Rivier University
Location :
Nashua Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
202500163 Division:
Finance and Administration Department:
Human Resources Opening Date:
10/08/2025
Description The HR Specialist - Payroll and Benefits is one of a three-person HR department that manages the people operations for staff, faculty and student workers at the University. We are looking for a generalist with a range of HR operations talent and, specifically, experience in managing and executing in-house payroll processing and reporting with accuracy and compliance. A primary focus for this role will be to run bi-weekly payroll validations, act as the primary contact for payroll-related inquiries, maintain confidential records, collaborate with various departments to resolve discrepancies and provide detailed reports as needed. This is an on-site, full-time role 40 hours per week in our office in Nashua, NH. Benefits include: medical, dental, retirement contributions and tuition remission. We invite interested candidates to apply on Rivier's careers page at: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/rivieredu/jobs/5105670/hr-payroll-benefits-specialist.
Duties and Responsibilities Payroll Processing Manage the end-to-end payroll process and workflow, including data entry, payroll calculation, and distribution of payments. Compile, verify, and input all necessary information for bi-weekly payroll processing, including but not limited to pay rate changes, deductions, and one-time payments. Maintain accurate records in the payroll system. Investigate and resolve discrepancies or issues in payroll processing promptly. Review and validate to ensure accurate deductions for taxes, benefits, retirement contributions, garnishments, and other withholdings. Ensure the accurate recording of wages, taxes, and benefits expense to the general ledger and assist in year-end close. Act as the main contact for any payroll-related questions, issues, or concerns from colleagues and external parties (employment verifications, government agencies, etc.) Conduct regular audits and analyses of journal reports against bi-weekly payroll documents, identifying and addressing discrepancies promptly. Work with the Financial Aid Office on the proper classification of Student Work Study and provide reporting as needed. Manage payroll for students in Federal Work Study program, working closely Financial Aid department. Coordinate with the Finance team to prepare quarterly 941's and state monthly and/or quarterly returns. Prepare journal entries to record payments and adjust accrued tax amounts if applicable. Administer year-end processing and reconciliation including the preparation and distribution of W-2's, and electronic posting of W-2's to Employee Self Service (ESS), also electronic filings to IRS and various states. Ensure all payroll documentation is stored and managed according to the University's policy and in compliance with legal requirements. Benefits Deductions, Payments and Audits
Enter and maintain all benefits enrollments, changes, and terminations in the payroll system and the benefit carriers' portals, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Reconcile monthly benefits invoices with payroll deduction reports and enrollments, submitting invoices to the Director for approval. Review and verify monthly or quarterly invoices from benefit vendors to ensure accuracy, ensuring that all charges align with plan offerings, rates, and contract terms. Reconcile benefit vendor invoices against internal records and payroll deductions to ensure that all amounts match, and discrepancies are resolved promptly. Oversee the timely payment of invoices, ensuring the correct allocation of funds to the appropriate accounts. Work with the accounts payable team to ensure payments are processed and reconciled. Analyze adjustments needed to fund benefit plans, including premium adjustments, claims costs, or changes in employee participation. Support audits related to benefits plans by ensuring all vendor contracts, billing statements, and payment records are accurate and accessible for review. Ensure proper payroll deductions for benefits, including health insurance premiums, retirement contributions (403 (b), flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Regularly reconcile benefit data between the University's systems (e.g., HRIS, payroll, accounting) and vendor records to ensure consistency and accuracy. Reporting
Take ownership of completing the annual federal IPEDS report, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements. Oversee non-discrimination testing and census data for all benefit plans, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Compile payroll data for various reports, audits, and verifications requested by internal Lead the preparation of documentation and data for external audits of Title IV funding (Work Study - FISAP), 403(b), workers compensation and other financial audits, working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate submission. Assist in the compilation of data for annual payroll budget projections as well as salary and benefit analysis. Qualifications
Bachelor's degree required. 2-3 years of relevant payroll and benefits experience. Strong problem solving, writing, math, and multitasking skills. Self-starter, ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to successfully work in a small, motivated team and collaborate cross-departmentally. Computer skills and proficiency with a variety of computer applications, including word-processing, reporting platforms, payroll and benefits systems, Office 365. Solid working knowledge of Excel (including Vlookup, Xlookup, Pivot Tables), and ERP systems Familiarity with federal, state and local payroll laws and regulations Familiarity with benefits compliance regulations Experience working with moderately complex technology systems. Flexibility and adaptability in an emerging and changing environment. Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately manage access to confidential information Supplemental Information Applicants should apply online and include a cover letter along with resume/CV at: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/rivieredu/jobs/5105670/hr-payroll-benefits-specialist
All applications and nominations will be considered highly confidential. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Rivier University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran or marital status, sex sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability in admission or access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities, and Title IX requires that the University not discriminate on the bases stated above. In addition to a competitive salary, Rivier University offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage, employer paid life and disability plans, retirement plan with employer match, Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution, flexible spending accounts, paid time off, holidays, educational assistance benefits, employee assistance program (EAP) and a variety of additional discounts and services.
To learn more details, vist our 01
Are you willing to work 40 hours per week in-office, onsite in Nashua, NH generally between the hours of 8am and 6pm.
Yes No
02
How many years of experience do you have as an HR Specialist or Generalist?
1-2 years 2-4 years 5 years or more
03
Do you have experience processing "in-house" payroll and benefits for hourly and salaried employees?
Yes No
04
Which of the following skills would you rate yourself as strong or expert?
Research and resolve payroll discrepancies in a complex database system Compile, verify and input pay changes, deductions, benefit contributions and tax information into payroll system Calculating and generating reports in Excel using XLOOKUP and/or VLOOKUP. Understanding of health benefits contributions and retirement account deduction types and regulatory requirements Understanding of pre tax and post tax benefits deductions as it relates to employee earnings and contributions. Review and calculate quarterly and annual pay totals for audit and reporting purposes. Preparation of Quarterly 941s. Processing of W2s at end of year for employees
05
Do you have experience using Office 365 products including: Outlook, Excel and Word?
Yes No
06
What is your target salary range? 07
When are you available to start? 08
Please provide your LinkedIn profile link. Required Question
Nashua Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
202500163 Division:
Finance and Administration Department:
Human Resources Opening Date:
10/08/2025
Description The HR Specialist - Payroll and Benefits is one of a three-person HR department that manages the people operations for staff, faculty and student workers at the University. We are looking for a generalist with a range of HR operations talent and, specifically, experience in managing and executing in-house payroll processing and reporting with accuracy and compliance. A primary focus for this role will be to run bi-weekly payroll validations, act as the primary contact for payroll-related inquiries, maintain confidential records, collaborate with various departments to resolve discrepancies and provide detailed reports as needed. This is an on-site, full-time role 40 hours per week in our office in Nashua, NH. Benefits include: medical, dental, retirement contributions and tuition remission. We invite interested candidates to apply on Rivier's careers page at: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/rivieredu/jobs/5105670/hr-payroll-benefits-specialist.
Duties and Responsibilities Payroll Processing Manage the end-to-end payroll process and workflow, including data entry, payroll calculation, and distribution of payments. Compile, verify, and input all necessary information for bi-weekly payroll processing, including but not limited to pay rate changes, deductions, and one-time payments. Maintain accurate records in the payroll system. Investigate and resolve discrepancies or issues in payroll processing promptly. Review and validate to ensure accurate deductions for taxes, benefits, retirement contributions, garnishments, and other withholdings. Ensure the accurate recording of wages, taxes, and benefits expense to the general ledger and assist in year-end close. Act as the main contact for any payroll-related questions, issues, or concerns from colleagues and external parties (employment verifications, government agencies, etc.) Conduct regular audits and analyses of journal reports against bi-weekly payroll documents, identifying and addressing discrepancies promptly. Work with the Financial Aid Office on the proper classification of Student Work Study and provide reporting as needed. Manage payroll for students in Federal Work Study program, working closely Financial Aid department. Coordinate with the Finance team to prepare quarterly 941's and state monthly and/or quarterly returns. Prepare journal entries to record payments and adjust accrued tax amounts if applicable. Administer year-end processing and reconciliation including the preparation and distribution of W-2's, and electronic posting of W-2's to Employee Self Service (ESS), also electronic filings to IRS and various states. Ensure all payroll documentation is stored and managed according to the University's policy and in compliance with legal requirements. Benefits Deductions, Payments and Audits
Enter and maintain all benefits enrollments, changes, and terminations in the payroll system and the benefit carriers' portals, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Reconcile monthly benefits invoices with payroll deduction reports and enrollments, submitting invoices to the Director for approval. Review and verify monthly or quarterly invoices from benefit vendors to ensure accuracy, ensuring that all charges align with plan offerings, rates, and contract terms. Reconcile benefit vendor invoices against internal records and payroll deductions to ensure that all amounts match, and discrepancies are resolved promptly. Oversee the timely payment of invoices, ensuring the correct allocation of funds to the appropriate accounts. Work with the accounts payable team to ensure payments are processed and reconciled. Analyze adjustments needed to fund benefit plans, including premium adjustments, claims costs, or changes in employee participation. Support audits related to benefits plans by ensuring all vendor contracts, billing statements, and payment records are accurate and accessible for review. Ensure proper payroll deductions for benefits, including health insurance premiums, retirement contributions (403 (b), flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Regularly reconcile benefit data between the University's systems (e.g., HRIS, payroll, accounting) and vendor records to ensure consistency and accuracy. Reporting
Take ownership of completing the annual federal IPEDS report, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements. Oversee non-discrimination testing and census data for all benefit plans, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Compile payroll data for various reports, audits, and verifications requested by internal Lead the preparation of documentation and data for external audits of Title IV funding (Work Study - FISAP), 403(b), workers compensation and other financial audits, working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate submission. Assist in the compilation of data for annual payroll budget projections as well as salary and benefit analysis. Qualifications
Bachelor's degree required. 2-3 years of relevant payroll and benefits experience. Strong problem solving, writing, math, and multitasking skills. Self-starter, ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to successfully work in a small, motivated team and collaborate cross-departmentally. Computer skills and proficiency with a variety of computer applications, including word-processing, reporting platforms, payroll and benefits systems, Office 365. Solid working knowledge of Excel (including Vlookup, Xlookup, Pivot Tables), and ERP systems Familiarity with federal, state and local payroll laws and regulations Familiarity with benefits compliance regulations Experience working with moderately complex technology systems. Flexibility and adaptability in an emerging and changing environment. Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately manage access to confidential information Supplemental Information Applicants should apply online and include a cover letter along with resume/CV at: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/rivieredu/jobs/5105670/hr-payroll-benefits-specialist
All applications and nominations will be considered highly confidential. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Rivier University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran or marital status, sex sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability in admission or access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities, and Title IX requires that the University not discriminate on the bases stated above. In addition to a competitive salary, Rivier University offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage, employer paid life and disability plans, retirement plan with employer match, Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution, flexible spending accounts, paid time off, holidays, educational assistance benefits, employee assistance program (EAP) and a variety of additional discounts and services.
To learn more details, vist our 01
Are you willing to work 40 hours per week in-office, onsite in Nashua, NH generally between the hours of 8am and 6pm.
Yes No
02
How many years of experience do you have as an HR Specialist or Generalist?
1-2 years 2-4 years 5 years or more
03
Do you have experience processing "in-house" payroll and benefits for hourly and salaried employees?
Yes No
04
Which of the following skills would you rate yourself as strong or expert?
Research and resolve payroll discrepancies in a complex database system Compile, verify and input pay changes, deductions, benefit contributions and tax information into payroll system Calculating and generating reports in Excel using XLOOKUP and/or VLOOKUP. Understanding of health benefits contributions and retirement account deduction types and regulatory requirements Understanding of pre tax and post tax benefits deductions as it relates to employee earnings and contributions. Review and calculate quarterly and annual pay totals for audit and reporting purposes. Preparation of Quarterly 941s. Processing of W2s at end of year for employees
05
Do you have experience using Office 365 products including: Outlook, Excel and Word?
Yes No
06
What is your target salary range? 07
When are you available to start? 08
Please provide your LinkedIn profile link. Required Question