Payroll Specialist

Capitalizing on over 140 years of history and tradition in downtown Los Angeles, the University of Southern California (USC) has embarked on an unprecedented period of expansion. USC is now poised to take its place as the preeminent research institution of the 21st century and we are looking for skilled, motivated professionals to help forge the future of higher education.

The USC Finance Division department of Office of the Comptroller: USC Payroll Services is seeking a Payroll Specialist to join its team.

THE WORK YOU WILL DO

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for performing wide variety of tasks related to the set-up, processing, taxation, preparation, direct deposit, and delivery of payroll checks and stipend checks for non-resident alien students. Serves as payroll liaison to assigned home departments.

The Payroll Specialist:

• Provides service to assigned home departments. Answers policy and procedure questions. Investigates and resolves complex payroll problems according to FSLA, California State Wage and Labor Code, INS and IRS regulations, and university policies and procedures. Trains home department coordinators in the use of on- line applications as needed.

• Performs on-line processing of payroll check requests and distributes all monthly and bi-weekly payrolls to home departments. Processes termination documents and final checks. Pulls checks and advice slips for special routing or handling.

• Sorts, prioritizes, reviews for accuracy and processes incoming payroll/personnel documents.

• Audits I-9 documents to ensure compliance with Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) requirements. Follows up on problem I-9's, notifies Home Department Coordinators and Senior Business Officers of all I-9 violations.

• Prepares and processes payroll documents for non-resident aliens in accordance with Federal INS and IRS regulations. Updates system according to tax treaties and keeps home department informed of all tax treaty changes.

• Requests, tracks and processes Alien Questionnaires (Form 1001) for non-resident alien students receiving non-qualified or qualified scholarships. Updates the payroll system with qualified scholarship data from Student Information Systems for calendar year end issuance of Form 1042S.

• Processes new-hire packages, exceptions, transfers and promotions. Inputs information to online system to establish taxation status. Researches missing documentation or discrepancies.

• Reviews departmental on-line hand drawn checks for compliance to university policies and procedures prior to check signature.

• Assists with College Work Study (CWSP) Certification process.

• Maintains records and statistics for all general payroll processes (e.g., IRCA, direct deposit, stop payments, bank reconciliations). Maintains and updates the Payroll User's Guide and distributes to all User Guide owners.

• Prepares periodic reports for management on matters such as the number and nature of problems with returned documents.

• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

• In the event of an emergency, the employee holding this position is required to “report to duty” in accordance with the university’s Emergency Operations Plan and/or the employee’s department’s emergency response and/or recovery plans. Familiarity with those plans and regular training to implement those plans is required. During or immediately following an emergency, the employee will be notified to assist in the emergency response efforts, and mobilize other staff members if needed.

The work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. however, work schedules may change at any time to accommodate business needs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate for the position of Payroll Specialist meets the following preferred criteria:

• Associate's degree

• 3 years of related experience

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates for the position of Payroll Specialist must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• High school or equivalent

• 2 years of payroll or general office experience

• Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills

• In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values of integrity, excellence, diversity, equity and inclusion, well-being, open communication and accountability.

The hourly rate range for this position is $28.21- $31.53. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

About USC Finance Division:

USC Finance Division is a diverse group of innovative and talented professionals who provide high quality services in support of education and research at USC. The Finance Division is comprised of the following departments: Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Financial and Business Services, Office of the Comptroller; Office of Budget and Planning, Treasury, and Health Plans; Facilities Planning and Management, Audit Services, Risk Management, and Information Technology Services.

USC Finance Division values integrity, excellence, diversity, equity, and inclusion, well-being, open communication, and accountability.

The University of Southern California values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment.

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Minimum Education: High school or equivalent Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Work Experience: 2 years Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum work experience Minimum Field of Expertise: Payroll or general office. Demonstrated interpersonal skills.