Director of Payroll

Required

Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field with four (4) years of progressively responsible payroll experience, including at least three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.

Equivalency

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field with six (6) years of progressively responsible payroll experience, including at least three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.Any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience as approved by the Human Resources Department.

FLSA Status

Exempt

Grade

Twelve (12)

Salary

$108,475–$122,034 DOE

Background

Located in Carlsbad, New Mexico, Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) is an independent public community college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. A proud Hispanic-Serving Institution, SENMC offers certificates and associate degrees that prepare students for career opportunities and transfer to four-year institutions. The college also offers Early College and Dual Credit programs in collaboration with local high schools. With strong community support, SENMC works with local schools, employers, and community organizations to expand educational access, strengthen workforce pathways, and support regional economic development. SENMC’s mission is to provide educational programs, training, and services that best serve its diverse students, communities, and industry. Guided by its vision, “Building bridges to a better life through education,” SENMC’s faculty and staff advance this mission through their commitment to student success and service to the community. To learn more about the college, visit senmc.edu.

Purpose and Scope

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 Director establishes departmental priorities, develops and implements payroll procedures, maintains effective internal controls, and leads process improvements to strengthen accuracy, efficiency, compliance, and service. This position supervises and develops payroll staff, oversees vendor relationships, and directs payroll system implementations, upgrades, and integrations. Serving as the college’s primary resource for payroll administration, the Director advises executive leadership on payroll risks, operational needs, and compliance matters. The Director 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Directs all payroll operations and establishes departmental goals, priorities, service standards, and accountability measures to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payment of wages and salaries for all college employees.
• Supervises, trains, evaluates, and supports payroll staff, including assigning work, establishing priorities, and ensuring coverage during peak and year-end payroll cycles.
• Oversees payroll vendor relationships and ensures compliance with contract requirements, service level agreements, and institutional standards.
• Leads and manages payroll system implementations, upgrades, and integrations (e.g., ERP systems such as Anthology), coordinating with IT, Finance, Human Resources, and external vendors.
• Develops and recommends payroll policies for institutional approval; implements and maintains payroll procedures, internal controls, and documentation consistent with approved college policies and applicable requirements.
• Develops and maintains payroll continuity plans, staff cross-training, and documented procedures to ensure uninterrupted payroll processing during staff absences, transitions, and system disruptions.
• Reviews, approves, and audits payroll reports, reconciliations, journal entries, and adjustments to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Oversees reconciliation of payroll records, tax liabilities, benefit deductions, garnishments, and payroll-related accounts to the General Ledger; investigates and resolves discrepancies in coordination with Finance and Human Resources.
• Coordinates payroll-related month-end and year-end close activities, including review of accruals, reconciliations, journal entries, and financial reporting.
• Ensures timely follow‑up and resolution of payroll discrepancies, audit findings, employee concerns, and system-related issues while maintaining accountability for payroll accuracy and compliance.
• Establishes accountability measures and internal controls to ensure payroll transactions are accurately processed, balanced, documented, and reported.
• Serves as the primary institutional contact for federal and state agencies related to payroll taxes, employee compensation, benefits deductions, audits, and compliance reporting.
• Oversees the preparation and submission of all required payroll reports, including weekly, monthly, quarterly, and year‑end filings (e.g., 941s, W‑2s, DOL reports, retirement reports, workers’ compensation reports).
• Provides strategic analysis of payroll data, identifies trends, risks, and opportunities, and makes recommendations to executive leadership for process improvements and cost efficiencies.
• Ensures compliance with wage and hour laws, FLSA regulations, leave tracking (vacation, sick, FMLA), garnishments, benefits withholdings, incentive pay, and overtime calculations.
• Collaborates with Human Resources and Finance leadership to ensure payroll accuracy in hiring, terminations, compensation changes, benefits enrollment, and contract compliance.
• Oversees payroll banking activities, including ACH transmissions, reconciliations, and issue resolution with financial institutions.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality and data security in all payroll operations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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.
• Ability to analyze, reconcile, and resolve complex payroll and financial discrepancies.
• Ability to interpret complex payroll regulations and apply the regulations institution wide.
• Strong organizational skills with the 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 in managing payroll operations and issue resolution.
• Exceptional commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, and customer service

Work Environment and Physical Demand

• Use of computer and video display terminal for extended periods
• Reach and grasp objects
• Stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Use of video display terminal
• Use of manual dexterity and fine motor skills
• Communicate information orally and in writing
• Receive and understand information through oral and written communication
• Proofread and check documents for accuracy
• Work a fluctuating schedule

Performing the essential functions of this position requires the use of a computer throughout most of the workday, the ability to navigate a typical office environment, significant amounts of interpersonal interaction including oral and written communication, and the ability to keep track of multiple tasks, projects, deadlines, information sources, and business processes. This job description is intended to be generic in nature and describe the essential functions of the job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities, and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.

Affirmative Action Statement

SENMC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.