Senior Payroll Specialist (Higher Education)

Payroll Lead / Senior Payroll Specialist (Contract – Fully Remote)

$35-40/hour W2

6+ month contract

Overview

Our client, a local higher education organization is looking for a fully remote Payroll leadership resource. This role will serve as the sole, hands-on payroll owner for the institution and requires deep expertise with Ellucian Colleague software system. This is a 6+ month open-ended contract with full responsibility for payroll operations.

Key Details

• Work Model: Fully Remote
• Schedule: 40 hours/week
• Contract Length: 6+ months (open-ended)
• Payroll Size: ~900 employees
• Payroll Types: Bi-weekly payroll covering Corporate, Faculty, Staff, Hourly employees, and Retirees
• Tools: Ellucian Colleague (required), Excel
• Equipment: Client-provided computer

Role Overview

Under general supervision, this role serves as the lead payroll professional, independently managing all aspects of payroll operations for a college environment. The position also supports the Executive Director of HR with payroll-related reporting, compliance, and contract administration. This role requires someone who can operate autonomously, manage complex payroll scenarios, and ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations.

Primary Responsibilities

• Independently prepare and process bi-weekly payroll for ~900 employees
• Maintain accurate payroll records (system and hardcopy)
• Prepare and transmit direct deposit / ACH transactions
• Process payroll for hourly employees, faculty, stipends, retirees, and manual checks
• Handle manual payroll corrections, voids, and reissues
• Administer tax levies and wage garnishments
• Prepare and distribute W-2s, payroll tax filings, and related documentation
• Complete quarterly, fiscal year-end, and calendar year-end payroll reporting
• Reconcile payroll liability GL accounts and prepare adjusting journal entries
• Respond to payroll inquiries and resolve discrepancies promptly
• Process leave requests and ad hoc payroll reporting
• Partner with HR and leadership on employee changes, contracts, and special projects
• Support contract negotiations and interpretation as needed
• Serve as acting supervisor for HR staff in the absence of the Executive Director

Required Qualifications

• Hands-on payroll experience for 500+ employees
• Ellucian Colleague expertise — must be fully proficient with no training required
• Strong ability to manage end-to-end payroll independently
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• Minimum of:
• 2 years of accounting experience
• 1+ year of payroll experience (higher volume environments preferred)

Nice to Have

• Payroll experience in Higher Education
• Prior experience serving as a lead or sole payroll owner