Payroll & Staff Accountant

General Information & Responsibilities

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The Payroll & Staff Accountant I plays a key role in ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time, supporting both employee well-being and trust in the College. This position processes payroll and benefits, ensures compliance with laws, contracts, and policies, and provides technical and analytical support. By maintaining accuracy and consistency, the Payroll & Staff Accountant I helps safeguard College resources and contributes to a positive employee experience.

Description of Duties

Description Of Essential Duties

Payroll Processing & Compliance

• Process payroll and benefit changes accurately and on schedule.
• Review timesheets for compliance with DOL, IDOL, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Verify pay change documentation and approvals.
• Reconcile payroll liability accounts and prepare fund transfer documentation.
• Review faculty compensation against contract parameters.
• Communicate new-hire payroll details to employees.
• Maintain employees leave balances, accruals, and year-end rollovers.
• Ensure payroll procedures and confidentiality standards are followed.

Reporting & Analysis

• Create payroll and budget reports using ERP/report writer tools (export to Excel).
• Review student enrollment for FICA exemption eligibility.
• Prepare and file required state and federal payroll reports (e.g., new hire, DOL).
• Assist with state and federal reporting, retirement system submissions, and benefits-related payments.
• Reconcile benefit deductions to vendor invoices as needed.

Collaboration & Customer Service

• Work closely with Human Resources and Finance to ensure accuracy of pay and benefits.
• Provide payroll support and problem resolution to employees.
• Assist in developing and maintaining payroll documentation, standards, and disaster recovery plans.
• Stay current on payroll laws, tax regulations, and retirement rules.
• Interpret and explain labor contract provisions as needed.

Description Of Other Duties

• Assist with reconciliations, labor distributions, budget processes, and audits to maintain financial accuracy.
• Support process improvements and policy updates to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
• Conduct payroll system testing and maintenance to ensure system reliability.
• Provide system and policy training to staff, building organizational knowledge.
• Direct the work of student employees and interns, offering mentorship and practical experience.
• Perform other duties as assigned, contributing to the team’s overall success.

Overall Accountabilities

• Demonstrates Black Hawk College Core Values.
• Produces accurate, efficient, and timely work.
• Maintains confidentiality of information and records.
• Keeps payroll knowledge current and up to date.

Principal Working Relationships

• Reports directly to the Director of Payroll.
• Collaborates with Payroll, Finance, and Human Resources staff.
• Provides reliable support and service to employees across the College.

Education & Experience

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.)

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or finance required; in lieu of a degree, 10 years of relevant experience may be accepted.
• Minimum of 2 years’ payroll processing experience and 2 years’ general accounting experience required.
• In-house payroll processing and Ellucian Banner experience preferred.
• Knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, and ERP/payroll systems required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook required.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and analytical ability.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to excellent customer service, continuous improvement, and confidentiality.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the Essential Functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the Essential Functions.

• Stationary work: Remains at a workstation 50%+ of the time.
• Movement: Occasionally moves within the office to access files and equipment.
• Operation: Regularly uses computers, calculators, copiers, and printers.
• Communication: Frequently interacts with employees and students regarding payroll inquiries.
• Document handling: Reviews and verifies payroll and HR documents for accuracy.
• Lifting: Occasionally moves boxes/files up to 30 lbs.

The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principle functions of the described job; it is not an all-encompassing statement of all the work requirements that may be necessary to perform the job.

Supplemental Information

Black Hawk College does not sponsor employment visas.

Black Hawk College is an AA/EEO employer.

While you contribute your talent and enthusiasm to BHC, as an eligible employee you will have access to outstanding health benefits, ample time off, a pension plan, educational opportunities, and much more. In this section, you will find an overview of our comprehensive and generous benefit programs. Be sure to check out the Compensation section as well.

Core Benefits

Medical

Prescription Drug Plan

Mail Order Pharmacy

Dental

Vision

Basic Life Insurance

Tuition Waiver

Employee Assistance Program

Long-Term Disability

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)/Dependent Care Account (DCA)

Paid Holidays

Sick Leave

Vacation

Personal Days

Retirement Pension Plans

State University Retirement System of Illinois (SURS): Employees working in a regular and continuous position or one in which services are expected to be rendered on a continuous basis for at least four months or one academic term, whichever is less, may be eligible to enroll in SURS. To learn more about SURS, visit www.SURS.org.

Optional 403b Tax-Deferred Investment Program: Employees may set up a 403b plan through Empower Retirement.

01

Do you have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or finance, or in lieu of a degree, 10 years of relevant experience?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a minimum of 2 years’ payroll processing experience and 2 years’ general accounting experience?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, and ERP/payroll systems?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have a proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook?

• Yes
• No
• Required Question