Payroll Specialist IV - UIC Commercial Services

Payroll Accountant

UIC Commercial Services is seeking a payroll accountant responsible for ensuring the accurate processing and recording of company payrolls. This role provides timely and accurate financial reporting related to payroll activities and prepares quarterly federal and state payroll tax returns. The payroll accountant plays a key role in maintaining compliance, supporting audits, and contributing to the efficiency and accuracy of payroll operations.

Responsibilities

Essential functions will include:

• Manage workflow to ensure all payroll transactions are processed accurately and on time.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state payroll regulations and guidelines.
• Process accurate garnishment calculations and ensure compliance with court orders.
• Prepare and file quarterly federal and state payroll tax reports.
• Compile and generate payroll reports summarizing earnings, taxes, deductions, leave, and withholdings.
• Process timely federal and state tax payments, as well as 401(k) contributions and withholdings.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies by gathering and analyzing relevant information.
• Provide payroll-related information and respond to employee and management inquiries.
• Perform other related duties as assigned within the finance department.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of multi-state payroll processing and related compliance requirements.
• Understanding of wage withholding orders, garnishments, and applicable regulations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong client service orientation with excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong decision-making skills and ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Effective team management and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical, reasoning, and organizational skills.
• High level of integrity, dependability, and a results-oriented mindset.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications:

• Minimum of five (5) years of payroll processing experience with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Working knowledge of Alaska Title 36 (Public Contracts and Wage Rates).
• Familiarity with payroll systems and reporting tools is a plus.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

Preferred qualifications:

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.
• Experience with multi-state payroll processing and related regulatory compliance.

Physical and mental demands:

• Ability to use standard office equipment, including computers, printers, and telephones.
• Must be able to lift and carry files or materials weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Primarily a sedentary role requiring prolonged periods of sitting.
• Extended use of a computer and screen time throughout the workday.
• Requires focus, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a deadline-driven environment.

Working conditions:

• Work is performed in a standard office setting located in a large building within an urban environment.
• The work environment is typically moderately quiet and climate-controlled.
• All employees are subject to Non-DOT pre-employment drug screening and must comply with UIC's Non-DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Program guidelines and requirements.