Payroll Assistant

About Roxbury Community College:

Roxbury Community College (RCC) is a public institution of higher education offering associate degrees, certificate programs and lifelong learning opportunities to the Greater Boston community. The Department of Education recognized RCC as a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) and as one of the top 100 community colleges in the country for student outcomes through the Postsecondary Success Recognition Program, making it the only community college in Massachusetts with these designations.

RCC offers 24 associate degree programs, 6 credit-based certificate programs, 13 non-credit professional certification programs, 30+ lifelong learning and fitness classes, and customized incumbent worker training programs. The college hosts hundreds of civic and community events at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center each year. RCC is committed to providing all learners with the academic and non-academic support required for degree completion and long-term success.

Roxbury Community College is guided by our six core values of Accountability, Equity, Excellence, Honesty, Integrity, and Respect. RCC is also an AA/EO employer and strongly encourages applications from candidates who would enhance the diversity of its staff. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act requires all institutes of higher education to disclose campus policy statements and crime statistics. Our annual report is available at Clery Report. 

Job Description:

Title: Employment Onboarding and Payroll Assistant  

Unit: Non-Unit 

Department: Human Resources Department

Reports to: Payroll Supervisor

Date: 2026

Position Overview

The Payroll and Onboarding Assistant supports the accurate, timely processing of payroll for faculty, staff, and student employees. Reporting directly to the Payroll Supervisor, this position handles day-to-day payroll transactions, timesheet review, and payroll records, including setting up new hires and student employees in the payroll system so they are paid correctly from their first check. You will serve as a go-to resource for departments and employees on pay-related questions and deadlines. This is an excellent opportunity to build a career in payroll operations and higher education administration.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Payroll Supervisor to process accurate biweekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payroll runs.
• Review employee time entries and approvals for completeness and accuracy before each payroll deadline.
• Identify and resolve payroll discrepancies, working directly with departments to correct missing or inaccurate data.
• Process payroll adjustments, including off-cycle checks, retroactive pay, and corrections.
• Set up new staff and student employees in the payroll system, verifying tax withholding forms, direct deposit information, and I-9 employment authorization before the first pay date.
• Enter and maintain accurate employee pay and status records in payroll and timekeeping systems.
• Monitor student employee eligibility, work-hour limits, and employment status to ensure pay complies with institutional policy.
• Coordinate with hiring managers and supervisors so new employees are paid on time, with increased volume during peak semester hiring periods.
• Assist student employees and staff with timesheet access, pay stubs, and paycheck inquiries.
• Maintain and communicate the payroll calendar so departments meet submission deadlines.
• Prepare payroll reports, summaries, and audit documentation for leadership.
• Support year-end processes, including W-2 preparation, reconciliations, and audits.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional payroll regulations.
• Maintain secure, organized, and confidential payroll records.
• Recommend process improvements that increase payroll accuracy and efficiency.

Requirements:

Qualifications

• Education: Associate degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience: 1-3 years of payroll, bookkeeping, accounts payable, or related financial administrative experience.
• Accuracy: Exceptional attention to detail with a proven record of data and numerical accuracy.
• Organization: Strong time-management skills and the ability to meet fixed payroll deadlines during high-volume periods.
• Confidentiality: Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive financial and personal information.
• Communication: Clear, professional communication with a strong customer service orientation.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office with intermediate to advanced Excel skills (formulas, sorting/filtering, reconciliations).

Preferred

• Hands-on experience with payroll systems, HRCMS, or automated timekeeping software.
• Working knowledge of payroll tax withholding and wage-and-hour requirements.
• Experience in higher education or with student employee payroll.

Additional Information:

Employees of Roxbury Community College are considered employees of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and receive benefits that include: 

• High quality and affordable health insurance through the Commonwealth's Group Insurance Commission (GIC) 
• Reasonable Dental and Vision Plans 
• Flexible Medical Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance Account  
• Low cost basic and optional life insurance  
• Retirement Savings: State Employees' Pension or Optional Retirement Program (ORP) and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan or 403(b). 
• 12 paid holidays per year and competitive Sick, Vacation, and Personal Time  
• Tuition Benefit for employees and dependents at state colleges and universities  
• Short-Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation options offered by AFLAC  
• Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities 
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program 
• Cell Phone Bill Discounts with Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile Cell Phone Carriers 
• Access to the Commonwealth's Mass4You, employee assistance program 
• Free employee parking on the Roxbury Campus
• Public Transportation is available to the College via the MBTA Orange Line Roxbury Crossing Station & connecting bus stops, an eight-minute walk to the campus.  

Location: Roxbury Community College, 1234 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02120

Unit Status: Non-Union

Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Compensation Range: $52,000-$56,000 per year

Application Instructions:

All applicants must apply online by submitting:

Cover Letter
Resume
Names and contact information for three (3) professional references 

Successful applicants will be required to complete a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI/SORI) request.

After completing all the steps above, please go back into the newly created account and double check that your resume and cover letter uploaded as you intended.

Roxbury Community College understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance with the job application process, please contact Pat Noel, ADA Coordinator, at 857-701-1290 or pnoel1@rcc.mass.edu.

ADA Compliance:

The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education - Roxbury Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education - Roxbury Community College will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. 

Roxbury Community College only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you do not have access to a computer, please contact Human Resources at hrstaff@rcc.mass.edu.