Job Details

IATSE Unit Payroll Coordinator - Wharton / Payroll Assistant I

Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App

Job no: 1107860
Work type: Support Staff
Pay Grade: 08
Major Administrative Unit / College: University Arts And Collections
Department: Performing Arts Facilities & Programs 10052643
Sub Area: CT- Clerical Tech.
Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location: East Lansing
Categories: Administrative/Business/Professional, Athletics/Recreation, Financial/Accounting, Operations Services, Residential and Hospitality Services, Human Resources, Clerical Technical- CT, 3/4 Time (65-89.9%), Union, Remote-Friendly

Working/Functional Title

IATSE Unit Payroll Coordinator - Wharton

Position Summary

Summary: This position description is for an IATSE Unit Payroll Coordinator who handles the complexities of the union contract in addition to standard payroll functions. It requires a high degree of attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a strong understanding of both standard payroll procedures and specific union regulations. The coordinator ensures compliance with all applicable collective bargaining agreements, labor laws, and company policies, while also handling confidential employee payroll data. This role requires close collaboration with the MAUs with similar bargaining unions, human resources, accounting, and finance departments.

Duties:

• Payroll processing: Assist with the bi-weekly payroll cycles for all IATSE employees, performing data entry and verifying timekeeping records. Oversees daily time entry into the timekeeping system and enters any missing and/or incorrect time tracking. Handles inquiries and resolves payroll-related problems, and explains payroll policies and procedures. Responsible for updating the payroll workbook for pay codes and rates.
• Human Resources Processing: Assist with collecting appropriate new hire paperwork and onboarding new hires for the On-Call bargaining unit employees. Assist with the tracking of employees on the roster from the union and the maintenance of all records hired by different units. Onboarding all new hires for all events.

• Union contract compliance: Accurately interpret and apply multiple, complex union contracts, including differing wage rates, overtime rules, blended rates, pay differentials, and varying benefit structures.

• Payroll reports: Prepare and submit payroll reports to various university entities as required, including but not limited to FLSA and ESTA reports. Compilation of information regarding employee rosters, hours worked, and locations.
• Audits: Assist in gathering information and preparing for various internal and external audits, including union, state, and federal entities. Handles adjustments and time entry review for employee classifications, investigates and corrects unit time submission errors. Analyzes, audits, equalizes, and distributes monthly overtime reports for labor employees.

• Employee support: Serve as a point of contact for employees regarding IATSE payroll inquiries, resolving discrepancies in a professional and timely manner. Communicates between the unit managers, unit HR staff, MSU Payroll, and MSU HR on matters related to employee payroll.
• Records management: Maintain accurate, secure, and confidential employee records, ensuring all payroll files and data comply with university policies and legal requirements.
• Regulatory monitoring: Stay current on federal, state, and local payroll laws, as well as changes to union contract provisions, to ensure continued compliance.
• General clerical duties: Perform general administrative tasks to support the payroll and human resources departments. Includes new hire paperwork for compliance with federal, state, and local entities. Also includes roster lists, referral lists, bargaining group-specific forms, and direct deposit assistance.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Experience: A minimum of 1-3 years of processing and reconciling payroll gross- to-net reductions/deductions; accounting, bookkeeping, records maintenance and/or experience in spreadsheet and word processing software. Knowledge of payroll policies, procedures, various IRS resident and non-resident alien tax forms and publications, and knowledge of database mainframe system concepts.

Desired Qualifications

• Education: An Associate's degree in Accounting, Business, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience: A minimum of 1-3 years of payroll processing experience is typically required, with specific experience in a unionized environment being a strong asset.
• Technical skills:
• Proficiency in payroll software (e.g., EBS or other HRIS).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (e.g., VLOOKUP, pivot tables).
• Knowledge:
• Solid understanding of standard payroll practices, as well as federal, state, and local payroll laws.
• Knowledge of union collective bargaining agreements and specific industry regulations is highly desirable.
• Soft skills:
• Exceptional attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for handling complex payroll issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and customer service skills.
• The ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure to meet deadlines.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume and cover letter.

Work Hours

Primarily M-F, 8 am-5 pm, with occasional evening and weekend work

Website



Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

The Bidding Eligibility ends on 01/27/2026 at 11:55 PM

Advertised: Jan 21, 2026 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Feb 3, 2026 Eastern Standard Time