Payroll Accountant

Hiring Salary: $45,000.00-$55,000.00/annually

The Payroll Accountant is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of retirement payroll data reported to the Florida Retirement System (FRS). This position performs detailed reconciliations between payroll and human resources data within the ERP system and retirement submissions made to FRS on both a bi-weekly and monthly basis. The role serves as the primary point of contact for identifying, researching, correcting, and resolving reporting discrepancies, submission errors, and member data issues to ensure compliance with FRS reporting requirements. The position also provides support for financial reporting, fiscal year-end close activities, and external audit requests related to payroll and retirement accounting.

Responsibilities

Retirement Reporting & Reconciliation

• Reconcile retirement payroll data between ERP systems and Florida Retirement System (FRS) submissions to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Review, analyze, and correct retirement reporting discrepancies, adjustments, and submission errors.
• Monitor retirement-related reconciliations and maintain supporting documentation.

Compliance & Data Integrity

• Ensure compliance with FRS reporting requirements and applicable policies and procedures.
• Perform reviews and quality control procedures to support the accuracy and integrity of retirement and payroll data.
• Identify and recommend process improvements to enhance reporting accuracy and efficiency.

Issue Resolution & Stakeholder Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact for retirement reporting inquiries and discrepancy resolution.
• Collaborate with Payroll, Human Resources, Benefits, Accounting, and external agencies to resolve data and reporting issues.
• Provide guidance and support regarding retirement reporting and payroll accounting matters.

Financial Reporting & Audit Support

• Prepare reconciliations, schedules, and supporting documentation for fiscal year-end close and annual financial reporting.
• Respond to requests from external auditors, state auditors, and regulatory agencies and provide supporting documentation as needed.
• Support audit activities and the implementation of corrective actions related to payroll and retirement accounting processes.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain records, procedures, and documentation supporting retirement reporting, reconciliations, compliance activities, and audit requirements.
• Prepare management reports and analyses related to retirement reporting and payroll accounting activities.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and one year of related experience, or a Master’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration (with appropriate Accounting preparation and coursework.) The bachelor’s degree is a minimum educational requirement for this position, and cannot be waived.

Preferred Technical Skills:

ERP and HRIS systems proficiency.

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

Data analysis, reconciliation, and reporting.

Preferred Soft Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.

Effective written and verbal communication.

Strong organizational and time-management abilities.

Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.

Customer service and issue-resolution skills.

Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.

• Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
• SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
• A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
• (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
• (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
• (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
• (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
• (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
• Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
• Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.