Payroll Specialist I

Primary Purpose:

Provide complex payroll support and deliver payroll solutions, including reviewing time, data, and payroll information, utilizing payroll and time keeping software, and producing reports. Communicate and collaborate with Human Resources and other payroll team members to resolve payroll discrepancies and implement
necessary adjustments and corrections efficiently.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Required: High School Diploma or equivalency
Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or relevant field

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of general accounting principles and practices
Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state laws related to payroll
Strong written and verbal communication abilities, effectively conveying information to diverse audiences with clarity and professionalism.
Ability to work with numbers in an accurate and rapid manner
Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, ensuring all interactions are handled with integrity and respect.
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a fast paced environment to meet tight deadlines.
Capable of working independently with minimal supervision, while also being an effective team player in collaborative projects.
Strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive payroll and employee information.
Skilled in Microsoft Word, Excel (including knowledge of Pivot Tables and VLOOKUP functions), PowerPoint, and Outlook.
In-depth understanding of payroll systems, tax regulations, and employee benefit administration, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and policies.

Experience:

Required: Two (2) or more years of hands-on payroll experience
Preferred: Experience in payroll processing in a school district or other
governmental agency

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Generate and review monthly payroll reports for internal and external stakeholders, maintaining data integrity.
2. Administer the processing of employee tax withholdings and benefit contributions, ensuring compliance with applicable tax laws and benefit policies.
3. Perform monthly reconciliations of payroll transactions against general ledger entries, identifying and resolving any discrepancies.
4. Serve as a key point of contact for employee payroll inquiries, addressing and resolving issues in a timely and professional manner.
5. Collect, compile, and prepare payroll data for quarterly and annual audits, ensuring adherence to auditing standards and internal policies.
6. Identify issues and implement solutions related to payroll discrepancies, financial reconciliations, and compliance.
7. Keep all records up-to-date.
8. Prepare all correspondence that may be required using available word processing software.
9. Receive incoming calls, answer questions, and direct calls to the appropriate personnel.
10. Assist with form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement preparations, program, accountability and reporting requirements to IRS and Social Security agencies.
11. Collaborate with TRS, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), State Comptroller’s office, Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), Texas Education Agency (TEA) and other external regulatory agencies in areas of problem resolution, reporting requirements, implementing and maintaining services and programs in compliance, and accordance with established district policies, practices, laws and regulatory guidelines.
12. Review input and output of payroll accounting data to ensure accuracy.
13. Assist other payroll personnel as directed.
14. Meet established deadlines.
15. Maintain accurate and auditable records.
16. Maintain confidentiality of information.
17. Exemplify high standards of ethical conduct according to District Policy.
18. Support administrative policy.
19. Represent the school system to the community in a positive professional way.
20. Maintain a sincere, friendly attitude toward staff, visitors and patrons to ensure communication.

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Requires repetitive hand motions, prolonged use of computer, occasional prolonged hours. Work in a busy and active environment with continual interruptions; maintain emotional control in stressful situations.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None