Payroll Specialist

Job Title: Payroll Specialist Reports To: Controller Organization: Tejano Center Location: District Office FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Emp Employment Status: Full-Time Work Calendar Status: 12 Months (238 Days) Salary: MIN: $50,000 annually MID: $55,000 annually MAX: $60,000 annually Revised: September 9, 2026

POSITION SUMMARY Manage and process payroll operations for Tejano Center for Community Concerns and RYSS Texas Public Schools in compliance with federal, state, local, and Texas Education Agency (TEA) requirements. Ensure the accurate and timely processing of employee compensation, benefits deductions, retirement contributions, tax payments, and related payroll reporting. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee information while providing exceptional customer service to employees and stakeholders.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Education

• High School Diploma or GED
• Associate's degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred
• TASBO certification or willingness to obtain certification preferred
• Payroll-related certification (FPC, CPP, or equivalent) preferred Experience
• Minimum two (2) years of payroll, accounting, finance, or business office experience
• Experience utilizing computerized payroll and financial systems
• Experience in Texas public school districts, charter schools, or governmental payroll processing preferred
• Experience with Ascender Business, Skyward, Munis, or similar ERP/payroll systems preferred
• Experience processing TRS reporting and payroll tax filings preferred .

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES Payroll Administration

• Process biweekly, semi-monthly, monthly, and supplemental payrolls accurately and within established deadlines.

• Review and verify employee timesheets, leave records, and payroll transactions for completeness and accuracy.

• Maintain employee payroll records, earnings, deductions, direct deposit information, tax withholdings, and benefit elections.

• Enter and audit payroll data within the organization's payroll management system.

• Process direct deposit transactions and coordinate payroll distributions.

• Calculate employee earnings, overtime, stipends, supplements, retroactive pay, and applicable deductions.

• Ensure compliance with Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulations regarding employee compensation. Payroll Compliance and Reporting

• Process and monitor wage garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, and other court-ordered deductions.

• Prepare, reconcile, and submit Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) reports.

• Process and submit federal payroll tax deposits and related tax obligations.

• Assist with the preparation and filing of quarterly and annual payroll reports, including Forms 941, W-2, and related reporting requirements.

• Assist in payroll reconciliations and year-end payroll closing processes.

• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations. Employee Service and Support

• Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, leave balances, tax withholding, benefit deductions, and payroll discrepancies.

• Research and resolve payroll issues in a timely and professional manner.

• Educate employees regarding payroll procedures and timelines. Audits and Internal Controls

• Maintain payroll records and supporting documentation in accordance with retention requirements.

• Assist in preparation for annual financial audits, payroll audits, TRS audits, and compliance reviews.

• Support internal control procedures to ensure payroll accuracy and accountability.

• Verify appropriate approvals for overtime, stipend payments, leave adjustments, and supplemental compensation. Personnel Transactions

• Process payroll-related onboarding, employment changes, and separation transactions.

• Close payroll accounts and update records for terminated employees.

• Coordinate payroll changes related to employee transfers, promotions, and salary adjustments. Other Duties

• Support the Controller and Business Office with financial, accounting, and payroll-related projects.

• Participate in professional development activities related to payroll, accounting, and school finance.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Controller, Chief Financial Officer, or Superintendent/CEO. SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of payroll laws, wage and hour regulations, and payroll accounting principles

• Knowledge of Texas Retirement System (TRS) reporting requirements

• Knowledge of IRS payroll tax regulations and related reporting requirements

• Ability to interpret payroll policies, procedures, and regulations

• Strong mathematical and analytical skills

• Excellent organizational and time management skills

• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy

• Effective verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to maintain confidentiality of personnel and payroll information

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel

• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Mental Demands

• Maintain emotional control under pressure
• Work with frequent interruptions
• Meet established deadlines
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information Physical Demands
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and computer use
• Occasional lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds
• Repetitive hand motions related to keyboard use

Equal Opportunity Statement Tejano Center for Community Concerns is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The organization does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Reviewed by ___Date____