Accounts Payable & Payroll Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Concordia University Chicago (CUC), a comprehensive Christian liberal arts university, invites applications for the full time, non-exempt position of Accounts Payable and Payroll Assistant. This position reports to the Disbursements Manager and is located in River Forest, IL.

Concordia does not discriminate in the employment of individuals based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex or age. As an institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, however, and to the extent allowed by law, Concordia University reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religious affiliation.

Job Summary:

The Accounts Payable & Payroll Assistant is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of accounts payable and payroll transactions following institutional policies and regulatory requirements. This role supports the finance team by ensuring compliance, maintaining financial records, and assisting with audits and reporting. The position requires expertise in Banner (Ellucian) and Emburse/Chrome River platforms, and a strong understanding of higher education financial operations.

Responsibilities/Duties:

Accounts Payable:

• Review, process, and verify invoices, employee reimbursements, and other payment requests using Emburse/Chrome River.
• Match purchase orders, receipts, and invoices for accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain vendor records, including W-9s and banking information.
• Monitor outstanding liabilities and prepare weekly payment runs (check, ACH, or wire).
• Distribute checks
• Respond to internal and external inquiries regarding accounts payable status and procedures.
• Assist with year-end 1099 reporting and IRS compliance.

Payroll:

• Process payrolls for faculty, staff, adjuncts, and student employees
• Initiate each payroll cycle
• Review timesheets and payroll authorizations for appropriate signatures and entries; enter them in the payroll system
• Complete the payroll cycle and prepare documents for direct deposit as well as any payments related to payroll, including payment of taxes, TSAs, and garnishments
• Communicate regularly with employees regarding payroll
• Communicate with department heads regarding errors in timesheets
• Monitor status of web timesheets and assist employees in learning to use the web time entry system
• Assist with payroll reconciliations, audits, and preparation of W-2s.
• Support compliance with labor laws, IRS regulations, and institutional policies.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Disbursements Manager, Controller or CFO

Required Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in accounting, Business Administration, or related field; bachelor's preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in accounts payable and/or payroll.
• Demonstrated experience with Banner (Ellucian) and Emburse/Chrome River.
• Knowledge of payroll laws, IRS regulations, and AP best practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Office applications.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage confidential information with integrity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a higher education setting.
• Familiarity with federal and state tax reporting requirements.
• Understanding of fund accounting principles.

Work Environment:

• Office setting with extended screen time and data entry tasks.
• Occasional extended hours during payroll deadlines, fiscal year-end, or audit periods.

Application Information:

Interested individuals should apply through our website www.cuchicago.edu/employment. Please include a cover letter, resume, and references.

Concordia University Chicago does not generally sponsor employment visas except for positions that oversee, teach, or support our international programs.

About Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts-based Christian university founded in the Lutheran tradition. Through its College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, College of Graduate Studies, and College of Innovative and Professional Programs, Concordia-Chicago offers more than 160 areas of study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success. All undergraduate and graduate degrees are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Concordia University Chicago has been recognized as a College of Distinction since 2010, and in 2013 was named to the U.S. President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for the fifth time. For the sixth consecutive year, combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment has exceeded more than 5,000 students. Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Learn more at CUChicago.edu.

Steadfast in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, Concordia University Chicago promotes academic rigor in its liberal arts and professional programs; grounds students in objective truth, integrity, and excellence; and practices faithfulness to the Confessional teachings of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, as it forms students for vocations in church, family, and the word.

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