Job Description

Senior Payroll Specialist

The Payroll Specialist helps ensure the heartbeat of Indian River State College keeps moving—our people. In this role, you’ll ensure that every member of our campus community is paid accurately and on time, including faculty and staff, student workers, and adjunct instructors. You’ll bring care, consistency, and attention to detail to each step of the payroll process while offering friendly, knowledgeable support to employees who have questions about their pay, taxes, or timekeeping. Your work strengthens the trust our employees place in The River and contributes directly to a smooth, student-centered learning environment.

About Us

Indian River State College is a leading public institution located on Florida’s Treasure Coast, serving students across multiple campuses in four counties. We are dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement, offering associate and bachelor’s degrees, workforce training, and continuing education programs.

At The River, we believe every student’s and employee’s story matters. We value the different perspectives, experiences, and talents that come together on our campuses, creating a learning environment and workplace that’s supportive, inclusive, and inspiring. With flexible options online, on campus, and hybrid, we design learning experiences that meet students where they are and prepare them for real-world success. Programs like the Promise Program open doors by providing eligible students with tuition-free access, ensuring every learner has the opportunity to thrive.

Why Join the River

When you join Indian River State College, you become part of a forward-thinking and supportive community where your work truly matters. Your role is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to shape the future, uplift students, and be part of a mission-driven college that is changing lives every day.

What We Offer
At Indian River State College, we value the well-being and professional growth of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

·         Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, supplemental plans, and access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

·         Affordable Coverage: PPO/HMO options starting at just $50/month for individual coverage and $180/month for family coverage.

·         Retirement Security: Participation in the Florida Retirement System (FRS), plus tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) options.

·         Time for You: Generous paid vacation, personal, and sick leave to support work-life balance.

·         Perks & Discounts: Reduced rates on services and tickets to local attractions.

·         Growth & Development: Professional development programs, leadership training, and opportunities to advance your career.

Job Summary

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all college employees, including faculty, staff, student workers, and adjunct instructors. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local wage laws; maintains payroll records; and provides exceptional customer service to employees regarding payroll matters. The position supports the college’s mission by ensuring employees are compensated correctly and internal processes run efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing

• Prepare and process biweekly payroll for all employee groups.
• Verify time sheets, stipends, and additional pay requests.
• Review and audit payroll data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Process new hires, terminations, promotions, and salary changes in the payroll system.

Compliance & Reporting

• Maintain thorough knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and internal policies.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and prepare reports for finance, auditors, and leadership.
• Process tax withholdings, garnishments, wage verifications, retirement contributions, and other deductions.
• Assist with year-end procedures, including W-2 and quarterly and annual filings.

Data Management

• Maintain accurate payroll records and support data integrity efforts.
• Assist with audits and ensure proper documentation is maintained for compliance.
• Enter and update employee information in HRIS and payroll systems.

Customer Service & Support

• Respond to employee payroll inquiries related to pay, taxes, leave balances, and deductions.
• Provide guidance to supervisors and departments regarding timekeeping and payroll procedures.

Qualifications

Required

• Associate degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2+ years of payroll processing experience.
• Strong understanding of payroll regulations, timekeeping practices, and tax laws.
• Proficiency with payroll and HRIS software (e.g., ADP, Banner, Colleague, Workday).
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

Preferred

• Experience in a higher education environment.
• CPP or FPC certification (Certified Payroll Professional or Fundamental Payroll Certification).

Work Environment

• Office setting within a college campus.
• Occasional extended hours required during payroll deadlines or year-end processing.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods and work at a computer.
• Light lifting of files or materials as needed.

This description is intended to indicate typical kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as declaring every specific duty and responsibility of the particular position.  This job description is not intended to be a contract for employment, and the employer reserves the right to make any necessary revisions to the job description at any time without notice.

Classification

Staff

Supervisory

No

FLSA Exempt

No

Employment Type

Regular

Compensation and Application Deadline

The compensation for this position ranges from $20.68 to $26.88/hour. All salary calculations begin at the minimum salary and are based on the candidate's education and experience. Open until filled.