Job Details

We seek a dynamic individual to be our next Director of Payroll Services.   

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is experiencing sustained momentum, with record enrollment growth and a recent designation as an R1 Opportunity University, reflecting its expanding research profile and commitment to student success. This is an exceptional opportunity for a dynamic individual to join a growing university and a forward-focused leadership team at a pivotal time of institutional advancement. The position reports directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources, who serves on the Chancellor’s cabinet, offering meaningful visibility and influence at the highest levels of the organization. As a key member of the AVC for HR’s leadership team—alongside the Directors of Talent Acquisition and Compensation, Labor and Employee Relations, Equity and Compliance, and Employee Benefits—this role will help shape and advance the University’s human capital strategy in a collaborative and evolving environment.
 

1. Strategic Leadership & Administration:   Provide leadership and administrative oversight of payroll operations and related compliance functions. Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate payroll policies, procedures, and programs to ensure efficient, compliant, and customer-focused service delivery. Establish strategic goals, performance metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives aligned with institutional priorities. Ensure effective stewardship of public funds and alignment with university financial and operational goals.
2. Payroll Operations & Compliance: Direct all payroll operations, including payroll schedules, processing, reconciliation, and internal controls. Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing in compliance with federal and state wage and hour laws.Oversee tax compliance, including federal and state deposits, quarterly filings (e.g., Form 941), and year-end reporting (W-2, 1042/1042-S).Interpret and implement new legislation affecting payroll operations and ensure institutional compliance. Maintain relationships with regulatory agencies and resolve compliance issues.
3. International Payroll & Taxation: Oversee international employee and student taxation processes, ensuring compliance with tax treaties and federal/state regulations. Coordinate with campus units (HR, Accounting, SIU Foundation, Bursar, Financial Aid, Center for International Education) and external vendors. Ensure accurate withholding, reporting, and compliance for non-resident taxation.
4. Financial Reporting & Audit Oversight: Ensure preparation of complex payroll-related financial and accounting reports. Maintain audit-ready records and support internal/external audits and regulatory reviews. Oversee exception management, including payroll corrections, bank rejections, and reconciliations.
5. Systems & Technology Leadership: Identify, implement, and manage HR/payroll systems and technology solutions. Partner with IT and campus stakeholders to improve automation, efficiency, and compliance. Lead system upgrades, implementations, and process redesign efforts.
6. Staff Leadership & Organizational Management: Oversee hiring, training, development, and performance management of payroll staff. Align staffing structures to meet operational needs and compliance requirements. Promote a culture of service excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
7. Campus Engagement & Communication: Serve as liaison to internal and external stakeholders (CMS, SUCSS, regulatory agencies). Develop and deliver training, tools, and communications for campus administrators. Ensure consistent application of payroll policies across decentralized units.
8. Strategic Planning & Resource Management: Contribute to budget planning and resource allocation for payroll operations. Evaluate service delivery models while maintaining institutional control and compliance. Support long-term strategic planning for payroll operations and infrastructure.

 

 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field. Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in payroll or related operations including at least 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience. Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state payroll tax laws and employment regulations. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in higher education or public sector environments. Experience with unionized workforce environments. Knowledge of international taxation (e.g., 1042/1042-S processes). Experience with enterprise HR/payroll systems. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or similar credential. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.