Payroll Operations Manager (Levels I - IV)

Department

Payroll | Controller's Office

As part of the Controller's Office, the Payroll Department is committed to ensuring accurate and timely compensation for all university employees. We oversee payroll processing, tax compliance, and financial reporting while delivering exceptional service to faculty, staff, and student employees. Our team values precision, efficiency, and collaboration, operating in a dynamic environment to support the university.

Responsibilities

The Controller's Office offers career ladders for many of our positions, providing tenured employees with promotional opportunities within their job. The successful candidate will be hired at the most appropriate level of Payroll Operations Manager I through IV, based on their specific education and experience.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Department Management

• Provide leadership, direction, and oversight for the Payroll Operations team within Payroll Services.
• Promote staff development, productivity, and operational excellence through effective supervision and performance management.
• Serve as a liaison between management and employees by interpreting policies, addressing concerns, and resolving workplace issues.
• Participate in departmental planning, projects, and strategic initiatives that support university and divisional goals.

Payroll Operations Management

• Oversee the timely and accurate processing of bi-weekly payroll cycles and off-cycle payroll activities.
• Manage payroll functions including salary over-payments, child support and wage garnishments, fringe benefit payments, nonresident alien independent contractors, and scholarship payments.
• Ensure the timely submission of ACH direct deposit files for all payroll cycles.
• Monitor service levels and ensure prompt, accurate, and professional responses to inquiries from departments, employees, and external stakeholders.
• Resolve escalated payroll issues and collaborate with leadership on complex or non-routine matters.

Payroll Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure payroll operations comply with university policies and applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
• Identify, research, and resolve payroll processing issues in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with Human Resources, Budget and Financial Services, and other university departments to address compliance concerns and implement corrective actions.
• Support payroll system testing and process reviews to ensure regulatory compliance and operational effectiveness.

Payroll Systems, Controls, and Process Improvement

• Maintain strong internal controls and oversee payroll reconciliation processes.
• Monitor payroll exceptions and ensure timely resolution of discrepancies.
• Analyze operational processes and recommend improvements that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Develop and implement procedures that strengthen payroll operations and support university initiatives.
• Ensure payroll activities are performed in accordance with generally accepted payroll and accounting principles.

Qualifications

Master's degree in accounting, finance, or similar field and three years of experience; or a Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or similar field and five years of experience; or a high school diploma or equivalent and nine years of experience. (Note: a combination of post high school education and experience equal to eight years.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and standards of payroll administration in the assigned area.
• Ability to maintain and improve personal and team effectiveness and foster change and creativity.
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply related federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply related University policies, procedures, principles, and practices.
• Ability to evaluate process effectiveness and develop changes or alternatives.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving skills.
• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking based on in-depth data, substantiating information, considering, and respecting others' input, personal values, and ethics.

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there's the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow's news!

Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses .

Anticipated Salary Range

The anticipated salary for this position is $64,000, commensurate with experience and education.

FSU Total Rewards

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our FSU Total Rewards website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.

Use our FSU Total Compensation Calculato r to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply through the FSU Careers site (jobs.fsu.edu). If you are a current FSU employee, apply through myFSU Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.

Considerations

This is an A&P position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check .

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.