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.

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

Additional skills, experiences and qualifications include:

• Deep knowledge of payroll, tax, and reporting regulations
• Strong technical and operational depth including ERP system experience (e.g., Banner, SAP, Oracle).
• Analytical and reporting skills using Excel and other reporting tools.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under strict deadlines.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise systems and HR/payroll integrations
• Advanced Excel proficiency and experience working with large data sets
• Proven ability to resolve system or payroll issues under time constraints
• Clear communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences

Preferred

• Oracle Cloud experience preferred
• Proficiency with Oracle OBIEE / OTBI, BI Publisher or similar reporting tools
• CPP or FPC certification
• Familiarity with federal and multi-state compliance obligations, including FLSA and IRS regulations, retirement deductions, wage reporting, payroll and income taxes
• Experience supporting audits, periodic software patching and upgrade intake, and payroll testing
• Experience in higher education or complex public-sector environments

Application Process

For full consideration, applications should be accompanied by a letter of interest, a resume, and three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation for the position is budgeted for $115,000 to $150,000.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits and much more. Additionally, Tennessee residents do not pay a state income tax. For more information on the University of Tennessee's benefits, visit https://hr.tennessee.edu/benefits/

Specific duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Manage daily payroll processing across pay frequencies and employee groups
• Identify and influence prioritization of process and system optimizations
• Serve as liaison to campus payroll offices, resolving issues and promoting consistent practices
• Lead audit and reconciliation activities, off-cycle payments, and year-end processing
• Troubleshoot payroll errors in Oracle Cloud and coordinate testing and fixes with UT HR and DTS (IT) teams
• Use Oracle reports, Excel, and third-party tools to analyze and validate payroll data, trends, and detect anomalies
• Support compliance through documentation, internal controls, and audit preparation
• Help develop training content and maintain payroll operating procedures
• Lead functional testing and process changes during system updates and projects
• Prepare ad hoc reports and support dashboard development, requirements elicitation
• Supervise payroll staff, providing training, support, and performance management.
• Act as operational lead during the Executive Director’s absence