Payroll Specialist

Midland College•Midland, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll Specialist supports the accurate and timely processing of Midland College payroll operations, including on-cycle and off-cycle payrolls, audits, reconciliations, reporting, and compliance activities. The role reports to the Payroll Director and assists with payroll processing, employee record maintenance, payroll-related inquiries, and audit support. Midland College is an educational institution serving students and working professionals in the Permian Basin. The college emphasizes student success, innovation, collaboration, continuous improvement, and meaningful community impact. The position is based in a typical office environment, with stated business hours and occasional evening and weekend hours during peak periods. Occasional travel for training or conferences may be required. All Midland College positions are security-sensitive and subject to a criminal history investigation. An employment offer is contingent on satisfactory completion of the background investigation.

Requirements

Associate degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field, plus one year of payroll-related experience; or three years of progressively responsible payroll experience in lieu of the educational requirement.
Knowledge of payroll processes, payroll taxes, and applicable wage and hour regulations.
Ability to proficiently use Microsoft Office tools to create spreadsheets.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to work in an environment with frequent interruptions and a high volume of activity.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
Ability to lift or move up to 25 pounds, sit or stand for long periods, use manual dexterity, and perform repetitive keyboard use.
Ability to travel for training, meetings, and events, both in and out of town, may be required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
Experience using Paycom or a comparable payroll/HRIS platform.
Experience supporting payroll operations in higher education, government, or the public sector.
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or a related professional certification.

Responsibilities

Assist with accurate and timely payroll processing, including regular earnings, overtime, stipends, salary changes, faculty contract pay, and on-cycle and off-cycle payrolls.
Review and verify Personnel Action Forms, new hires, terminations, and employee status changes for payroll accuracy and employee record maintenance.
Audit and validate timesheets and time-entry data.
Administer payroll deductions, tax withholdings, garnishments, levies, and child support orders in compliance with applicable regulations.
Review, reconcile, and audit payroll data, registers, and related records for accuracy, compliance, and internal controls.
Prepare payroll reports and respond to payroll inquiries from employees, management, and external auditors.
Maintain organized and confidential payroll records and supporting documentation.
Assist with internal and external audits and conduct periodic reviews of payroll transactions and source documents.
Assist with preparation and submission of routine reporting.
Address employee payroll questions and concerns in a timely manner and provide excellent customer service.
Perform other duties as assigned.