Finance Technical Specialist

JOB SUMMARY: Provide high-quality technical, payroll, and administrative support across a range of systems and processes, including the preparation and processing of payroll for ESC-20. Assist in ensuring data integrity, maintaining finance records, generating reports, and supporting finance -related communications and workflows. Contribute to various finance initiatives through system troubleshooting and documentation, helping to maintain accurate and efficient finance processes.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS/ABILITIES

Knowledge

• Associate's degree from an accredited university required; major in accounting, business, finance, or related field preferred.
• Three years of relevant experience required.
• Experience with finance systems required.
• Experience in management of multiple, simultaneous tasks.
• Experience with finance reporting and data management preferred.
• Experience with ASCENDER or similar finance systems preferred.
• Experience with data collection and reporting preferred.
• Experience with the Texas Education Agency Financial Accountability System Resource Guide preferred.
• Understanding of payroll processes, payroll compliance requirements, and payroll reporting functions preferred.
• Knowledge and/or experience in office procedures, office machines (e.g., 10-key calculator-by-touch, etc.) and computerized accounting procedures.

Skills/Abilities

• Ability to analyze payroll and system-related issues and follow through to resolution.
• Attention to detail and multi-tasking skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to organize time and workloads efficiently to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and work independently.
• Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills and experience.
• Demonstrated organizational skills to plan work and prioritize.
• Proficiency with standard functions within applications such as Microsoft 365/Google, (word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software), e-mail, web browsers, and databases.
• Proficiency with computers (PCs and/or MACs) to include file and desktop management and operations, and working in a cloud-based and/or networked environment.
• Exceptions to these requirements will be considered based on exemplary skills, training, and record of success.

PRODUCTS/OUTCOMES

Finance Systems/Technology

• Serve as the technical point-of-contact for finance-related systems and assist end users with system access and use (i.e., Finance System, Time Accounting System, Adjunct Agreement System, HRMS, etc.).
• Identify, troubleshoot, and research finance system issues; analyze, problem-solve, and follow through to resolution.
• Monitor interfaces between finance systems and internal and external data systems to ensure accurate data processing.
• Prepare and maintain finance system documentation including process documentation, user guides, and other related documents; provide system training as needed.
• Assist with the management and maintenance of finance-related workflows and electronic forms.
• Support system updates and implementation activities as needed.
• Monitor and process payroll-related data changes.
• Provide training and guidance to staff on applicable finance systems, processes, and workflows.

Data and Reporting Support

• Identify potential data integrity issues and advise on appropriate audit and mitigation strategies to ensure data accuracy and quality.
• Prepare and deliver ad hoc finance-related reports as needed.
• Assist with finance-related audits and compliance reviews by gathering and preparing requested documentation.
• Assist with maintaining and updating finance-related spreadsheets, reports, and databases to support efficient operations.

Payroll Processing

• Assist in the preparation and processing of ESC-20 payroll, including adding new employees to payroll, updating employee records, processing separated employees, calculating supplemental pay and overtime, processing payroll adjustments, and posting leave.
• Enter payroll data into the payroll system and ensure data entered is accurate and balanced.
• Review payroll reports and supporting documentation to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance with established procedures.
• Maintain an accurate filing system for all payroll documents, including: payroll record cards, journals, reports, deduction information, etc.
• Assist staff with payroll-related questions and provide timely support regarding payroll processes and procedures.
• Review and process payroll-related information and approvals to support timely and accurate payroll processing.
• Assist with monitoring payroll deduction reconciliations and identifying discrepancies for review and resolution.
• Support payroll processing timelines to ensure payroll deadlines are consistently met.

Federal and State Requirements/Compliance/Reporting

• Assist with ensuring ESC-20's compliance within the finance and accounting system.
• Support the timely preparation and filing of all necessary federal and state reports, including but not limited to the following:

o Teacher Retirement System of Texas (monthly)

o Supplemental Compensation (monthly)

o Internal Revenue Service/Social Security reports (quarterly)

o TWC unemployment (quarterly)

o W-2s (annually)

• Support the reconciliation of all payroll-withholding accounts to monthly billings (i.e., health, dental, life and disability insurance, along with medical and dependent care reimbursement accounts).

General Functions

• Develop and maintain process documentation for areas of responsibility.
• Provide project coordination for finance initiatives as needed.
• Respond to client telephone calls and take prompt, appropriate action.
• Maintain internet/intranet content in all areas of responsibility.
• Ensure records in areas of responsibility are maintained according to the Records Management Plan.

INITIATIVE

• Demonstrate initiative, persistence, and a proactive approach to assigned responsibilities.
• Demonstrate the use of sound judgement and ingenuity in problem solving to meet the needs of the Center and clients served.
• Seek, participate, and engage in job-related learning and development experiences that provide professional growth.
• Remain current with industry standards, developments, and applicable laws/regulations; implement accordingly.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to new situations and assignments.
• Set challenging goals and reach a high standard of performance despite barriers encountered.
• Make connections with individual responsibilities and the Center's Mission, Vision, goals and objectives.
• Promote and support continuous improvement and organizational change.
• Work under minimal supervision.

COMMUNICATION/HUMAN RELATIONS

• Model the Principals of Public Service (Policy AD LOCAL).
• Communicate in a timely and effective manner, and interact professionally.
• Build professional relationships with colleagues and clients, maintaining regular interaction to meet shared outcomes.
• Demonstrate self-confidence, professionalism, and a high level of customer service skills (e.g., courtesy, patience, diplomacy, etc.) at all times and, in particular, when under stressful or unprecedented situations while working with colleagues and clients.
• Demonstrate professional-level written and oral communication skills.
• Work collaboratively in a team setting.
• Keep supervisors informed.
• Regularly handle and maintain confidentiality of sensitive communications and information at all times.

SUPERVISION AND ORGANIZATION OF STAFF

• None.

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY

• Be aware of and follow Center guidelines of allowable costs when recommending use of public funds for expenditures for supplies, equipment, and facilities in area of assignment.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS & ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer, peripherals, copy machine, phone, etc.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional standing, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional heavy lifting/carrying (15-50 pounds).
• Environment: This role primarily operates in an in-person, dynamic office setting, characterized by frequent verbal communication, movement, and collaboration among team members (small to large in-person gatherings/meetings); exposure to low or intense illumination; exposure to office equipment noise; may work prolonged or irregular hours; occasional travel; and, occasional remote work (after pre-determined length of employment).
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Champion and model the Center's Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Service Standards.
• Function within the policies and procedures of ESC-20.
• Accept other responsibilities as assigned.
• Dress and groom appropriately for the ESC-20 work setting.
• Travel independently to fulfill responsibilities of the position.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance, majority in-person/onsite.
• Serve at the will of the Executive Director.

Deadline to apply: June 5, 2026