Description
The Deputy Director of Payroll manages daily payroll operations across the UT System and serves as the Executive Director’s lead delegate, supports and leading the System Administration Payroll, Benefits, and Retirement Office. This role oversees payroll processing, compliance, and audit support, while troubleshooting issues across institutions and systems.
This position plays role in the daily operations of payroll processing and system enhancement for all campuses and institutes within the University of Tennessee System. The Deputy Director ensures timely and accurate processing of payroll, benefits, and retirement contributions, and helps implement strategic initiatives under the direction of the Executive Director and the Chief Human Resources Officer.
In this role, the position leads daily payroll operations across multiple pay frequencies and diverse employee groups, ensuring accurate and timely processing. The role identifies opportunities for process and system optimization, helping to influence prioritization and drive continuous improvement. Serving as a key liaison to campus payroll offices, the position resolves complex issues while promoting consistent practices across the institution.
The role oversees audit and reconciliation activities, offcycle payments, and yearend processing, while also troubleshooting payroll errors in Oracle Cloud and coordinating required testing and fixes with UT HR and DTS (IT) partners. Using Oracle reporting tools, Excel, and thirdparty solutions, the position analyzes and validates payroll data, monitors trends, and identifies anomalies.
This role supports compliance by maintaining documentation, strengthening internal controls, and preparing for audits. It contributes to training content development and maintains uptodate payroll operating procedures. The position leads functional testing and process changes during system updates and projects and prepares ad hoc reports while supporting dashboard development and requirements gathering.
Additionally, the role provides supervision, coaching, and performance management for payroll staff and serves as the operational lead in the Executive Director’s absence.
Requirements
Required
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources Administration, or a related field and 5–7 years of payroll or HRIS experience with operational accountability.
The selected candidate brings deep expertise in payroll, tax, and regulatory compliance, supported by strong technical and operational capabilities across major ERP systems such as Banner, SAP, and Oracle. They excel at analyzing complex data sets and producing clear, actionable reporting through advanced Excel proficiency and other analytical tools. Known for exceptional communication and problemsolving skills, they confidently navigate both technical and nontechnical audiences and collaborate effectively across teams. With a proven ability to manage multiple priorities under strict deadlines, they are adept at resolving system and payroll issues quickly and accurately. Their strong understanding of enterprise systems and HR/payroll integrations ensures seamless endtoend processes and reliable operational outcomes.
Preferred
Preferred qualifications include experience working with Oracle Cloud, along with proficiency in Oracle OBIEE/OTBI, BI Publisher, or similar reporting tools. Candidates with CPP or FPC certification are strongly valued. Ideal applicants will bring a solid understanding of federal and multistate compliance requirements, including FLSA, IRS regulations, retirement deductions, wage reporting, and payroll and income tax obligations. Experience supporting audits, participating in software patching and upgrade cycles, and conducting comprehensive payroll testing is also preferred. Backgrounds in higher education or other complex publicsector environments are especially beneficial.
