Supervisor - Payroll

Salary: $79,373.00 - $142,085.00 Annually
Location : Headquarters: 2800 U.S. Hwy 281 N., San Antonio, TX
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-00179
Department: Financial Services
Opening Date: 06/19/2026
Closing Date: 7/5/2026 11:59 PM Central

Grade 21: Salary Starts at $79,373.00 annually. Rate of pay depends on qualifications.

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY
The Supervisor - Payroll is responsible for coordinating and administering payroll activities, including overseeing the daily operations of the payroll department to ensure accurate, compliant and timely processing of payroll. This position supervises assigned payroll staff, providing mentoring, training, development and performance evaluation. The role coordinates with Accounting, Human Resources, Treasury, and Information Systems to maintain payroll integrity, support system functionality, and ensure adherence to federal, state and local regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Oversees the day-to-day operations of the payroll department, ensuring accurate, compliant and timely processing of payroll.
• Supervises, trains, develops and evaluates assigned staff.
• Coordinates with Human Resources and Information Systems to administer wage payment and ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations and organizational policies.
• Evaluates payroll methods and procedures and recommends and implements changes as appropriate.
• Reviews and verifies payroll data and documentation for accuracy, completeness and compliance with SAWS' policies and procedures, and State and federal regulations.
• Calculates and oversees complex payroll transactions, including workers compensation, voluntary deductions, withholding taxes, wage garnishments, levies and absences related adjustments.
• Serves as the escalation point for complex pay issues or discrepancies.
• Coordinates with Accounting to ensure payroll transactions are correctly integrated into general ledger, to include preparation of monthly and year end journal.
• Researches federal, state and local regulations and applies any relevant updates to the organizational procedures.
• Oversees preparation of relevant federal, state and local payroll reports, which includes W-2s, quarterly 941s, etc.
• Oversees preparation and submission of withholdings to various benefit administrators.
• Oversees the processing of new hires, temporary employees, change in status requests and terminations.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships and public relations.
• Performs other duties/special projects as assigned.

DECISION MAKING

• This position receives limited supervision.
• This position supervises assigned staff.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business or Finance from an institution accredited by a recognized agency.
• Five years' experience in Payroll and/or Accounting functions including one year of lead/supervisory experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related field from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
• Certified Payroll Professional certification.

JOB DIMENSIONS

• Knowledge of recent versions of accounting systems.
• Knowledge of automated time and attendance and payroll systems.
• Knowledge of data analytics/data mining systems.
• Advanced PC skills in word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software.
• Ability to ensure the overall accuracy of biweekly payroll processing for more than 2,000 employees.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with internal, external customers and governmental agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Subject to sitting for long periods of time to perform job scope. Requires visual acuity, speech and hearing. Working conditions are in an office environment. Requirements may include lifting up to 30 lbs. on occasion. May be required to work hours other than regular schedule, such as evenings and weekends.
San Antonio Water System values the contributions of all its employees, providing them the best in compensation and benefits. The benefits package is designed to attract and retain a workforce of qualified employees who share a responsibility in providing quality water to 1 million consumers.
From an affordable medical and dental plan to life-sustaining retirement and insurance plans, we offer benefits that reward employees for their commitment to a challenging career at SAWS. Employee benefits include the following:

• Competitive, market-based salaries
• Performance-based incentives
• Medical benefits
• Dental benefits
• Life insurance
• Prescription drug program
• Vision care plan
• Two retirement plans
• Deferred compensation plans (457 plan)
• Disability income
• Paid leave (vacation, sick, personal)
• Education assistance program
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible, tax-deferred health and dependent care spending accounts
• Wellness programs
• On-Site Fitness Facilities
• Community service opportunities

Click on the link for additional information regarding benefits:
01


Do you have a Bachelor's Degree or higher level of education in Accounting, Business or Finance from an institution accredited by a recognized agency?

• Yes
• No

02


Identify your degree type, and major.
03


How many years of experience do you have working with payroll and/or accounting functions?

• No experience
• Less than 2 years of experience
• Between 2 years but less than 5 years of experience
• 5 years or more of experience

04


Describe in detail your experience in processing payroll (see resume is not an option). If no experience enter N/A.
05


How many years of lead/supervisory experience do you possess?

• No Experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• Between 1 and 2 years of experience
• More than 2 years of experience

06


Describe your lead/supervisory experience to include number of employees and type of work conducted. If no experience, enter N/A.
07


Identify the type(s) of payroll software platforms you are familiar using (i.e., ADP, Infor Lawson, Paylocity, UKG, Workday); include your proficiency level. If no experience, enter N/A.
08


Describe your method(s) for ensuring the accuracy of the payroll process, and for conducting a quality assurance check before completing the payroll process.
09


How do you stay updated on changing federal, state, and local payroll legislation?
Required Question