Payroll Manager Job Description The role involves overseeing payroll and benefits accounting operations to ensure accurate and timely processing. The position requires maintaining the college’s position control system in coordination with Human Resources, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and college policies, and supervising payroll staff. Responsibilities + Oversee payroll operations and ensure timely processing. + Maintain position control system in coordination with Human Resources. + Ensure compliance with payroll and benefits-related legal requirements and college policies. + Supervise payroll staff, assign tasks, review work, and provide performance feedback. + Manage calculation and payment of health, dental, and other benefit premiums. + Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts and prepare internal reports. + Support budget development for wages, benefits, and various cost centers. + Analyze payroll data and budget materials for financial planning. + Assist department administrators with payroll and benefits-related queries. + Prepare and submit financial reports, surveys, and state and federal filings. + Ensure compliance with federal guidelines for grant-funded employees and financial aid. + Manage COBRA and health insurance reconciliations and journal entries. + File quarterly federal tax returns, unemployment reports, and distribute W-2s. + Communicate payroll and benefits updates to the college community. + Safeguard confidentiality and security of payroll and benefits records. + Prepare year-end accruals, audit documentation, and financial analyses. + Authorize payroll actions and ensure adherence to policies and deadlines. + Evaluate and improve payroll/benefits processes for efficiency. + Oversee payroll system updates and ensure accurate processing. + Perform monthly bank reconciliations for the college’s operating account. Essential Skills + Minimum of 5 years of payroll experience. + At least 3 years in a management or supervisory role. + Experience with ERP or payroll software, Colleague preferred. + Ability to assist with payroll processing and reconciliation. + Strong understanding of accounting principles and payroll regulations. + Proficient in Microsoft Excel and standard office software. + Ability to analyze financial data and identify discrepancies. + Strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration. + Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Accounting, Finance, or related field. + Proven ability to hire, train, evaluate, and manage staff. + Ability to interpret and apply changes in federal and state regulations. + Initiative to identify and resolve issues independently. + High level of accuracy in financial reporting and compliance. Work Environment The position requires working 5 days in the office within a fast-paced setting. Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Columbia, MD. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $68000.00 - $87000.00/yr. https://www.howardcc.edu/about-us/policies-procedures/chapter-63/63-07/ Howard Community College offers competitive salaries, excellent medical and dental selections, tuition reimbursement and paid leave programs. As a participating member of the Maryland Retirement and Pension System, HCC offers two retirement options: The Pension, which requires a 7% employee contribution and The ORP, a 403(b) with a 7.25% employer contribution only. Employees in positions that do not require a bachelor’s degree must participate in The Pension. Employees that possess a bachelor’s degree and hold professional positions that require a bachelor’s degree may choose to participate in either The Pension or The ORP. Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Columbia,MD. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Feb 19, 2026. About Aston Carter: Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com (%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options.