Senior Payroll Specialist

About the Opportunity
*This
posting is open to current employees of the 17 constituent institutions of
the UNC System, the UNC System Office, and affiliates.*

The Senior Payroll Specialist plays a critical role in supporting the mission of the UNC System Office by ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing and compliance. Reporting to the Director of Payroll, this role involves comprehensive management of monthly and bi-weekly payrolls using the Ellucian Banner HR/Payroll system. The Senior Payroll Specialist is responsible for validating payroll data, administering deductions and employer contributions, reconciling transactions, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

The position requires a high level of confidentiality, attention to detail, and analytical thinking. The Senior Payroll Specialist will interpret and apply payroll-related policies and procedures, maintain accurate records, and resolve complex payroll issues. This role also involves collaboration across departments and campuses and is conducted under general to limited supervision, with strict adherence to payroll and regulatory deadlines.

This position is a remote work arrangement with occasional travel required to the UNC System Office located in Raleigh, NC. UNC System employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

About the UNC System Office

The UNC System Office includes the offices of the President and other senior administrators of the multi-campus University of North Carolina System. The UNC System is a treasured public institution dedicated to serving the people of North Carolina through world-class teaching, research, and community engagement. Today, nearly 250,000 students are enrolled in our 16 universities across the state and at the NC School of Science and Mathematics. System Office staff is responsible for executing the policies of the UNC Board of Governors and providing University-wide leadership in the areas of academic affairs, business and financial management, long-range planning, student affairs, research, legal affairs, and government relations. The UNC System Office also has administrative oversight of a number of University affiliates, including PBS North Carolina, the North Carolina Arboretum, the NC State Education Assistance Authority, and University of North Carolina Press.

About the Team
The office of the Chief Operating Officer reports to the President of the University and is responsible for internal and campus-focused operational priorities of the University. The office provides oversight for human resources, auditing, and compliance divisions. These divisions have both an internal responsibility to the system office operation and a campus-focused coordinative /leadership role within the noted areas of expertise. The office provides advice and briefings to the President and is expected to build and foster relationships on behalf of the President and to engage with Chancellors while leveraging their expertise to further the President's strategic priorities.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills
Associates degree or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related discipline with 12 credit hours of accounting coursework; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Required Competencies
*Strong knowledge of payroll methods, best practices,
internal controls, and regulatory requirements *Experience with Ellucian's
Banner ERP system's HR/Payroll module

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills
* 3+ years of related payroll experience. * Experience in
state agency or university payroll processes, and experience with shared
services or centralized payroll processing environments preferred. * Knowledge
of federal and state payroll laws and special pay requirements. * Demonstrated
experience to successfully work under pressure and ability to meet strict
deadlines. * Proficiency with all Microsoft Office Application software
including excel and word. * Utilize emerging technology and best practice to increase
efficiency and quality of service delivery. * Strong systems/process experience
with demonstrated analytical thinking, attention to detail, and
problem-solving. * Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communications
skills. * Demonstrated experience to successfully work independently, effective
organizational skills and coordinate work activities with other SSC/BSC staff.

• Classification: Accounting Technician
• Appointment Type: Permanent
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Employment Type: EHRA
• EHRA Category: Exempt Professional Staff
• Recruitment Salary Range: $55,500 - $65,500
• Location: Raleigh, NC USA
• Position Number: 20074755
• Special Instructions to Applicants: The posting remains open until filled, but applications received by Saturday, February 21, 2026 will receive priority consideration.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Other Information
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To claim veteran's preference, all eligible persons must indicate their eligibility as requested on the application. A DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, may be required later in the selection process.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Human Resources Contact Information
Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: recruiter@northcarolina.edu.