Position Function:
The Payroll Accountant provides specialized accounting, payroll, and compliance support within the Controller and Treasurer’s Office. This position ensures the accuracy, integrity, and timely processing of payroll-related financial activity; supports university business managers and fiscal staff; and assists with required reporting to federal and state agencies. The role contributes to maintaining strong internal controls, accurate payroll integrations into the university’s financial system, and high-quality service to campus stakeholders.
Salary Grade: I- SG 14, II/III- SG 15
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
The Office of Payroll is dedicated to providing the best and most efficient payroll services to Mississippi State University employees.
It is our goal to produce payroll payments and supporting documents in a timely and accurate manner. We also process retroactive job labor redistributions, retirement billings for Extension personnel in the 82 counties and handle payroll deductions such as garnishments, bankruptcy payments and United Way contributions.
We strive to continually review our services and implement improvements to keep pace with the opportunities available through on-line entry of information. It is our goal to be a leader, not a follower, in this technological age.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The following examples represent typical responsibilities for this classification. Duties may vary and similar or related tasks may be assigned as needed.
1. Prepare, process, and issue payroll adjustment checks, ensuring accuracy and compliance with university policies and regulatory requirements.
2. Prepare and reconcile county billing, resolving discrepancies and ensuring proper posting to the financial system.
3. Prepare, reconcile, and submit monthly State Retirement System files, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with state regulations.
4. Prepare, reconcile, and submit Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) files, coordinating with vendors and state agencies as required.
5. Prepare federal and state payroll tax deposits, ensuring compliance with IRS, SSA, and state withholding requirements.
6. Serve as key resources for Payroll staff and campus partners by researching and resolving payroll issues, providing guidance, on payroll accounting procedures.
7. Monitor data integrity in Banner HR and Banner Finance, running queries, validating entries, and identifying irregularities.
8. Maintain required documentation and support internal and external audits, preparing reports, reconciliations, and related materials.
9. Ensure confidentiality and secure handling of sensitive payroll data, adhering to university policies and federal and state regulations.
10. Collaborate with HR, ITS, the Budget Office, and departmental business managers to resolve issues and improve payroll workflows.
11. Identify opportunities for process improvements and assist in refining payroll accounting procedures and system practices.
12. Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Level I (Salary Grade 14)
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or related discipline.
• No experience required.
• Indicated education is required; substitutions are not allowed.
Level II (Salary Grade 15)
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or related discipline.
• Two (2) years of relevant experience, including at least two years at the preceding level or equivalent.
• Additional relevant education may substitute for required experience at a rate of one (1) year of education per one (1) year of experience.
Level III (Salary Grade 15)
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or related discipline.
• Four (4) years of relevant experience, including at least two years at the preceding level or equivalent.
• Additional relevant education may substitute for required experience at a rate of one (1) year of education per one (1) year of experience.
ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
2. Experience using Banner or similar enterprise resource planning systems.
3. Advanced degree (e.g., MBA) and/or professional certification (e.g., CPA).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Well-developed interpersonal, customer service, and collaboration skills.
2. Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
3. Commitment to advancing and supporting diversity and inclusion.
4. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat.
5. Working knowledge of database query tools and reporting systems.
6. Ability to work independently, demonstrating initiative and a strong work ethic.
7. Experience in environments requiring teamwork and management of high-volume tasks.
8. Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet daily deadlines, and maintain accuracy.
9. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
10. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information responsibly.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
1. Routine deadlines; variance in work volume seasonal and predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressures; infrequent evening and weekend work is required.
2. Job frequently requires sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and handling objects.
3. Job occasionally requires standing, walking, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting to 25 pounds.
4. Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Submit application, cover letter, and resume at https://www.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
