Working/Functional Title
Payroll Analyst
Position Summary
Advance your payroll career at Michigan State University’s Office of the Controller! We're seeking a Payroll Analyst to manage complex payroll operations, tax reporting, international employee taxation, and SAP payroll processes. Join a collaborative team, expand your expertise, and make a direct impact supporting one of the nation's leading public research universities.
Support the operations of MSU’s central Payroll Office, an impactful department within the Office of the Controller, by ensuring employees are paid accurately and in compliance with university policies and applicable federal, state, and local tax regulations. Collaborate with payroll staff and campus partners to analyze and resolve payroll-related issues, including payroll reporting, SAP master data maintenance, deduction processing, and international employee taxation.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of payroll operations by identifying best practices, supporting compliance efforts, and providing subject matter expertise for SAP system enhancements, upgrades, and special projects. This role plays a key part in maintaining efficient payroll processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering exceptional service to the university community.
Work Modality
This position is "remote-friendly", with the expectation of on-campus presence periodically. This is typically referred to as "Hybrid", with the flexibility of regular remote work mixed with in-office work as mutually agreed upon with the supervisor.
What You'll Do
International Payroll Tax Compliance & Employee Support (20%)
- Provide analysis of international employees for visa exemption/treaty eligibility status using (NRA) software.
- Update employee master data for NRA residency and taxation status, monitor NRA functionality in SAP.
- Provide guidance to employees, staff, and other MSU areas in the area of international employee taxation.
Payroll Processing & Administration (15%)
- Provide analysis of payroll entries and corrective actions.
- Payroll processing tasks associated with each pay cycle from release/exit through post payroll production output and distribution.
- Pre/post payroll balancing processes, garnishments, and tax payments.
- Process Friend of the Court documents, federal/state levies and bankruptcies.
Payroll Tax Reporting & Reconciliation (15%)
- Reconcile taxes for tax reporting purposes after each payroll.
- Own tax reporting end to end.
- Participate in analysis and set-up of new states.
- File Federal 941s and multiple state (SIT) reports.
Payroll Audit & Data Integrity Analysis (15%)
- Analyze pre- and post-payroll audit reports, including running reports from SAP. Action required frequently involves updates to employee master data records to ensure accurate payroll results.
- Pre-reports include: IATSE Union Contributions- balance and update employee records.
- Post-reports include: Payroll Register – reasonability review; Inactive Employees; Deductions Not Taken; Uncollected FICA; Gross Pay, Net Pay, etc.
Payroll Deduction Administration (15%)
- Coordinate and communicate with staff, units, vendors, unions regarding deduction/refunds adjustments to employee master data.
- Analysis and master data updates as required.
Payroll Interface Management & System Support (10%)
- Schedule, analyze, and maintain inbound and outbound payroll deduction interfaces.
- Coordinate with departments and IT Services regarding interface schedules, error resolution, and master data updates.
Financial Reconciliation, Audits & Process Improvement (5%)
- Reconcile payroll fund ledger accounts on monthly basis.
- Assist with reconciliation and analysis of fiscal and calendar year-end events.
- Assist in internal/external audit process.
- Assist with development/update of internal processes and procedures.
Payroll Consultation & Special Projects (5%)
- Serve as a resource to the university, external agencies, and staff regarding payroll regulations, tax requirements, and university policies.
- Participate in cross-functional project teams and other special assignments as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Business, Accounting or a related field; one to three years of progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in accounting, financial analysis, management and/or supervision and in the area of employment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications
- Three to five years of progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in matters related to payroll, accounting, tax law, human resources and financial management.
- Experience with SAP software.
- Extensive knowledge of filing Federal 941s and multiple state (SIT) reports.
- Higher education experience.
- Ability to effectively and efficiently work with business services, human resources, and academic units.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proven record of successful leadership.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
Cover Letter
Resume
Three Professional References
Special Instructions
Work Modality
This position is "remote-friendly", with the expectation of on-campus presence periodically. This is typically referred to as "Hybrid", with the flexibility of regular remote work mixed with in-office work as mutually agreed upon with the supervisor.
Salary
Salary is commensurate with experience.
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Website
https://controller.msu.edu/payroll
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Bidding eligibility ends June 23, 2026, 11:55 PM
