Payroll Coordinator

Location: Syracuse, NY Category: Staff (CSEA, PA, MC, Foundation) Job Type: Full Time - 12 Months Management Confidential Posted On: Thu Jul 30 2026 Job Description:

BROAD FUNCTION

The Payroll Coordinator is an integral member of the Human Resources management team and a management/confidential employee of OCC. The Coordinator is responsible for the administration of the wage and salary system, employee record management, and all legal and tax compliance functions of the payroll processing function.

Reporting to the Vice President of Human Resources, the Payroll Coordinator is responsible for providing direct supervision to members of the payroll team with the goal of consistently processing an accurate biweekly payroll.

The Payroll Coordinator must maintain a level of knowledge to interpret and apply applicable laws and regulations, OCC policies and procedures, collective bargaining agreements, civil service provisions, Department of Labor, Internal Revenue Service, Affordable Care Act and financial internal control methods to all payroll administration functions.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee the day-to-day payroll operations using HRIS record management systems to accurately and efficiently process biweekly process payroll.

• Process submission and internal audit of periodic and quarterly income tax, wage reconciliations, W-2s and 1095-C.

• Research and present solid recommendations and innovative ideas to ensure payroll success.

• Utilize Informer writing software to create and prepare reports required by law and for financial analysis purposes.

• Configure the Data Analytics Platform to measure and report employees supporting higher education for the annual Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

• Plan, improve and direct the payroll function and in coordination with human resources administration, including development and refinement of effective processes and procedures.

• Maintain a high level of visibility and accessibility to meet employee needs with trust and respect.

• Manage the payroll process to include time approval, data entry, auditing, and generation of payroll-related payments (e.g. garnishments, benefit deductions).

• Investigate payroll processing issues to ensure accuracy and compliance with laws and OCC policies.

• Collaborate and communicate with other department personnel, and campus-wide constituents, to clarify payroll processes, schedules and deadlines.

• Provide confidential support to contract negotiations and labor relations. Assist with related policy and procedure development.

• Assist in the administration and implementation of the other Human Resource programs and services.

• Provide assistance to and support for the position management and control functions, collaborating with Financial Services and harmonize payroll affiliated prevalent ledger accounts.

• Provide assistance to and support the employee benefit functions, including maintenance of retirement system tier information, maintenance of benefit deduction codes, definitions and leave time accruals.

• Maintain currency in tax law and best practice in payroll administration.

• Supervision of Payroll Clerk.

• Other duties assigned within scope of the position.

Job Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college, university or foreign equivalency in an appropriate field. Additional years of directly related experience may be considered in lieu of experience at a ratio of 2:1

• Minimum of three years of broad and comprehensive payroll experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with Ellucian Colleague or Banner

• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) from an accredited college, university or foreign equivalency

• Payroll experience in a higher education setting preferred

• Member of American Payroll Association (APA)

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

• Bilingual in English and Spanish. English and another language will be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITY

• Working knowledge of principles, practices, and trends and developments related to human resources and payroll, especially in a higher education setting.

• Extensive knowledge of employment laws and practices, civil service and collective bargaining agreements.

• Thorough knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, especially those pertaining to tax regulations.

• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to remain calm under pressure during a variety of natural disasters while directing a unit of the college that has been deemed essential by NYS.

• Demonstrated proficiency in HRIS records management systems, spreadsheets, word processing and database software.

• Demonstrated skill in customer-friendly continuous process improvement.

• Ability to organize, prioritize, and track assignments and tasks within tight deadlines.

• Ability to retrieve, analyze and interpret data for reporting.

Additional Information:

• Salary range is: $58,564 - $73,205, commensurate with credentials and relevant experience.

• Onondaga Community College offers a generous and competitive benefits package including:

• New York State Local Retirement System (pension) or an Optional Retirement Plan 401(a).

• Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance plans

• Onondaga Community College participates in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for eligible borrowers.