Payroll Manager

Position Information

Position Title

Payroll Manager

Division

Administration

Department

Human Resources

Number of hours per week

37.5

Days to be worked

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Months per year

Fiscal (12 months)

If modified, list months

Job Type

Full-Time

Campus

Main Campus

If other location, please indicate

Position Number

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with education & experience

Pay Basis

Monthly

Job Description

Tennessee State University Payroll Department invites applications for the position of Payroll Manager. The Payroll Manager will be responsible for the accurate and timely processing, reporting, and compliance of all university payroll operations, including monthly, semi-monthly, and student payrolls. This position will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations governing payroll, taxation, retirement, and wage garnishment programs. The Payroll Manager will provide leadership in payroll administration, oversee payroll accounting functions, and serve as a key liaison between the Payroll Office, Human Resources, Accounting, and external agencies.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties and responsibilities of the Payroll Manager include, but are not limited to:

• managing and overseeing the preparation, processing, and distribution of all payrolls
• processing payroll adjustments, reversals, voids, and overpayment corrections
• preparing, balancing and submitting payroll tax deposits, 941 reports, and W-2 files
• preparing and reconciling quarterly 941 reports, tax deposits, and related payroll records
• assisting with the preparation and distribution of W-2s and 1042-S forms for international employees and students
• maintaining compliance with IRS, FLSA, Social Security, Tennessee Board of Regents, and Civil Service Administration guidelines
• ensuring tax compliance for non-resident employees and students; assisting with completion of W-4 and 8233 forms
• processing and reconciling 403(b), 457, and 401(k) tax-sheltered annuity reports in accordance with IRS limits as well as employee deductions and contributions
• preparing and reconciling payroll-related journal vouchers, cash disbursements and vouchers
• transmitting electronic payments and data files to vendors; maintaining related documentation and deduction records
• processing and monitoring all wage assignments and garnishments (e.g., child support, bankruptcy, court orders, IRS, student loans) while ensuring compliance with applicable state and federal limits
• providing payroll data and documentation to internal and state auditors as requested
• providing accurate and timely responses to employee inquiries
• providing back-up support for Payroll Supervisors as needed
• performing other duties and completing projects as assigned or requested

Preferences

• Experience with electronic banking and ACH file transfers.
• Familiarity with federal and state reporting requirements for higher education institutions.
• Knowledge of IRS regulations governing non-resident alien taxation (Forms 8233, 1042-S).
• Experience supervising payroll staff or managing payroll operations.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred.

Working Conditions

• Standard office environment with extended computer use
• Periodic extended hours required during payroll processing cycles and year-end reporting periods

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Leadership and team collaboration
• Accuracy and compliance orientation
• Analytical, problem solving, organizational, and reconciliation skills
• Effective communication and customer service
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills as well as presentation skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and compliance standards
• Proficiency in payroll software systems and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible payroll and/or financial experience, preferably in a higher education or public sector environment or an Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or a related field and a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible payroll and/or financial experience
• Team management and supervisory experience

Special Instructions to Applicants

Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a criminal background check as mandated by Tennessee State University.

Official transcripts for positions which require a post-secondary undergraduate degree, advanced degree and/or certification must be presented upon hire.

An unofficial transcript may be attached in the "Transcript" section.

You will be required to provide names and contact information for three references during your application to the posting. If you are the recommended candidate for the position, our online hiring system will automatically generate solicitation for these letters using contact information you provided.

Open Date

12/05/2025

Close Date

Job Category

Administrative/Professional

Requisition Number

Benefits

Tennessee State University offers eligible employees a competitive benefits package that includes annual leave (vacation), sick leave, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, flexible benefits plans and more.

Quick Link

References

Minimum References Required

2

Recommendation Deadline

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents

• CV/Resume

• Cover Letter

• Transcript 1

Optional Documents

• Transcript 2