Job Description
ABOUT UNIVERSITY PARTNERS
UNIVERSITY PARTNERS IS WITHIN THE TOP 15 OWNER/OPERATORS IN THE COUNTRY, POSSESSES MORE THAN 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN ACQUIRING, DEVELOPING, AND MANAGING STUDENT HOUSING COMMUNITIES. WITH 500+ EMPLOYEES, 43 PROPERTIES, AND OVER 25,000 BEDS, UNIVERSITY PARTNERS PROVIDES THE BEST IN SERVICE AND SUSTAINABILITY. OUR COMPETITIVE SPIRIT AND TEAM APPROACH ALLOWS US TO MOVE QUICKLY AND MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY. WE ARE TEAM PLAYERS WITH ALL WHO PARTNER WITH US. AS EXCEPTIONAL LEADERS AND GOOD LISTENERS, WE CHEER FOR EVERYONE’S WIN. WE NOT ONLY OFFER THE BEST IN STUDENT LIVING, BUT WE ALSO OFFER PEACE OF MIND.
JOB PURPOSE The Payroll Specialist will be responsible for processing payroll for 500+ employees spread across multiple cities, states, and properties. This role requires an individual with a strong understanding of multi-state payroll, tax regulations, and compliance requirements. The Payroll Specialist will work closely with HR, accounting, and operations managers to ensure accurate and timely payroll administration. Experience in payroll for a multi-location (including California) organization is crucial. This position reports directly to the Vice President, Human Resources.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Payroll Processing : Manage and execute bi-weekly payroll for 500 employees across 14 cities and multiple states, ensuring timely and accurate payment which includes processing commissions monthly, NOI bonuses quarterly, and end of year salary adjustments.
- Multi-State Payroll Compliance : Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including tax laws, wage and hour laws, and reporting requirements in various jurisdictions.
- Benefits and Deductions : Accurately calculate and apply employee benefits, deductions (including health insurance, 401(k), and other withholdings), and garnishments as per company policies and legal guidelines.
- Timekeeping Management : Review, verify, and correct timecard entries, ensuring proper approval from managers at each property. Maintain accurate records of hours worked, overtime, and paid time off (PTO).
- Tax Filings and Reporting : Prepare and file required federal, state, and local tax forms, including W-2s and 1099s. Collaborate with accounting teams to reconcile payroll accounts.
- Auditing and Accuracy : Conduct regular audits of payroll data for errors, discrepancies, or anomalies. Implement corrective measures to ensure payroll accuracy and efficiency.
- Employee Support : Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related questions from employees, providing timely responses and resolutions to issues such as paycheck discrepancies, tax withholdings, and direct deposit inquiries.
- Systems Management : Maintain and update employee payroll records within the payroll system (e.g., ADP, Paycom, or similar software). Ensure the system is configured correctly for each property and jurisdiction.
- Onboarding/Offboarding : Handle payroll tasks related to onboarding new employees and processing terminations, including calculating final paychecks and unused PTO payouts.
- Collaboration with HR & Accounting : Work closely with the HR department on salary changes, bonuses, reclassifications, and other employee compensation matters. Assist the finance team with payroll-related reconciliations and reports.
- Regulatory Updates : Stay up-to-date with changing federal, state, and local payroll regulations and ensure the company’s payroll processes remain compliant.
Qualifications of Successful Candidates:
- Bachelor's degree highly preferred
- CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification is a plus.
- Minimum of 2+ years of payroll experience, with at least 2 years managing multi-state payroll (including California).
- Experience in the real estate, property management, or student housing industries is highly preferred.
- Familiarity with property management software systems (e.g., Entrata, Yardi, RealPage) for data integration is helpful.
- Proficiency in payroll software (e.g., ADP, Paycom, Paychex) and strong Excel skills (e.g., VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables).
- Knowledge of payroll regulations across multiple states, including FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) and tax laws.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
- Excellent communication skills to work with employees across different locations.
- Escalates issues in a timely manner
- Thoughtful and solution oriented
Work Environment:
- This position is based in the company’s headquarters, downtown Dallas with some flexibility for hybrid work. In office Monday – Thursday. Remote: Friday.
Compensation : Competitive salary with a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, 401(k), unlimited PTO, and opportunities for professional development.
Job Tags
Full time, Work at office, Local area,