Kalamazoo College is a community of students, faculty, staff and alumni who are committed to making an exceptional place to learn, live, and work. Kalamazoo College is committed to a sense of belonging and strives to support inclusivity. Individuals who share similar commitments are invited to apply for employment.
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- Kalamazoo College among the 300 Best Small Employers according to Forbes.
- Kalamazoo College offers excellent benefits!
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Position Summary
The Payroll and Accounting Specialist performs various administrative and general accounting functions including payroll, journal entries, preparation of various analytical reports, and other duties to support and maintain quality in the activities of the Business Office as well as uphold the mission and values established by Kalamazoo College. This position strives for superior customer service and performance by consistently providing a product or service to leadership, faculty, and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the student experience. Reporting to an Associate Controller, this position works closely with all Business Office staff, leadership, and all K College personnel on a daily basis.
Responsibilities
- Verification and processing of time entries from the electronic time card system; ensuring completeness, accuracy, and compliance with the College’s payroll policies
- Preparation and remittance of all withholdings and deductions including retirement plan, flexible spending accounts, United Way, annual fund donations, garnishments, and child support orders
- Preparation of all federal and state employment tax filings, including remittance of employment taxes
- Serves as a contact for advice and planning on the taxability of non-wage employee payments and benefits
- Prepares and assists with compensation reporting for various audits and budget management using Microsoft Excel and financial reporting software
- Routinely interacts with Human Resources on employee benefits changes
- Updates employee and student direct deposit information
- Maintain College Vendor records
- Assist with various accounting functions as needed.
- Preparation of general ledger journal entries
- Produce financial reports as requested
- Maintain Business Office websites
- Assists with special projects as needed
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
The successful candidate will have a high school diploma (or equivalent) and will also demonstrate many of the following skills, abilities, and characteristics:
- Three years of payroll and accounting or related experience is required.
- Two years of automated general ledger, Excel, PowerPoint, and word processing applications are required.
- Understanding and knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, effective communication techniques both written and verbal, stress management, and skills for dealing with complex issues.
- Expertise in Federal and state laws related to employment and taxation with the ability to research issues and devise solutions
- Ability to protect the confidentiality of employee personnel records and personal information.
- Knowledgeable and strong in oral and written communication.
- Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve problems in an effective and timely manner.
- Ability to articulate and demonstrate commitment to the philosophy, values, mission, and vision of the organization.
- Proficiency using modern office, computer and telephone equipment
- Advanced proficiency with excel.
- Ability to access, create, send and retrieve data from all systems.
- Ability to interact with co-workers, staff, administration, students, faculty, and all internal and external customers in a professional and effective, courteous and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally and in all written and electronic communication.
- Open, honest, and tactful communication skills.
- Ability to work as a team member in all activities.
- Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude.
Essential Abilities
These requirements are not exhaustive and additional job-related physical requirements may be added on an as needed basis. Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.
- Sedentary Work: Frequently required to stand, kneel and crouch. On a daily basis may be required to move about, sit, climb stairs and bend. Is occasionally required to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.
- Vision: Requires the ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye. Near acuity: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Midrange Acuity: Clarity of vision at distances of more than 20 inches and less than 20 feet.
- Motor Coordination: While performing the duties of the job, it is required to regularly perform functions that include using hand and finger movement, handle or feel objects, be able to use tools or equipment that requires reaching with hands and arms. Must be able to travel independently.
- Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.
- Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast paced office environment.
- Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including, but not limited to policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules and laws.
- Ability to effectively problem solve.
- Ability to comprehend basic statistics and financial documents.
Application Instructions
Applicants are asked to upload a resume and cover letter. Completed applications received by February 13, 2026, will receive full consideration, with later applications reviewed as needed until the positions are filled. The successful candidate will be start at a mutually agreeable time.
Benefits
Kalamazoo College is proud of offer a robust and reliable slate of benefits. A continued goal is to maximize our benefits while minimizing costs to employees, families, and the College.
Medical Insurance
ASR Health Benefits
Choice of two PPO plans with options for single, double, and family coverage. Includes prescription drug benefits. Robust support for behavioral health, substance abuse treatment, and chronic condition management.
Employee Health Costs
Dental Insurance
ASR Health Benefits
Includes options for single, double, and family coverage. No network means that any dental provider is permissible.
Employee Dental Costs
Vision Insurance
ASR Health Benefits
Includes options for single, double, and family coverage. No network means that any vision provider is permissible.
Employee Vision Costs
Supplemental Insurance
Unum
Voluntary accident insurance – Employee paid
Accidental death and dismemberment insurance – Employee paid
Tax-Advantaged Accounts
Burnham & Flower
Health Care FSA
Dependent Care FSA
Life Insurance
Unum
Basic life insurance – Employer paid
Voluntary supplemental life insurance – Employee paid
Disability Insurance
Unum
Long- and Short-term disability salary continuation – employer paid
403(b) Retirement Plan
TIAA
With an employer contribution and an employer match
Employee Assistance Program
Behavioral Health Services
Available to all employees and their household members at no cost
Benefits Concierge
Acrisure Benefits Group
Assistance in navigating complex employee benefit situations at no cost
Additional Benefits and Perks
Paid time off
Paid holidays
Intentional community-building efforts
Getting settled information
More Details
Visit our complete Benefits Guide for more information
About Kalamazoo College
Kalamazoo College is a highly selective nationally regarded liberal arts college, offering an integrated undergraduate experience that weaves a traditional liberal arts curriculum into educational experiences in both domestic and international settings with the majority of our graduates participating in study abroad. Kalamazoo College is committed to the liberal arts and sciences, experiential education, freedom of individual conscience and celebration of diversity and inclusion. It is one of the nation’s 100 oldest colleges and universities and a thought leader and innovator in higher education.
The campus of Kalamazoo College is located midway between Chicago and Detroit in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a metropolitan community of 261,000, which supports multiple college and university campuses along with numerous civic arts and cultural associations and sports teams. Thirty-five miles from Lake Michigan, the area offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation, a walkable downtown, outstanding restaurants, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Kalamazoo College encourages candidates who will contribute to the cultural diversity of the College to apply and to identify themselves if they wish. An equal opportunity employer, Kalamazoo College is committed to equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal protection under the law. Please be invited to review our full EEO statement by visiting https://www.kzoo.edu/about/nondiscrimination-policy/. Kalamazoo College conducts criminal background reviews on all people who receive an offer of employment. Kalamazoo College is an E-Verify participating employer. Please select Notice and Rights for more information.