekeeping and payroll systems. Ability to learn new systems.
• Proficient in Google applications.
• Microsoft Office, Word and Excel.

Compensation

• Grade 13: $68,580 - $89,154 is the annual salary for this role and reflects what Azusa Pacific University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on the qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition to compensation, APU offers a competitive benefits package.

Azusa Pacific University is a Christ-centered, multicultural community that values and seeks faculty and staff who are committed to diversity, work effectively with diverse populations, and engage others in ways that honor our rich cultural mosaic and biblical foundation.

You can learn more about APU by watching the stories of faculty, staff, and alumni as they carry out our mission here: http://www.apu.edu/stories/

Azusa Pacific University will conduct a background check on all final candidates.

Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled unless otherwise stated. Azusa Pacific University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

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About Azusa Pacific University

Azusa Pacific University is a comprehensive, evangelical, Christian university located 26 miles northeast of Los Angeles, California. A leader in the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities, APU is committed to excellence in higher education. Offering more than 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs on campus, online, and at seven regional centers across Southern California, APU continues to be recognized annually as one of America's Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report.

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