Payroll Administrator II

Job Title
Payroll Administrator II
Agency
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Department
Payroll Services
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Kingsville, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
About Texas A&M University–Kingsville
Texas A&M University–Kingsville (TAMUK), the oldest institution of higher learning in South Texas and a proud member of the Texas A&M University System, stands as the region’s premier university. TAMUK offers the widest range of academic programs and degrees in South Texas, provides exceptional learning and residential facilities, conducts impactful research, awards substantial scholarships, and has awarded more than 80,000 degrees in the institution’s 100-year history. The university is recognized for its unwavering commitment to student success, meaningful research, and deep community engagement. With a welcoming campus culture and strong regional partnerships, TAMUK offers faculty and staff a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of students and the broader South Texas region.
Location: The University is located in historic Kingsville, a friendly, safe city of 25,000 that is the home of the legendary King Ranch. Corpus Christi and its beaches are just 40 miles to the northeast, and the border with Mexico is 120 miles to the south at Brownsville or 119 miles to the west at Laredo.
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Position Overview
The Payroll Administrator II is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, System policies, and established internal controls. This position performs a variety of complex payroll functions, including reviewing payroll transactions, reconciling payroll accounts, researching discrepancies, maintaining employee payroll records, and responding to employee and management inquiries.
The Payroll Administrator II works independently on routine and moderately complex payroll matters, exercises sound judgment in resolving discrepancies, and collaborates with Human Resources, Finance, and other departments to ensure payroll accuracy, confidentiality, and operational efficiency.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Payroll Processing and Administration
Process and review payroll transactions to ensure employees are paid accurately and in accordance with established payroll schedules.
Review timekeeping records, employee status changes, pay rates, deductions, garnishments, and other payroll-related adjustments.
Calculate and process supplemental payments, retroactive pay, adjustments, and off-cycle payments as authorized.
Verify payroll data for accuracy and completeness before finalizing payroll.
Research and resolve payroll discrepancies in a timely and professional manner.
Maintain accurate and confidential payroll records in accordance with record-retention requirements.
Compliance and Reporting
Ensure payroll transactions comply with applicable federal, state, and local wage-and-hour requirements and organizational policies.
Review payroll deductions, contributions, and other withholding amounts for accuracy.
Assist with internal and external payroll audits by preparing supporting documentation and researching requested transactions.
Maintain documentation supporting payroll changes, adjustments, approvals, and other financial transactions.
Reconciliation and Financial Support
Prepare recurring payroll reports and provide supporting data for financial reporting and budgeting purposes.
Coordinate with other departments to resolve discrepancies and ensure accurate payroll-related entries.
Assist with identifying process improvements and strengthening internal payroll controls.
Employee and Departmental Support
Respond to employee, supervisor, and management inquiries regarding payslips, deductions, tax withholding, direct deposits, and payroll adjustments.
Coordinate with Human Resources regarding new hires, terminations, leave changes, compensation updates, and other employee status changes affecting payroll.
Communicate payroll requirements, deadlines, and documentation needs to employees and department representatives.
Handle sensitive employee and financial information with discretion and maintain strict confidentiality.
Systems and Process Improvement
Utilize payroll and timekeeping systems to process transactions, generate reports, and maintain accurate records.
Identify recurring errors, investigate root causes, and recommend improvements to payroll procedures.
Assist with payroll system testing, updates, implementations, and process documentation as needed.
Provide guidance and technical assistance to other payroll team members when appropriate.
Other Duties
The above represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned.
Qualifications
Required Education
Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Experience
One years of related experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field and three years of related experience OR equivalent combination
Knowledge of HRIS or payroll software
Experience processing payroll using Workday
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing
Ability to positively and professionally interact with staff and other stakeholders
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
Working knowledge of office software and database applications
Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others
Strong attention to detail in time sensitive, deadline driven environments
Ability to generate and interpret reports
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Other Requirements
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit for extended periods of time while operating a computer
Regular speaking and auditory ability to answer phone calls and resolve payroll inquiries for staff/faculty
Visual acuity to read computer screens and reports
Stooping, bending, or reaching
Occasional light lifting of approximately 20 to 25 pounds
Other Requirements and Factors
This position is security sensitive
This position will require export-control authorization prior to starting employment.
Commitment to Caring Campus principles, with the ability to provide exceptional customer service, foster positive relationships, and promote a welcoming, responsive, and student-centered environment for internal and external constituents.
This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules and procedures
All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements
Why Join the Javelina Nation?
Texas A&M University–Kingsville offers a supportive, mission-driven culture focused on excellence in teaching, research, and service. All employees enjoy:
A welcoming campus community
Opportunities for professional development
Competitive benefits through the Texas A&M University System
A rewarding experience of helping students achieve their academic and career goals
Shared Values: TAMUK employees uphold the Shared Values of Care, Integrity, Pride, Innovation, and Excellence, which form the foundation of the University’s culture and guide its strategic plan. More information on TAMUK’s Strategic Plan and Shared Values can be found here.
4DX: TAMUK employees actively engage in Franklin Covey’s 4 Disciplines of