College of Western Idaho Looking for Sr. Specialist, Payroll Full Time

Reports To: 

Manager II, Purchasing/Payroll/Fixed Assets

Position Status:

Full-Time

Posted Pay Range: 

22.26 – 27.83

About Us:

The College of Western Idaho (CWI) is committed to empowering students to succeed by providing affordable and accessible education to advance the local and global workforce.

Offering premier programs and degrees that make a difference, CWI remains a top choice for higher education in the Treasure Valley. Empowering the community one student at a time, CWI moves fearlessly forward paving the way to bold new futures with flexible options, exceptional tuition value, and support every step of the way.

Visit cwi.edu/about-cwi to learn more.

Position Summary:

This position applies payroll and benefit rules and information to ensure all staff and faculty of CWI are compensated timely and appropriately. This position compiles and posts employee payroll data, computes and processes wages and deductions, prepares paychecks, tax and benefit payments. It is vital that this position work with the Human Resources Department to ensure accurate and timely entry of all personnel changes.

Essential Functions:
* Compile and review employee time and payroll data from electronic and paper time sheets.
* Compute wages and deductions, and enter the data into an ERP system for various employee types.
* Compute and process special payroll issues including one-time benefit adjustments and garnishments.
* Advise, communicate and complete compensation exceptions. This includes creating and
updating a troubleshooting manual for exceptions.
* Review payroll processing reports for discrepancies and work with HR to make appropriate corrections.
* Review and reconcile all staff and faculty hours
* Process and issue employee paychecks and direct deposits.
* Create, verify, and remit all required federal and state reports and process fringe payments, including electronic payments to the IRS and retirement vendors. This must be in accordance with all policies, laws, and state statutes.
* Process and reconcile quarterly and yearend tax forms including 941 and W2’s, employee fringe, stipends & College President contract.
* Provide customer service to employees and managers regarding payroll matters, tax issues, and benefit plans. This entails numerous phone calls and emails.
* Manage and coordinate start and end dates, hours worked, and quality checks ERP entry to ensure compensation is completed correctly. This position must communicate and resolve any issues relating to payroll with the correct parties.
* Participates in new hire orientation and must be able to train at all levels.
* Leads a collaborative Payroll/HR meeting
* Resolve payroll discrepancies by preparing journal entries.
* Assist with the preparation of reports provided to management.
* Perform general ledger account reconciliations and analysis on a timely basis. This includes payroll liability and expense accounts.
* Assist with the annual year-end audit.
* Convey by words and action the values expected by CWI.
* Perform other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications:
* Associate’s degree in Accounting or related field, or equivalent education and/or
experience
* 3-5 years of full-cycle payroll experience in a higher education institution or an organization with at least 100 employees, preferred
* Knowledge of and experience utilizing ERP payroll programs as well as Intermediate Excel
* Knowledge of IRS regulations, State of Idaho statutes/rules, and college policy as it pertains to payroll and benefits.
* Strong interpersonal, written communication, and analytical skills.
* The candidate must be detail-oriented, and have the ability to maintain composure under pressure and be able to prioritize multiple tasks.
* Works with a very high degree of accuracy and time management. Benefits:

The College of Western Idaho is committed to offering a competitive benefits package with affordable and robust benefit options:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans range from $25 – $299 per month with deductibles as low as $350!
  • Premiums depend on the plan type and the number of dependents on the plan
  • For more information on health insurance, including coverage details and plan summaries, visit www.OGI.Idaho.gov  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other applicable legally protected status.