Director of Payroll

Southeast New Mexico College•Carlsbad, NM

About The Position

Under general direction, the Director of Payroll provides institutional leadership, strategic direction, and oversight of all payroll operations at Southeast New Mexico College. The Director is accountable for accurate and timely payroll processing, payroll accounting and reconciliation, tax and regulatory reporting, employee leave balances, benefit deductions, and payroll systems administration. The role establishes departmental priorities, develops and implements payroll procedures, maintains effective internal controls, and leads process improvements to strengthen accuracy, efficiency, compliance, and service. The Director supervises and develops payroll staff, oversees vendor relationships, and directs payroll system implementations, upgrades, and integrations. As the college’s primary resource for payroll administration, the Director advises executive leadership on payroll risks, operational needs, and compliance matters. The position collaborates with Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, and college departments to ensure authorized personnel actions and compensation changes are accurately reflected in payroll and supported by appropriate documentation. Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC), located in Carlsbad, New Mexico, is an independent public community college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a Hispanic-Serving Institution. It offers certificates, associate degrees, Early College, and Dual Credit programs. Its mission is to provide educational programs, training, and services that best serve its diverse students, communities, and industry. The position is classified as FLSA exempt, Grade Twelve (12), with a salary range of $108,475–$122,034 DOE.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field and four years of progressively responsible payroll experience, including at least three years of supervisory or management experience.
Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field and six years of progressively responsible payroll experience, including at least three years of supervisory or management experience.
Any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience as approved by the Human Resources Department.
Comprehensive knowledge of payroll administration principles, practices, and procedures.
Advanced knowledge of federal and state payroll laws, tax regulations, wage and hour compliance, and reporting requirements.
Advanced knowledge of payroll systems, ERP platforms, payroll integrations, and payroll accounting practices.
Knowledge of General Ledger reconciliation processes, financial reporting, and internal control procedures.
Strong leadership and supervisory skills, including staff development, coaching, and performance management.
Ability to establish departmental strategy, assess operational and compliance risks, and advise executive leadership on payroll priorities, system needs, and process improvements.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, reconciliation, and decision-making abilities, including the ability to analyze and resolve complex payroll and financial discrepancies.
Ability to interpret complex payroll regulations and apply them institution-wide.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and compliance requirements.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex payroll matters to diverse audiences.
Strong follow-through, accountability, and attention to detail.
Commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, and customer service.

Responsibilities

Direct all payroll operations and establish departmental goals, priorities, service standards, and accountability measures for accurate, timely, and compliant payment of wages and salaries.
Supervise, train, evaluate, and support payroll staff; assign work, establish priorities, and ensure coverage during peak and year-end payroll cycles.
Oversee payroll vendor relationships and ensure compliance with contract requirements, service level agreements, and institutional standards.
Lead payroll system implementations, upgrades, and integrations, coordinating with IT, Finance, Human Resources, and external vendors.
Develop and recommend payroll policies for institutional approval; implement and maintain procedures, internal controls, and documentation consistent with approved policies and applicable requirements.
Develop and maintain payroll continuity plans, staff cross-training, and documented procedures to support uninterrupted processing during staff absences, transitions, and system disruptions.
Review, approve, and audit payroll reports, reconciliations, journal entries, and adjustments for completeness and accuracy.
Oversee reconciliation of payroll records, tax liabilities, benefit deductions, garnishments, and payroll-related General Ledger accounts; investigate and resolve discrepancies with Finance and Human Resources.
Coordinate payroll-related month-end and year-end close activities, including review of accruals, reconciliations, journal entries, and financial reporting.
Ensure timely resolution of payroll discrepancies, audit findings, employee concerns, and system-related issues.
Establish accountability measures and internal controls to ensure payroll transactions are accurately processed, balanced, documented, and reported.
Serve as the primary institutional contact for federal and state agencies regarding payroll taxes, employee compensation, benefit deductions, audits, and compliance reporting.
Oversee preparation and submission of required weekly, monthly, quarterly, and year-end payroll reports and filings, including 941s, W-2s, DOL reports, retirement reports, and workers’ compensation reports.
Analyze payroll data, identify trends, risks, and opportunities, and recommend process improvements and cost efficiencies to executive leadership.
Ensure compliance with wage and hour laws, FLSA regulations, leave tracking, garnishments, benefit withholdings, incentive pay, and overtime calculations.
Collaborate with Human Resources and Finance leadership to ensure payroll accuracy in hiring, terminations, compensation changes, benefits enrollment, and contract compliance.
Oversee payroll banking activities, including ACH transmissions, reconciliations, and issue resolution with financial institutions.
Maintain confidentiality and data security in payroll operations.
Perform other related duties as assigned.