Job Description

Job Summary/Basic Function:
The Payroll Accountant is responsible for managing the university’s payroll processing and related accounting functions in compliance with institutional policies, federal/state regulations, and internal audit standards. This position plays a key role in ensuring timely, accurate, and efficient payroll services for faculty, staff, and student employees. The Payroll Accountant will utilize the Oracle HCM for payroll processing, and for financial and administrative reporting and reconciliation. This position prepares and analyzes financial reports, making studies or recommendations relative to the accounting of assets, revenues, and expenditures. Reviews and verifies the accuracy of journal entries and accounting classifications reported on the financial statements of the University. Provides information to the University staff regarding accounting practices and procedures, and reconciling general ledger accounts. This position assumes the role of a subject matter expert on assigned topics.

Department Overview:
Human Resources and Workforce Strategy fosters a thriving campus community designed to enhance well-being, collaboration, innovation, and career growth. Our mission is to build and empower an engaged workforce to advance the university’s mission. Join us and be part of a collaborative environment where innovative ideas are valued, work-life balance is prioritized, and strong connections to the campus community are built. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of our students and the broader community.

Level Scope:
Fully competent and productive professional contributor who applies acquired job skills, policies, and procedures to complete substantive assignments/projects/tasks of moderate scope and complexity. Works independently with general supervision; exercises judgment within defined guidelines and practices to determine appropriate action. May provide guidance and assistance to entry level professionals and/or support employees.

Essential Functions:
60% of Time the Payroll-Accountant must:
● Prepares complex reports, schedules and special studies requiring a broad knowledge of principles, practices and procedures for both internal and external financial reporting requirements and year end audit. Analytical review of complex account reconciliations.
● Prepares and files biweekly and annual financial statements for the department and department programs. Prepare schedules to manage and forecast budget to actual financial results.
● Interprets, applies and explains complex laws, codes, regulations or ordinances. Research and analyze data for accuracy, trends, and variances to ensure appropriate accounting procedures have been followed for compliance with federal and state laws and regulations and university policy.
● Routinely makes decisions regarding proper processing, booking and reporting of transactions. Develops and monitors financial procedures and controls for internal financial budget to actual reporting, cash handling systems, vault control, disbursements, etc. Reconciling account balances and bank statements, maintaining general ledger and preparing month-end close procedure.
● Manage the overpayment recovery process ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.. Communicating with departments and employees to set up repayment plans.

35% of Time the Payroll- Accountant
● Collaborates with technical teams to test and validate solutions before implementing new features in the current database.
● Assists in preparing and processing payroll for all employees, ensuring accuracy in hours worked, deductions, and adjustments.
● Assists with other accounting projects as needed.

5%: Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
● Experience preparing financial and/or auditor statements, schedules and reports.
● Experience interpreting, applying and explaining complex laws, codes, regulations or ordinances that govern payroll processing, including accounting transactions and financial reporting.
● Knowledge of governmental accounting practices and principles.
● Proficiency in payroll systems.
● High level of attention to detail and accuracy; strong analytical and operational skills.
● Experience in effective data presentation using Excel and/or other spreadsheet computer applications.
● Demonstrated experience in financial analysis and budget management.
● Intermediate to Advanced Excel skills- Pivots, large sorts. cell types, vlookups or xlookups, removed/searching, data sort, understanding data links, and formulas.

Minimum Qualifications:
● Bachelor's degree or equivalent plus 2 years’ experience

Preferred Qualifications:

● At least 2 years of experience working in payroll accounting or financial operations in higher ed.
● At least 2 years of experience interpreting, applying, and explaining complex laws, codes, regulations, or ordinances.
● At least 2 years of experience in effective data presentation using Excel and/or other spreadsheet computer applications.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary range: $60,673.60-$63,856.00 annually and is commensurate with experience. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):
12 paid holidays AND the University is closed between Christmas and New Year's (requires use of 3 vacation days)
Between 12-24 annual paid vacation days for full-time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service
10.76% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)
11.96% University contribution to your PERSI retirement fund (Classified employees)
Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages
Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents
See our full benefits page for more information!