Payroll Administrator

Western Technical College is a preferred employer in the 7 Rivers Region and is committed to providing a safe and respectful workplace for all co-workers. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about helping others learn, dedicated to serving students, and committed to the principles of equity and social justice. Western believes that serving the full breadth of our student and co-worker populations requires cultural competency and enthusiasm for diversity of all kinds. We recognize the intersectional nature of discrimination and are committed to counteracting these biases and eliminating the effects they have had on our students, co-workers, and communities. If you are a motivated individual who can contribute to excellence in teaching, learning, social justice and equity, please consider this employment opportunity at Western.

Summary of Position:
Oversee and manage all aspects of payroll operations, including process design, data collection, paycheck issuance, and electronic transfers, while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Maintain accurate payroll and leave accounting records, and collaborate closely with HR and Finance on compensation, benefits, and system integration matters. Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive payroll data. Recommend and implement improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. Lead payroll-related budget development for salaries, benefits, and account distribution.

1. Maintain and uphold the College values of Learning, Excellence, Accountability, Diversity, Student Success, Teamwork, Integrity, and Respect. Regular attendance is required.
2. Complete all required College training and responsible for maintaining the skills necessary to complete the essential functions of the position as defined by the department.
3. Student Success is the cornerstone of Western's culture and the college may assign employees as needed to other areas or additional duties to foster this success.
4. Administration and Management of the Payroll and Leave Systems - Supporting Action/Task May Include:

• Maintain payroll information by designing processes; directing the collection, calculation, and entering of data; pay employees by directing the production and issuance of paychecks or electronic transfers to bank accounts.
• Direct the payroll process.
• Comply with federal, state, and local legal requirements; advise management on needed actions.
• Maintain payroll records including earnings, distributions, and deductions.
• Process quarterly and annual payroll tax submissions.
• Ensure payroll processes are applied appropriately and recommend changes and improvements to existing processes to expedite workflow.
• Manage the leave benefit module of HR/payroll software system.
• Coordinate with Human Resources to resolve issues of pay as related to contract negotiations, annual contract calculations, payroll adjustments and benefits eligibility.
• Coordinate and lead the development and implementation of the Payroll portion of the College's budget - Salaries, benefits, account code distribution
• Administer the issuance of employment contracts to all full-time faculty and select management positions
• Support preparation of annual financial and workers compensation audits.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required in related field with 3 years occupational experience OR
• Education in related field combined with related occupational experience totaling 7 years OR
• Related occupational experience totaling 7 years

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred

This position reports to: Director - Finance

Starting annual/hourly salary range based on education and experience: $58,325 - $77,703

This position would include competitive salary, along with a wide variety of benefits available to full-time Western Technical College Employees. These benefits include: health, HRA, dental, life, retirement - Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), voluntary vision, supplemental Allstate insurance (accident, critical illness and cancer), pet insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance plans, flexible spending account for health & dependent care, employee assistance program (EAP), Employee Wellness Incentive, Education Reimbursement, and tax-sheltered retirement annuity programs - 457 & 403(b). We offer a range of paid leave including Bereavement, Casual Illness, Personal, Vacation, Holidays, Summer Fridays, Shut Down, Parental paid leave, Military paid leave, Volunteer leave, and Leave donation.

Applicant review will begin: Monday, August 25, 2025

Start Date of: September 2025

Copies of Transcripts from regionally accredited colleges or universities are acceptable during the application process (originals will be required upon hire)
Western is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Our mission is to provide relevant, high quality education in a collaborative and sustainable environment that changes the lives of students and grows our communities. Western is committed to providing a safe and respectful workplace for all employees.

An Equal Opportunity/Access/Employer And Educator

Western Technical College is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status. Reasonable accommodation will be provided in the job application process to enable a qualified applicant to have an equal opportunity to be considered for a job as is provided to all Western employees. If you want to request an accommodation, please contact the EEO/AA Compliance Officer at (608)785-9274.

Non-Discrimination Notice
Western Technical College, in compliance with state and federal law, does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability, marital status, sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, veteran status, genetic testing or other legislated categories in employment, admissions, programs, or activities. Western prohibits retaliation against any individuals who bring forth any compliant, orally or in writing, to the College or government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination. Western provides assurance that lack of English reading/speaking skills will not be a barrier to admittance and participation in the College. General inquiries regarding the College's non-discrimination policies may be directed to:
John Heath
Director of Human Resources
Western Technical College
111 7th Street North
La Crosse, WI 54601
608-785-9464
WI Relay: 711