Ellen Griffith

Experienced Payroll and Human Resources professional with 25+ years of progressive responsibility in higher education, public sector, and private industry. Proven expertise in multi‑state payroll administration, benefits, employee relations, compliance, and system reporting. Recognized for accuracy, timeliness, and strong employee service. Collaborative leader with extensive supervisory experience and deep knowledge of HR/payroll regulations and processes.

Senior Payroll Specialist at HR360/Drummond Communications LLC (2021-03 – Present)

• Process and reconcile payroll accurately and timely for employees and multiple HR360 clients, ensuring full compliance with payroll and tax regulations.
• Resolve payroll, tax, timekeeping, PTO, punch edits, and system access issues promptly, delivering high‑quality customer service to employees and HR360 clients.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual tax reporting (941s, W‑2s, and related filings).
• Work closely with HR, accounting and finance with payroll related matters, support and reporting.
• Serve as a trusted point of contact for payroll‑related inquiries, providing timely responses and consistent follow‑up on all requests.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with employees and HR360 clients, ensuring payroll services align with business needs.
• Assist with new payroll client onboarding, including system setup, payroll configuration, and resolution of payroll and tax notices.
• Process and verify employment information and handle verification of employment requests in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintain onboarding and employee records, including new hire paperwork, I‑9 documentation, status changes, pay changes, job title updates, and supporting payroll spreadsheets across payroll and point‑of‑sale systems.
• Conduct I‑9 verification and ensure proper documentation and compliance for all employees and HR360 clients.
• Support management with special projects and process improvements to enhance payroll accuracy and efficiency.

Payroll Manager at University of Tulsa (2018-01 – 2021-02)

• Managed all payroll and benefits functions for University employees.
• Supervised and mentored four payroll and benefits professionals supporting four payroll cycles (two bi‑weekly, two monthly).
• Ensured accurate multi‑state tax withholding and compliance, including audits, reconciliations, and discrepancy resolution.
• Oversaw monthly, quarterly, and annual tax reporting (941s, W‑2s, and related filings).
• Processed and monitored international payroll and tax treaty benefits, including required reporting for international employees.
• Prepared payroll budget requests and reconciled position budgets as part of the University's annual fiscal planning process.
• Ran complex payroll and financial reports; prepared and posted journal entries and corrections as needed.
• Supervised benefits administration, including benefit elections, vendor coordination, and billing reconciliation.
• Recommended and implemented process improvements and mandated updates across payroll and benefits.

Database Coordinator – Human Resources at University of Tulsa (2001-02 – 2017-12)

• Maintained personal, position, and salary data for all University employees.
• Set up and authorized salaries, stipends, summer pay, and other compensation.
• Maintained historical employee and position records; ensured data integrity and audit readiness.
• Coordinated with payroll and budget teams to verify funding availability and compliance with deadlines.
• Trained and supported HR and payroll staff in database maintenance and payroll processing.
• Ensured faculty offers and reappointments complied with tenure policies and institutional procedures.
• Prepared internal and external reports including EEO, AAP, and New Hire Reporting.
• Coordinated faculty data with Provost, Deans, and campus leadership.
• Recommended and requested payroll/HR system enhancements to meet institutional needs.

Senior Payroll Specialist at University of Tulsa (1999-07 – 2001-02)

• Processed payroll for student employees, including work‑study and non‑work‑study appointments.
• Entered employee demographics, tax elections, and direct deposits.
• Prepared payroll reports, balanced payroll data, and handled tax deposits.
• Assisted international students with tax treaty and compliance requirements.
• Maintained I‑9 and W‑4 records and supported general payroll operations.

Payroll Clerk at Child Nutrition Services, Tulsa Public Schools (1997-02 – 1999-07)

• Processed payroll for 300+ cafeteria employees and substitute staff.
• Entered and maintained personnel records.
• Processed new‑hire paperwork, employment verifications, and payroll adjustments.
• Prepared HR documentation for School Board agenda items.
• Balanced payroll reports and resolved discrepancies for each payroll run.

Additional Payroll, HR, AR, AP & Administrative roles at Multiple employers

Cage Cashier, Osage Casino – Sand Springs (Part‑time); Payroll Clerk, Turnpike Ford; Sub Desk Clerk – Child Nutrition Services, Tulsa Public Schools; Payroll & Accounts Payable Clerk, Keystone Chevrolet; Administrative Assistant to Office Manager, Gary Henry Chevrolet; General Office Clerk, TSCI – Cincinnati Time

• Payroll processing, tax reporting, benefits administration, accounts payable/receivable, general ledger reconciliation, office management support.

– University of Tulsa

– Tulsa Junior College

High School Diploma – Daniel Webster High School