If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:
 

Pay Range: $60,300.00 - $90,500.00

Job Description

INTERNAL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY BY: 2:13:25

Primary ResponsibilitiesAssists employees and managers across all WGU companies with payroll questions, finding resolution or providing movement on issuesAdministers modules within the payroll system affecting pay resultsPrepares tax applications and unemployment reports, ensures compliance of local tax set upOversees the preparation of regulatory and governmental reports including those related to unemployment, garnishments, wage attachments, taxes, and other required informationParticipates in the timely generation and efficient distribution of W-2s, which includes prior testing, audits and reconciliation, and eventual implementation of yearly resultsWorks with auditors on internal or external audits of payroll information, controls, and proceduresStays informed of developments in the payroll field and of changing governmental and legal requirementsParticipates in confirmation of and compliance with the Federal, State, and Local employment related taxCreates payroll reports using query tools and complex Excel formulas for delivering of audits and/or upon executive requestWorks as a liaison between departments to stay informed of current projects, then works with those departments to create pay or deduction codes, update timekeeping and/or payroll configurations, partner with HRIS to create employee master data points, and separate pay run schedules (i.e. bonus payments)Monitors and updates configurations within the system for different schedules such as paid, eligible holidays, pay run schedules, year-end activities, etc.Prepares and maintains all payroll related records and reportsDevelops and maintains procedure documentation for all responsibilities, including the addition to the Payroll Execution Checklist detailing the objective of the task, responsible party, and links to stepsOversees, manages, and coordinates on-schedule and off-cycle payroll runsSubmits, monitors, and reconciles the integrations between company data and outside systems (ADP)Ensures accuracy, security, integrity, and completeness of employee dataProvides end-user troubleshooting, issue remediation, technology request assistance and escalation management, using ticketing and/or tracking systems. Monitor recurring issues or process gaps and proactively identify potential sources of increased efficiency Assists with broadening internal knowledge of employee tools through job aids and other materialsTakes a lead in system releases and updates, which includes researching functionality, conduct testing, and delivering communication optionsWorks closely with other team members to brainstorm, strategize, and complete ad hoc requests creatively, effectively, and efficientlyAttends and participates in meetings and committees as requiredPerforms other job-related duties as assigned.

This job description includes a general representation of job requirements rather than a comprehensive inventory of all required responsibilities or work activities.  The contents of this document or related job requirements may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Active knowledge of HR/Payroll systems maintenance and support, including the execution of system changes (quarterly updates, integrations, new configuration) and system testingMust be a detail-oriented thinker, exhibiting strong analytical and creative problem-solving skillsHigh degree of interpersonal skills and ability to be a team player who contributes valuable ideas and feedback and can be relied upon to meet commitmentsStrong work ethic and passion for delivering fully researched, quality results. Effective listening, written and verbal communication and customer service skills, ability to communicate at all levels of management. Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple and simultaneous operational and strategic activities.Skill and discretion when working with sensitive employee data, maintaining confidentiality in all situations with a keen eye for detail, quality, and accuracy.Strong working knowledge of general accounting, payroll processes, employment taxes, employee benefits, voluntary and involuntary deductions, and employment laws.Proven history of being a detail-oriented thinker, exhibiting strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills, and organization methods.Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite tools with ability to pass a Microsoft Excel competency test.Familiarity with importing and verifying data for use in reports, audits, and spreadsheets.Participation in an HRIS or Payroll project including implementations, enhancements, process improvement initiatives, and system maintenance.Active member of the APA (American Payroll Association).

Education          

Associates degree or equivalent.

Experience

3 years of payroll experience or equivalent (e.g. 5 years of combined experience in payroll and related discipline such as HRIS, Benefits, HCM IT, Accounting, etc.).Experience processing multiple states (20+states preferred) and mid-size employee population (500+).Experience with maintaining HRIS/HCM system configuration.

Experience in lieu of education

Equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of this job may substitute for education degree requirements.  Generally, equivalent relevant experience is defined as 1 year of experience for 1 year of education and is the discretion of the hiring manager.

Preferred Qualifications

Local tax experience. FPC or CPP certificate. Bachelor’s degree.Workday experience or background using other major HR/Payroll systems such as SAP HCM or SuccessFactors, Ultimate Kronos Group, Ceridian, ADP, Oracle, etc.

Position & Application Details

Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

Additional Information

Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive.

Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@wgu.edu.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. #DEI