The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth. Here is what we offer: Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture Join Howard University and thrive with us! https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness JOB PURPOSE: The Lead Payroll Analyst plays a key role in ensuring the accuracy, compliance, and effective operation of Howard University’s payroll processes. This position supports the review and validation of payroll data, monitors payroll activity for consistency, and assists in the timely processing of bi-weekly and off-cycle compensation for faculty, staff, and student workers. The Lead Payroll Analyst also serves as a primary resource for employee payroll inquiries, offering guidance and facilitating timely resolution with a strong customer service focus. The role helps maintain internal controls and supports cross-departmental collaboration to ensure payroll is administered in alignment with University policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable federal and state regulations. SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY: None. NATURE AND SCOPE: The Lead Payroll Analyst functions as an experienced payroll professional within the University’s centralized payroll structure and supports the accurate and timely execution of bi-weekly payrolls and supplemental off-cycle payments. The role requires close coordination with Human Resources, Budget, Benefits, Accounting, and departmental administrators to verify payroll data, ensure proper documentation, and support consistent payroll operations across the institution. This position interacts frequently with employees, supervisors, and campus partners to address payroll questions and provide guidance on payroll-related matters. The Lead Payroll Analyst must apply strong analytical skills, confidentiality, and sound judgment when evaluating payroll information or resolving issues. The role contributes to audit preparedness, supports payroll reconciliations, and assists with recurring quarterly and annual payroll reporting activities. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: Payroll Preparation & Support • Prepare and validate payroll inputs in advance of each payroll cycle, ensuring HR-provided files (salaries, benefits, job changes) are complete and properly formatted for processing. • Perform pre-payroll audits to identify missing data, unexpected variances, incorrect deductions, or tax issues, and escalate findings to the Payroll Manager. • Support the Director/Manager during monthly payroll processing by running calculations, reviewing results, and resolving flagged errors. • Process routine off-cycle items such as corrections, small retro payments, and adjustments as directed by the Payroll Manager. Employee Support & Inquiry Management • Manage the Payroll Inbox by monitoring, prioritizing, and responding to employee payroll questions related to pay, taxes, deductions, direct deposit, and time reporting. • Research and resolve routine issues; escalate complex or policy-impacting matters to the Payroll Manager. • Track common inquiry themes and recommend updates to FAQs or procedure guides. Garnishments, Deductions & Payments • Process wage garnishments, tax levies, child support orders, and other wage attachments; maintain records and prepare remittance packets for manager approval. • Administer union dues, voluntary deductions, and retirement contributions that originate within Payroll’s purview (not HR-managed benefits). • Maintain logs of all remittances and assist in preparing reconciliations for manager review. System Support (Workday & ADP) • Update and maintain basic Workday Payroll configuration items (simple deductions, tax updates, pay schedule updates) under guidance from the Payroll Manager. • Execute routine tests during Workday releases and patches; document issues and assist with troubleshooting. • Assist with ADP Tax Services interactions, including reviewing tax files, setting up new jurisdictions, and documenting tax notices for management action. Reconciliation, Reporting & Compliance Support • Prepare standard payroll reports (registers, deduction reports, tax summaries) for manager review before final processing. • Assist with monthly reconciliations of payroll liabilities, verifying balances and following up on discrepancies with Accounting. • Support quarterly and year-end processes by gathering data, running preliminary reports, and assisting with W-2 review. • Maintain organized documentation for internal and external audit requests. Process Improvement & Team Support • Document payroll procedures, update job aids, and maintain checklists to ensure consistency and accuracy in recurring tasks. • Recommend process improvements to reduce errors or improve efficiency. • Provide cross-training support to payroll staff and serve as backup on routine tasks when needed. CORE COMPETENCIES: • Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, wage attachments, and taxation, with experience supporting complex higher-education payroll environments. • Proficiency in Workday Payroll and familiarity with ADP SmartCompliance, including basic configuration, troubleshooting, and report execution. • Advanced attention to detail and analytical skills, with the ability to audit data, identify discrepancies, and support reconciliations. • Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain payroll concepts clearly and provide high-quality customer service. • Strong Excel capability (pivot tables, lookups, data validation) for payroll auditing and analysis. • Proven ability to maintain confidentiality, follow internal controls, and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information. • Collaborative team player who works well with HR, Accounting, Benefits, and campus departments to resolve issues and support payroll operations. • Adaptable and proactive, with a continuous improvement mindset and willingness to learn new systems and processes. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered. • 3–5 years of payroll experience in a complex, multi-department organization; higher education experience preferred. • Knowledge of payroll regulations, multi-state taxation, wage garnishments, and statutory reporting requirements. • Experience using Workday Payroll or another enterprise-level payroll system; familiarity with ADP SmartCompliance is a plus. • Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including lookups, pivot tables, and data validation. • Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to identify discrepancies and support reconciliations. • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information in accordance with university policies and regulatory requirements. • Excellent communication and customer service skills for responding to employee inquiries and supporting campus partners. Compliance Salary Range Disclosure $105,00-$115,000 Howard University is a comprehensive, research-oriented, historically Black private university providing an educational experience of exceptional quality to students of high academic potential with particular emphasis upon the provision of educational opportunities to promising Black students. Further, the University is dedicated to attracting and sustaining a cadre of faculty who are, through their teaching and research, committed to the development of distinguished and compassionate graduates and to the quest for solutions to human and social problems in the United States and throughout the world. Howard University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex,sexual orientation,gender or gender identity, marital status, religion, disability or protected veterans status. Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Inquiries regarding provisions for persons with disabilities or veterans status, Equal Employment Opportunity and Title IX should be directed to the Office of Employee Relations and Equal Employment Opportunity at 202-806-1280. This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not be construed as a contract for employment.

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