JOBS AT EIU

Payroll Tax Compliance Specialist

Position Summary

The Payroll Tax Compliance Specialist is a primarily grant-funded, full-time position within the payroll department responsible for benefits assistance and state tax compliance for payroll taxes, including non-federal and non-Illinois taxes such as unemployment and withholding. This role requires the ability to perform all payroll specialist duties, balance payroll totals, and research and prepare special reports for senior management. Additionally, the Payroll Tax Compliance Specialist may train less experienced payroll technicians in areas of specialization. The position operates under minimal supervision from a designated supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure multi-state tax compliance for the University and specifically two grants.
• Assist with payroll and benefits tasks, including setting up direct deposits, assisting employees, and processing W-4 information for multi-state compliance.
• Support the Payroll Manager in reconciling payroll information throughout the year.
• Assist with workers' compensation claims, leave requirements, and union dues deductions, where appropriate for applicable employee groups.
• Perform other related duties as assigned related to multi-state payroll and benefits compliance.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree.

2. A total of one (1) year (12 months) in education, training and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position, more specifically payroll tax filings, reporting, and compliance.

(Note: Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with tax and employment compliance in a multi-state organization.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in computer software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, email, databases, and time accounting systems.
• Strong knowledge of the English language, including spelling, composition, and grammar.
• Understanding of customer service principles, including assessing customer needs, meeting service quality standards, and evaluating customer satisfaction.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Mathematical problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to apply university policies and state/federal regulations to legal requests, court orders, and payroll-related matters.
• Ability to prepare, review, and interpret payroll reports.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to meet critical deadlines.
• Ability to train employees on payroll procedures, methods, and techniques.
• Ability to handle sensitive and complex issues tactfully.

Work Hours

Core work hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Salary/Pay Rate Range

$50,000 annual commensurate with experience

Application Deadline: March 17, 2025

Required Applicant Documents: The Civil Service Examination for this classification is a credentials assessment. No participation other than submission of applicant materials is required from qualified applicants.

• Resume
• References
• Transcripts

Benefits Overview:

Eastern Illinois University is proud to offer an excellent benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being and career goals. This position is eligible for the following benefits

• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Competitive employee insurance premiums with flexible plan options.
• Vision Insurance: Vision coverage is included with medical at no cost.
• Dental Insurance: Dental plans available to meet your needs.
• Retirement Benefits: Participation in the State University Retirement System, which includes medical insurance benefits upon retirement.
• Tuition Waivers: Opportunities to pursue educational goals through tuition waivers for employees and dependent children.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 12 paid holidays annually, plus earned vacation and sick time.

For more information on our employee benefit programs for this specific position class, please visit https://www.eiu.edu/humanres/benefits/newemployees.php

Diversity and Inclusion: Eastern Illinois University is committed to fostering a learning community where all members feel welcomed and valued. The university provides equality of opportunity in all areas of campus life, and we strive to recognize and appreciate the unique value of our students, faculty, and staff. Every member of campus has the right to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment, and beyond that, our goal is for all members of our community to develop a strong sense of belonging to Eastern Illinois University.

The University and Community: Eastern Illinois University takes pride in creating a warm, welcome environment for all faculty, staff and students. Established in 1895, EIU boasts a rich, tradition of preparing students for their personal and professional goals. A traditional regional residential institution, EIU offers a superior education at a relatively low cost while consistently earning high rankings and distinctions for its affordability, academic program quality, career placement rates, campus safety, online degree options, student support, and sustainability initiatives. EIU focuses on individualized attention and superior student relationships and has earned recognition as the highest- ranking independent public regional university in Illinois and a place among the Midwest’s top public regional universities according to U.S. News and World Report. Eastern offers faculty a wide range of research and public service activities. EIU hosts more than 175 student organizations on campus, and offers a variety of cultural events, NCAA Division I athletics, and active research opportunities for its students to enjoy and to thrive. EIU has become recognized for providing the resources of a large institution while creating the kinds of individual relationships that support student and alumni success.

The University is located in East Central Illinois, combines the benefits of a community of 20,000 with access to several large cities, including Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis.

Important Information for Applicants:

Eastern Illinois University is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to complete the application and/or interview process. If would like to request assistance with the application/interview process, please contact Human Resources at (217) 581-3911 or eiu_employment@eiu.edu for assistance.