Payroll Operations Specialist

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.

As a Payroll Operations Specialist, you will be responsible for performing professional payroll work to ensure the accuracy and timely processing of all pay cycles. You will provide support to departments, employees, and other stakeholders by addressing routine payroll questions, issues, and concerns.

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

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in processing specialized payroll procedures and calculations to ensure accurate and timely payroll for all employees. This includes tasks such as loading employee time into the payroll system, calculating overtime, termination payouts, workers' compensation, and other payroll transactions.
• Review payroll error reports and implement necessary corrections to ensure accurate payroll processing, in compliance with university, state, and federal regulations.
• Apply knowledge of university and legal rules and regulations to ensure compliance with all payroll procedures and practices.
• Research and analyze typical payroll-related documents such as tax levies, garnishments, benefit deductions, and contract buyouts to ensure they are processed correctly and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Process reconciliations of payroll data to ensure transactions are accurately produced and records are maintained properly.
• Respond to and resolve basic payroll inquiries from employees, departments, vendors, and other central offices, escalating complex or unusual inquiries to senior staff when necessary.
• Assist management and senior staff with special payroll projects, contributing to continuous improvement in payroll processes and systems.

Bachelor's degree in accounting, human resources, or similar field; or a high school diploma/equivalent and four years of related experience. (Note: a combination of post high school education and experience equal to four years.)

• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking based upon in-depth data, substantiating information, considering, and respecting the input, personal values, and ethics of others .
• Ability to demonstrate effective customer service skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to perform accurately in a detail-oriented environment.
• Knowledge of principles, practices & standards of payroll administration in assigned areas.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

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 our university and campuses.

The anticipated starting salary for this position is $46,500, commensurate with experience and education.

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

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

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at If you are a current FSU employee, apply via 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.

This is an A&P position.

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

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.