Manager, Payroll Services - Finance Division

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

The Finance Division at Carnegie Mellon University is responsible for providing financial management, enterprise planning and stewardship in support of education, research, and strategic goals of the university. As part of the Controller’s Office Team, the payroll department supports the entire scope of pay operations for CMU, including staff, faculty, and students, across international and domestic multi-state locations.

Are you an authority in complex payroll operations?  Do you thrive in a dynamic environment that requires leadership skill, but allows access to working alongside your team?  Do you have proven success in making change and transforming payroll operations across an organization?

We are seeking a knowledgeable and motivated Payroll Manager to join our team, contribute to the transformation, and make a difference. This is an exciting opportunity for someone to evaluate, develop, recommend, and implement payroll policies, processes and system improvements designed to improve business operations within the university. You will lead and develop a team in processing payroll in a compliant and accurate manner. You will be responsible for managing and directing the day-to-day operations, to include supervising and distributing work, facilitating issues, auditing staff transactions and communications for accuracy and compliance, and supporting professional development, coaching, and mentoring of the staff. This role requires extensive knowledge of global payroll practices, the ability to navigate complex payroll landscapes, and proven success in making change and transforming payroll operations across an organization.

Core Responsibilities:

• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, reduce risk, and improve efficiency and accuracy across payroll operations.
• Maintain and manage master payroll policies, procedures, and process documentation to ensure accuracy and regulatory alignment.
• Lead, supervise, and coach payroll staff by managing workload distribution, providing performance feedback, supporting professional development, and fostering a collaborative, accountable, service-focused team culture that promotes continuous learning and growth.
• Direct and manage activities associated with year-end processing, including the preparation, review, and distribution of W-2 forms.
• Ensure accuracy of tax calculations and withholdings, support the timely filing of federal, state, and local payroll taxes, and manage all payroll tax–related responsibilities, including compliance reviews, audit support, troubleshooting discrepancies, and coordinating with internal stakeholders and external agencies.
• Monitor payroll processing metrics and daily performance reports to identify issues, ensure quality, and take corrective action when needed.
• Oversee payroll reconciliation, recordkeeping, and validation of payroll deductions, including benefits, retirement, insurance, and garnishments.
• Manage and direct daily payroll operations to ensure accurate and timely processing of domestic and international, multi-state payrolls for faculty, staff, and students.
• Provide guidance on high risk, internally escalated payroll issues and discrepancies (e.g. union, expat, and other special pay situations).
• Perform additional tasks as assigned; other tasks include, but are not limited to: conduct analytical research, support the development of key performance indicators, and contribute to future project planning and operational initiatives.
• Design, develop, and facilitate training programs for payroll staff and other personnel on payroll procedures, system functionality, and related policies.
• Participate in or lead process redesign projects, workflow improvements, and system enhancements in collaboration with HR, Finance, and IT partners and coordinate payroll technology enhancements to ensure systems support compliant, accurate, and efficient payroll processing.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University.  We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• 10-15 years of payroll experience required.
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) Certification preferred.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful background check

Additional Information:

• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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