Payroll Specialist

University of Houston at Clear Lake•Houston, TX

34d

About The Position

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurate and timely payroll processing, maintaining employee records, and ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, and institutional policies. Duties include entering and auditing timekeeping data, running payroll cycles, processing termination pay, and preparing payroll reports. The role manages confidential employee information, responds to payroll inquiries, and oversees PeopleSoft TRAM training, pay schedule calendars, and related documentation. This position also provides customer service and trains TRAM Managers and Administrators on payroll procedures, supporting the overall effectiveness of HR Operations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
Three years of professional payroll processing experience involving payroll systems, compliance with payroll regulations or other related Human Resources experience.
Must have excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with pleasant and personable demeanor.
Must have a strong initiative and the ability to work independently with a proactive nature.
Proficiency in all Microsoft Office products.
Must have strong problem solving skills with the ability to meet competing deadlines under pressure while maintaining accuracy with a strong attention to detail.
Ability to respond in a timely manner using sound judgement with the ability to recognize and handle confidential information.
Ability to establish and maintain effective and efficient working relationships with all levels of staff and faculty.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a business related field.
Four years of professional payroll processing experience involving payroll systems, compliance with payroll regulations, employee record maintenance in a higher education or state agency.
Bilingual - English/Spanish

Responsibilities

Executes all payroll calculations for regular monthly and bi-weekly cycles.
Reviews and corrects trial/final payroll reports.
Resolves routine payroll issues and reconciles payroll reports for accuracy.
Works with the benefit area on benefit deductions corrections.
Works to ensure accurate group changes, base pay, overtime, shift differential, and longevity payment are processed.
Provides TRAM system training to payroll staff.
Prepares payroll calendars and conducts payroll/personnel-related research.
Responds to employee inquiries regarding payroll, benefits, and taxes.
Assists in complex payroll issue resolution and ensures data integrity.
Manages Flex Work Schedule forms, DDP, check handling, and bank returns.
Maintains payroll records and documentation for audits.
Updates systems (e.g., TRAM) with necessary changes, such as employees' schedules and workgroup requests, and maintains shared folder organization.
Develops and maintains spreadsheets of District payroll data and voluntary deductions.
Assists in reconciling employee leave balances and accruals.
Supports tracking and validation of leave for employees on extended leave.
Processes termination payments, which includes leave audit and performs related duties as assigned.