Director of Payroll and Tax Compliance

Director of Payroll and Tax Compliance

Location

Georgetown, Texas 78626

Job Type

Staff - Full Time, Exempt, Regular

Job Number

202600093

Division

Finance & Administration

Department

Business Office

Opening Date

08/21/2026

• Description
• Benefits

ABOUT US

Located in Georgetown, Texas, Southwestern University is an independent, four-year undergraduate institution offers a top-ranked integrated arts and sciences curriculum that incorporates the humanities, fine arts, social sciences, and natural sciences.

At Southwestern University, we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered. We believe that a thriving community is built on the strength of varying perspectives and experiences, and we strive to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. Our actions are guided by a commitment to fairness, openness, and the belief that our differences are what make us stronger as a whole.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Finance & Accounting, the Director of Payroll & Tax Compliance oversees the University's payroll operations and ensures timely and accurate tax compliance and reporting.

DUTIES

• Supervise Payroll Coordinator and oversee the complete payroll process to include monthly payrolls, biweekly payrolls, and student payrolls.
• Review each payroll upon completion and finalize all payroll related payments for taxes and benefits. Prepare journal entries for the payments.
• Review annual payment schedules and other communications prepared by Payroll Coordinator before release.
• Collaborate with Payroll Coordinator, IT, and Human Resources to resolve any discrepancies as needed.
• Periodically reconcile payroll related liability accounts.
• Respond to campus personnel with payroll reports as requested.
• Prepare the SU 990 and 990-T tax returns and extensions.
• Prepare the SU Foundation 990 and 990-T tax returns, extensions, and all required forms.
• Review Forms K-1 from certain investments for unrelated business taxable income and prepare peripheral tax forms for international investments (Forms 926).
• Review the international vendor Forms W-8 series; obtaining proper authorization paperwork and filing necessary tax form such as Form 1042.
• Manage international student reporting and tax compliance such as Form 1042.
• Set up annual federal and applicable state income tax, FICA and MEDI tax withholding tables in the Datatel payroll system.
• Review and determine the taxable reimbursement of employee moving reimbursements.
• Prepare monthly state sales tax returns and payment journal entries.
• Prepare and reconcile the quarterly 941 and TWC reports.
• Prepare and remit out of Texas state income tax withholding and unemployment returns as required.
• Calculate annual taxable student housing wages and applicable taxes.
• Reconcile annual W-2's to the quarterly 941 worksheets; work with IT to ensure all wage types and benefits are mapped to the correct boxes of the W-2. Prepare the President's W-2 reconciliation.
• Prepare and file the IRS annual tax reporting forms - 1099R, 1099C, 1099M, 1099K, 1098T and W-2s. File Form 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, and 1098-T.
• Pay the weekly health insurance claims invoices one approved by HR. Prepare journal entries.
• Prepare monthly health insurance journal entries.
• Prepare quarterly fixed asset acquisition and disposal journal entries. Prepare and send out annual fixed asset inventory sheets.
• Prepare journal entries for outside events and summer camps.
• Reconcile annual retirement plan contributions in connection with the 403(b) plan audit.
• Provide requested payroll and other information for the annual Workers' Compensation audit.
• Set-up, monitor and pay any out-of-state taxes as necessary.
• Work with Financial aid to reconcile federal work study wages with applicable government allowances and to reconcile endowed scholarship spending for each academic year.
• Assist with year-end accruals and audit preparation.

Additional Duties:

• Special projects as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Supervision:

• This position supervises the Payroll Coordinator position who processes payrolls.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum education, experience, licenses, certifications, and competencies (knowledge, skills, and behaviors) which are necessary for performing the listed duties.

• Bachelor's degree.
• Three years of professional level experience in accounting or tax compliance.
• Demonstrated comprehension of IRS tax compliance for non-profit organizations.
• Possess strong accounting skills and knowledge of the state payroll laws.
• Excellent conflict resolution skills and an astute problem-solving ability.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks with a keen attention to detail.
• Possess basic spelling, grammar, punctuation, proofreading, and drafting skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Demonstrated advanced excel and word processing software skills.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Commitment to providing outstanding customer service, including outstanding telephone etiquette and listening skills.
• Flexibility regarding changing priorities.
• Possess the applications of tact, diplomacy, sensitivity, and confidentiality.
• Understanding and commitment to a liberal arts education, including the ability to relate to a liberal arts faculty.
• Ability to attend work consistently and maintain a regular work schedule.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to reach, twist, bend, stoop, stand, kneel, handle, push/pull, and lift and carry up to ten pounds.
• Ability to hear, see, and speak.

Preferred Position Requirements:

• CPA License.
• 3+ years of professional-level accounting and tax experience.
• Work experience in higher education or non-profit organization.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Starting annual salary: $95,809. The final offer for the successful candidate will be commensurate with experience and may exceed the starting annual salary.

All individuals hired are required to complete the federal employment eligibility verification process as required by applicable law.

Southwestern University is an E-Verify employer.

Southwestern University is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at hr@southwestern.edu.

Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report- Southwestern University Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at https://www.southwestern.edu/life-at-southwestern/safety-security/annual-security-reports/ containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information for the past three calendar years. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 512-863-1435.

Southwestern University offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and welfare insurance (medical, dental, and vision), life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability coverage, generous contributions to a 403(b) retirement account, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), various paid time-off programs (for staff positions), undergraduate tuition assistance for you and your dependents, access to athletic facilities, free parking, and discounted meal rates, along with other benefits designed to support your well-being and work-life balance.

Employer Southwestern University

Address 1001 E University Ave

Georgetown, Texas, 78626

Phone 5128631435