Review Vacancy
TitlePayroll Assistant/Trainee (NY Helps)
Occupational CategoryClerical, Secretarial, Office Aide
Bargaining UnitASU - Administrative Services Unit (CSEA)
Salary RangeFrom $36232 to $52413 Annually
Appointment Type Contingent Permanent
Duties Description The Payroll Assistant/Trainee is responsible for serving as a primary point of contact for Human Resource & Payroll Services by answering and appropriately routing telephone calls, greeting walk-in visitors, responding to general inquiries, and directing individuals to the appropriate office or staff member. This position monitors and responds to email communications in a timely, professional, and customer service–oriented manner. Additional responsibilities include assisting candidates, employees, and students with required documentation and reviewing forms for accuracy and completeness, including employment eligibility verification (Form I-9). This position is responsible for organizing, maintaining, and processing both paper and electronic records to ensure accurate documentation, confidentiality, and compliance with applicable regulations. The Payroll Assistant/Trainee also provides support for payroll operations by processing payroll-related documents and transactions, performing standard payroll calculations, and preparing routine payroll reports. This position assists the Payroll Examiners with resolving payroll certification issues and correcting processing errors. In addition, the Payroll Assistant serves as a backup to the Payroll Examiners and Office Assistant II to ensure continuity of payroll and office operations. As SUNY Plattsburgh is an institution that delivers challenging and high-quality educational experiences to a diverse group of learners, the successful candidate must demonstrate an understanding of and sensitivity to diversity, inclusion, and equity-minded policies, programs, and practices.
Minimum Qualifications -Must be eligible for permanent appointment to this title pursuant to civil service law.
-A demonstrated ability to work effectively and collegially with a variety of individuals.
-Effective communication skills, written and verbal.
For those currently on a civil service list:
If you receive an emailed canvass letter, you must respond interested and complete an online application to be considered.
This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required. but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.
Minimum Qualifications for applicants not currently civil service eligible for the title:
Payroll Assistant Trainee (1 year traineeship equated to grade 6, starting salary $36,232) – There are no minimum education or experience requirements.
Payroll Assistant (Grade 9, starting salary $42,641) – One year of payroll experience, which included computing time worked, salaries, and deductions.
Additional Comments This position will function as the primary clerical support for Human Resource & Payroll Services. As the first point of contact for a diverse range of campus constituents, the Payroll Assistant/Trainee is expected to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment while demonstrating professionalism, respect, and a strong commitment to confidentiality. After one year as a Payroll Assistant/Trainee (grade 6) and successful completion of the probationary period, this position will be upgraded to a Payroll Assistant (grade 9). As a member of the Administration and Finance division, Human Resource & Payroll Services provides essential support to campus stakeholders as well as local, state, federal, and international partners. The division is responsible for the stewardship of the University’s human, physical, financial, and technical resources. Through collaborative and thoughtful engagement, our team plays a key role in supporting the University’s educational mission. The anticipated work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Please include a complete application and contact information for three current professional references. A resume is also strongly encouraged. Additional information may be requested at a later step in the process.
Important Notes for those appointed under NY HELPS:
Employees will be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

