University of Georgia
Position Summary
The Payroll Manager is responsible for specialized processing and analysis associated with the management of all types of employee payroll within the College of Family & Consumer Sciences. Reporting to the Director of Finance in the Office of Finance and Human Resources (OFHR), this position serves as the primary support for all payroll related items within the College. The role reviews, monitors, approves, initiates, and reports on a broad range of payroll related transactions with a high level of autonomy and influence. Activities and decisions are varied in nature, requiring independent action, excellent judgment, and confidential, professional demeanor. This role will include training opportunities to increase expertise and professional success of both self and team.
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Three or more years experience in professional financial related field.
Knowledge of USG/UGA financial, payroll and budget policies and procedures preferred.
Knowledge of USG/UGA Financial Management and system processes/transactions preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
Knowledge of USG/UGA financial, payroll and budget policies and procedures.
Knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Teams software.
Knowledge of OneUSG Connect and UGA Financial Management and system processes/transactions including position funding, express retro transactions and reporting, expense transactions and budget review.
Knowledge of the Graduate School procedures and policies.
Ability to work in a dynamic work environment to efficiently multi‑task, handle interruptions and meet deadlines.
Ability to interpret data, process information and report important fiscal matters to the appropriate individuals.
Ability to communicate effectively and across multiple stakeholders.
Strong organizational skills with emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail.
Dependable and work well both independently and as part of a team.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students and the public.
Attendance and punctuality are essential to the proper performance of the position.
Duties and Responsibilities Payroll Management (50%)
Lead and manage monthly and biweekly payroll operations for the College including reviewing and reporting for exceptions, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely processing.
Act as advisor to departments, guiding them on pay rates, position funding, and resolving any invalid funding or suspense transaction activity.
Oversee specialized payroll transactions and reconciliation such as Summer Pay, Additional Pay (First Year Odyssey, GradFirst, etc.) and Supplemental Pay, ensuring smooth execution and reconciliation.
Process and approve complex payroll transactions including overpayments, backpay, and off‑cycle check requests with precision and urgency.
Review and approve Express Direct Retros and position funding changes, ensuring approvals meet critical deadlines.
Maintain annual review of combo codes and chartfields to support financial reporting and compliance.
Deliver exceptional service to faculty, staff, and administrators by resolving payroll inquiries and communicating updates clearly and proactively.
Financial Management (30%)
Oversee financial processes related to recruitment, hiring, and relocation, including transaction review, reconciliation, and reporting of College funding allocations.
Primary contributor for setting up salaries for faculty and units for annual Budget Planning and Salary Setting exercise.
Lead university‑level payroll‑related projects, including reporting on taxable fringe benefits, unrelated business income, and international employee payroll compliance.
Partner with the Director of Finance to resolve payroll reconciliation issues across College‑funded departments.
Collaborate with College leadership to support strategic budget forecasting and planning related to payroll expenditures.
Contribute to broader financial initiatives and perform additional duties that support the mission and operational goals of the Office of Finance and Human Resources.
Special projects as assigned.
Graduate Assistant Payroll Management (10%)
Oversee the end‑to‑end payroll process for Graduate Assistants, ensuring timely and accurate onboarding and compensation across departments.
Collaborate with department staff each semester to review and validate payroll spreadsheets, including pay rates, funding sources, and break adjustments.
Partner with OFHR's HR team and College GA Coordinator for senior leadership reporting and reconciliations.
Provide expert guidance to department staff on payroll procedures, ensuring compliance with university policies and timely execution of required actions including training for new staff.
Professional Engagement and Development (10%)
Proactively pursue professional development through participation in department, college, and university trainings, workshops, and meetings that support continued learning and role effectiveness.
Collaborate in annual goal‑setting and performance planning to align personal growth with departmental and institutional priorities.
Demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement and engagement in activities that enhance expertise, leadership, and contribution to the College's mission.
Attend meetings to represent OFHR and serve on search committees and other workgroups as needed.
Physical Demands
Normal working conditions for an office environment.
Sitting/standing at computer for long periods of time.
Light lifting of boxes.
Concentrated periods of focus for projects and tasks.
Additional Information Is driving a responsibility of this position? No
Is this a Position of Trust? Yes
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes
Does this position require a P‑Card? No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)? No
EEO Policy Statement The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Credit and P‑Card Policy Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job‑based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre‑employment drug test for positions with high‑risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.
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Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Three or more years experience in professional financial related field.
Knowledge of USG/UGA financial, payroll and budget policies and procedures preferred.
Knowledge of USG/UGA Financial Management and system processes/transactions preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
Knowledge of USG/UGA financial, payroll and budget policies and procedures.
Knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Teams software.
Knowledge of OneUSG Connect and UGA Financial Management and system processes/transactions including position funding, express retro transactions and reporting, expense transactions and budget review.
Knowledge of the Graduate School procedures and policies.
Ability to work in a dynamic work environment to efficiently multi‑task, handle interruptions and meet deadlines.
Ability to interpret data, process information and report important fiscal matters to the appropriate individuals.
Ability to communicate effectively and across multiple stakeholders.
Strong organizational skills with emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail.
Dependable and work well both independently and as part of a team.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students and the public.
Attendance and punctuality are essential to the proper performance of the position.
Duties and Responsibilities Payroll Management (50%)
Lead and manage monthly and biweekly payroll operations for the College including reviewing and reporting for exceptions, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely processing.
Act as advisor to departments, guiding them on pay rates, position funding, and resolving any invalid funding or suspense transaction activity.
Oversee specialized payroll transactions and reconciliation such as Summer Pay, Additional Pay (First Year Odyssey, GradFirst, etc.) and Supplemental Pay, ensuring smooth execution and reconciliation.
Process and approve complex payroll transactions including overpayments, backpay, and off‑cycle check requests with precision and urgency.
Review and approve Express Direct Retros and position funding changes, ensuring approvals meet critical deadlines.
Maintain annual review of combo codes and chartfields to support financial reporting and compliance.
Deliver exceptional service to faculty, staff, and administrators by resolving payroll inquiries and communicating updates clearly and proactively.
Financial Management (30%)
Oversee financial processes related to recruitment, hiring, and relocation, including transaction review, reconciliation, and reporting of College funding allocations.
Primary contributor for setting up salaries for faculty and units for annual Budget Planning and Salary Setting exercise.
Lead university‑level payroll‑related projects, including reporting on taxable fringe benefits, unrelated business income, and international employee payroll compliance.
Partner with the Director of Finance to resolve payroll reconciliation issues across College‑funded departments.
Collaborate with College leadership to support strategic budget forecasting and planning related to payroll expenditures.
Contribute to broader financial initiatives and perform additional duties that support the mission and operational goals of the Office of Finance and Human Resources.
Special projects as assigned.
Graduate Assistant Payroll Management (10%)
Oversee the end‑to‑end payroll process for Graduate Assistants, ensuring timely and accurate onboarding and compensation across departments.
Collaborate with department staff each semester to review and validate payroll spreadsheets, including pay rates, funding sources, and break adjustments.
Partner with OFHR's HR team and College GA Coordinator for senior leadership reporting and reconciliations.
Provide expert guidance to department staff on payroll procedures, ensuring compliance with university policies and timely execution of required actions including training for new staff.
Professional Engagement and Development (10%)
Proactively pursue professional development through participation in department, college, and university trainings, workshops, and meetings that support continued learning and role effectiveness.
Collaborate in annual goal‑setting and performance planning to align personal growth with departmental and institutional priorities.
Demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement and engagement in activities that enhance expertise, leadership, and contribution to the College's mission.
Attend meetings to represent OFHR and serve on search committees and other workgroups as needed.
Physical Demands
Normal working conditions for an office environment.
Sitting/standing at computer for long periods of time.
Light lifting of boxes.
Concentrated periods of focus for projects and tasks.
Additional Information Is driving a responsibility of this position? No
Is this a Position of Trust? Yes
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes
Does this position require a P‑Card? No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)? No
EEO Policy Statement The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Credit and P‑Card Policy Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job‑based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre‑employment drug test for positions with high‑risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.
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